Barry ‘puzzled and amused’ by Welch invitation

CORK businessman Mitchel Barry was “puzzled and amused” at his invitation to a private dinner because he wasn’t told the name of the special guest of honour, the Mahon Tribunal has heard.

Mr Barry said he had been to accountant Niall Welch’s Glanmire home on previous occasions.

“I said yes, that I was free but I’d have to check with my wife and he said no, it’s actually an all-male dinner,” said Mr Barry, recounting the backdrop to the March 11, 1994, function.