Singer's ex-nanny to appeal court ruling

The former nanny of Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan vowed today to appeal against a High Court ruling after failing in her bid to sue the star and her husband Don Burton.

Joy Fahy, 34, is facing a substantial legal bill, estimated to be in the region of €300,000 after the judge awarded costs against her.

The nanny, from Batterstown, Co Meath, was awarded just €1,500 after an eight day hearing at Dublin High Court.

Justice Jonathan Quirke concluded he was satisfied some of Ms Fahy’s belongings had been mislaid before they were returned to her from the celebrity couple’s mansion in Co Limerick after her work with the family ended.

However he ruled Miss Fahy had failed to prove her more serious allegations that Mr Burton, 41, had falsely imprisoned her and the couple had been in breach of contract during her short term of employment in 1999.

In awarding costs, Justice Quirke said it was inescapable that Ms Fahy had substantially failed in her claim.

He said he was bound by the rules to award costs against her, “however unpalatable” that may be.

Ms Fahy was awarded minor costs on a District Court scale, thought to be in the region of €500 for the one aspect of the case she won.

Speaking outside the court Ms Fahy admitted she had “no idea” how she would foot the bill, but confirmed she would be appealing the decision.

“I have put everything on the line for this case except my honesty and my dignity,” she said.

“I intend to appeal this decision. I have been ruined before and I have been fine, I still have my honesty and my dignity.”

When asked whether the legal bill would ruin her, Ms Fahy answered with the simple fact: “I’m a nanny.”

In his ruling, the judge said there were obvious conflicts in the testimony given by Ms O’Riordan and her husband compared to that of Miss Fahy. But he insisted this did not mean any of the evidence had been given dishonestly.

Ms Fahy, who has also worked for U2 drummer Larry Mullen and supermodel Elle MacPherson, sought €12,700, a Cherokee Jeep and the deposit for an apartment, which she claims were promised to her if her one-year verbal contract was terminated.

Justice Quirke said Ms Fahy had failed to advance evidence for any of the allegations she made against the couple, except for the loss of her personal belongings.