Sunday Tribune and Cooper say sorry to Desmond

THE Sunday Tribune and journalist Matt Cooper have apologised before the High Court to businessman Dermot Desmond over two articles published in the newspaper in 2001 and 2002.

Mr Cooper is also to pay €10,000 to a charity of Mr Desmond’s choice in compensation for the publication of one of the articles.

Mr Desmond had brought two separate sets of libel proceedings against the newspaper and Mr Cooper over articles published in the Sunday newspaper February 2001 and in November 2002.

Both sets of proceedings were struck out yesterday with no order.

The 2001 article was published on February 11 that year under the heading: “Cahill falls on surprise sword.”

It was the subject of libel proceedings due to be heard by Mr Justice Éamon de Valera and a jury yesterday.

However, John Gordon, counsel for Mr Desmond, told the judge that case had been settled on terms including the reading of an apology on behalf of the defendants to the court.

The proceedings could be struck out with no order, he added.

Mr Gordon said the second set of proceedings, to be heard at a later date, had also been settled and struck out with no order and on the basis of another apology being read by the defendants.

Brian O’Moore, counsel for the defendants, then read a statement relating to the 2001 article.

Hugh Mohan, also for the defendants, then read a statement related to the second article.

Mr Justice de Valera said he was pleased the proceedings had resolved and he made the orders sought.