MEP Kelly settles copyright case with photographer

A copyright case against the Fine Gael MEP and former president of the GAA Sean Kelly by a photographer in Co Kerry has been settled, the district court in Killarney was told yesterday.

The photographer felt “totally vindicated” in bringing the action, her solicitor told the court.

Press photographer Michelle-Cooper Galvin of Nunstown, Killarney alleged that Mr Kelly, a member of the European Parliament, of Ballydowney, Fossa, Killarney, breached her copyright by using two of her photographs without her permission and without payment in his 2008 biography Rule 42 and All That published by Gill and MacMillan.

Ms Cooper-Galvin, sued the MEP and the publisher seeking damages for infringement of copyright and orders pursuant to the enforcement of intellectual property rights as set down by European Communities (Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights) Regulations 2006.

Solicitor Padraig O’Connell had told Judge Olann Kelleher that the matter had been adjourned to allow negotiations.

“Those negotiations have proven fruitful. The matter has been settled,” he continued.

The solicitor continued: “Ms Cooper-Galvin feels totally vindicated in bringing the action because the matter has been settled in her favour.”

The matter has now been struck out without any order.

Two judges — district court judge James O’Connor and Judge Olann Kelleher — had both excused themselves from hearing the full case as they knew the parties.

A full day was to have been set aside and a judge assigned, had it proved necessary to go to hearing.