O’Hara ‘heartbroken’ over legal row with ex-PA

Screen legend Maureen O’Hara has told of her trauma arising out of a legal dispute with her former personal assistant Carolyn Murphy.

At a press conference at the Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff, West Cork, yesterday, the Quiet Man star, 91, became emotional as her legal team confirmed that Ms Murphy no longer worked for her and no longer had power of attorney over her affairs.

“I am heartbroken,” said Ms O’Hara.

Accompanied by her grandson Conor Fitzsimons and members of her legal team, including New York-based attorney Edward Fickless, Ms O’Hara became visibly upset as she spoke about unfolding events.

She asked for prayers and said she was confident her friends and acquaintances from all over the world would help her at this time.

“This is a very difficult time for me but in the midst of this turmoil, there is a silver lining — my family.”

Mr Fickless said she called the press conference in order to set the record straight, in response to reports circulating in recent weeks.

Mr Fickless confirmed Ms Murphy’s power of attorney in relation to Ms O’Hara’s affairs ended “around a month ago”.

Ms Murphy was given power of attorney over Ms O’Hara’s affairs in 2006. The pair met in Glengarriff in 1978 and Ms Murphy became Ms O’Hara’s constant companion at public events.

A spokesperson for Ms Murphy said she had been a true friend to Ms O’Hara.

“Carolyn Murphy has always acted in Ms O’Hara’s best interest and will continue to do so. She’s dealing with these unfortunate affairs in the appropriate way.”

Ms O’Hara said she remained committed to West Cork — and was a proud Irishwoman.