O’Hara aides in defamation battle

The latest twist in a bitter behind-the-scenes battle over the affairs of film icon Maureen O’Hara has begun in the High Court.

The actress’ former personal assistant, Carolyn Murphy, has filed a defamation action against the film icon’s nephew, Charles Fitzsimons.

Last year, Ms Murphy and Mr Fitzsimons were on opposite side of another High Court action, when a judge was asked to decide who should have power of attorney over the affairs of Ms O’Hara, 93.

Ms Murphy, of Ballylickey, Cork, filed the defamation action in August, alleging she had been defamed in emails by Mr Fitzsimons.

Mr Fitzsimons, who lives in Sweden, was awarded joint power of attorney last year after the High Court ruled that Ms O’Hara had the mental capacity to change her instructions.

In 2005, the actress gave Ms Murphy, her friend for 30 years, power of attorney and the pair worked closely together.

Ms Murphy’s solicitor, Paul Tweed, said they were still attempting to serve papers on Mr Fitzsimons in relation to the defamation case. He claimed what was said about his client was “outrageous”.

Mr Fitzsimons said he cannot comment on the case but he stands over what he said.

“Any statements I have made, both public and privately, have been, to the best of my knowledge, truthful, and consist of opinions that are honestly held by me,” said Mr Fitzsimons.

“I have always acted in the best interest of my aunt Maureen O’Hara and will continue to offer my unconditional love, support, and fierce loyalty to her in the future.”

Last year, Ms O’Hara moved from her home in Glengarriff, Cork, to her grandson’s neighbourhood in Boise, Idaho, and in effect retired from public life.

This followed a period in which claims were made against a foundation that had planned a film school and interpretative centre in honour of the star.

The foundation opened up its books to explain its spending and said it had operated with the full support of Ms O’Hara. No formal complaint has been filed against it or its directors.

Ms Murphy had also been the subject of an elder abuse allegation, but Ms O’Hara publicly deafened and no basis for the claim was found.

A statute of Ms O’Hara is to be unveiled at the Cong Festival this weekend.