Curate awarded 27% of ex-partner’s home

A Co Mayo curate has been awarded 27% of a Donegal home he once shared with a former Franciscan friar with whom he was in a relationship.

Ballina based Father Gabriel Rosebotham had claimed he is entitled to half ownership of Rose Cottage, Letterbarra near Donegal town.

However, Hugo Crawford - who bought the house and still lives in it - is disputing his claim.

Fr Gabriel told Donegal Circuit Court that after their relationship ended they agreed to have the house valued, sell it and split the proceeds down the middle.

Mr Crawford rejected claims by Fr Gabriel that he regularly repaid the loan, paid bills and bought groceries and furniture.

Today, Judge Keenan Johnson said that he had calculated ownership of the property based on the amount of money he believed each party had contributed to it.

Fr Gabriel was awarded 27% of a home with Mr Crawford getting a 73% share of any future sale.