Gorse Hill mansion still 'home' for now as O'Donnells await decision

Brian O'Donnell with two of his children, Blake (centre) and Alexandra, leaving the Four Courts yesterday after judgment was reserved following a High Court hearing. Picture: Courts Collins

Nicola Anderson

Brian O'Donnell pulled a Latin phrase from the annals of his legal training. "Nemo judex in parte sua," he said, smoothly and fluently, before translating it for those of lesser knowledge: "A judge should not be a judge in his own cause."

"In our own case, we say so because of family interests of yours where your wife sued Kavanagh Fennell," he informed Mr Justice Brian McGovern, referring to the firm of receivers appointed by the Bank of Ireland.