High Court President extends sympathy to Michael Flatley on loss of his wife as he adjourns case

Michael Flatley is seeking to compel his former solicitor to hand over the files relating to the proceedings about and linked to his Cork mansion, Castlehyde, in Fermoy, Co Cork.

The President of the High Court has extended his sympathy to Michael Flatley on the death of his wife, Niamh O’Brien.

Mr Justice David Barniville had been due on Friday to receive an update on a case where the Lord of the Dance star is embroiled in a legal battle with his former solicitor Maxwell Mooney.

Mr Flatley’s solicitor Barry Creed told the court of Ms O’Brien’s death and her funeral this weekend and asked the court for a two-week adjournment.

Counsel for solicitor Maxwell Mooney, Ronnie Hudson BL, said he would like to extend his and Mr Mooney’s sympathy to Mr Flatley. Granting the adjournment, Mr Justice Barniville said he would also like to extend his sympathy to Mr Flatley on his major loss.

The legal row between the entertainer and his former solicitor erupted at the start of the year amid allegations on both sides about legal fees and an alleged hold on files.

Michael Flatley is seeking to compel Maxwell Mooney and Company solicitors, with offices in Maynooth, Co Kildare, to hand over the files relating to the proceedings about and linked to his Cork mansion, Castlehyde, in Fermoy, Co Cork.

Mediation talks have been underway between the sides and the court was due to be updated on Friday.

In the case, the Flatley side are seeking that Mr Mooney be directed to produce or deliver the client files in respect of all legal services provided to Mr Flatley.

The Flatley side are also seeking an order compelling Mr Mooney to provide a copy of the Flatley client account.

The court previously heard the breakdown in the relationship between Mr Flatley and his former solicitor had happened in November last year.

In an affidavit to the High Court, the entertainer said it was not correct that invoices relating to legal fees had not been paid to Mr Mooney.

Mr Flatley said he could confirm the payments set out in the affidavit of his new solicitor Barry Creed, which stipulated a total of €487,837 had been paid by Mr Flatley, or on his behalf, between May 2022 and August 2025.

In an affidavit, solicitor Barry Creed said extensive correspondence was exchanged with Mr Mooney and Mr Mooney wrote that his office was “exercising a general lien” over all files and papers relating to Mr Flatley "until we and counsel are paid in full.”

The case will come back before the court at the end of October.