Gorse Hill vacated by O'Donnells, but New Land League steps in

Receivers have now taken possession of the Gorse Hill property in Dublin which has been the subject of a protracted legal battle.

Solicitor Brian O'Donnell and his wife Mary Patricia - who owe Bank of Ireland over €70 million - left the property this morning ahead of a noon deadline set by the courts.

O'Donnell then headed to the bank's AGM where he presented CEO Richie Boucher with the keys to the €7m Killiney mansion. He also reiterated his intention to take his case to the European courts.

Despite the arrival of the receivers at the house, the New Land League stated that it was taking possession of the property for an Isle Of Man registered company - Vico Limited - which is controlled by the O'Donnell's adult children.

"Basically, what happening is I'm putting a notice on the gate … the property is vested and registered in Vico," said Jerry Beades of the New Land League.

"Remember, there's tenants on the property. The property can't be sold. The court actions to date are all only finished in the high court. There's a whole load of proceedings in the Supreme Court."

He also confirmed that the locks on the property had been changed, despite the presentation of the keys to Bank of Ireland.

Blake O'Donnell, who is the secretary of Vico Limited, also attended the Bank of Ireland AGM where he voiced his anger with the bank's management.

"I heard an awful lot of waffle earlier on about dealing with customers and listening to proposals and working with them," he said in the hall. "I've never seen or heard any of this, in my own experience."