Kenny 'stole' neighbour's land, court told

'Late Late Show' host Pat Kenny effectively stole his neighbour’s land after years of failed attempts to buy it, Dublin’s High Court heard today.

The broadcaster, who is embroiled in a bitter row with his former friend Gerard Charlton over the rocky outcrop beside their homes, has claimed squatter’s rights on the patch of ground.

Kenny’s constant requests over the last 20 years to buy Gorse Hill, described in court as an urban wilderness, became the butt of jokes in the Charlton house, the hearing was told.

Ultimately it led to Kenny’s solicitor writing to the Mr Charlton claiming he had taken possession of the quarter acre scrubland, valued at up to 2 million euro.

Mr Charlton’s lawyer, Eoghan Fitzsimons SC, told the court Kenny’s claim came as a very serious shock after the pair had built up a close relationship.

“The notion the person in such a relationship would be willing at the same time to effectively steal the other person’s property in our submission runs opposite to all the basic rules of normal human behaviour,” he said.

The lawyer said Kenny and his wife Cathy, who were in court for the opening hearing, enjoyed Christmas drinks with the Charltons in their first year in Dalkey, they sent cards with seasons greetings and signed: “With love, Pat and Cathy”.

As their friendship grew Kenny would call into the Charltons unannounced.

“From the outset Kenny was a regular visitor,” Mr Fitzsimons said.

“It reached the stage that he would just drop in. He wouldn’t even knock at the door, he would just walk in – that’s how close the relationship was.”

The court heard Mr Charlton was invited to Kenny’s 50th birthday party, they shared long conversations and would meet at social events in the area.

Mr Fitzsimons described a firm friendship with the two men who enjoyed each other’s company.

“Mr Kenny made a beeline for Mr Charlton to chat through the course of the evening. They got on like a house on fire,” the lawyer said.

“You could not have asked for more from a neighbour which is all to Mr Kenny’s credit.”

Mr Charlton had welcomed the Kennys to Dalkey with open arms, the court heard.

“A pleasant, young couple, a well known couple, had come to live in the area and as far as the plaintiffs (the Charltons) were concerned they were delighted to have them,” Mr Fitzsimons said.

Ms Justice Maureen Clark was told the land row had left Mr Charlton, a semi-retired solicitor, disillusioned and had caused his wife Maeve to suffer ill-health.

The judge is expected to hear evidence from two photographers and two valuers in relation to Gorse Hill before being invited to visit the disputed site.

The hearing is expected to last four weeks.