The Dubliners folk group settled a long-running dispute with their record company yesterday. The terms were not revealed after the two sides shook hands in the High Court in Belfast, but it is understood that the group will receive more than €1 million.
Members of the group claimed that Outlet Recording Co Ltd had infringed their copyright by authorising the performance of their recordings without their consent and they sought a declaration that the copyright of 12 best-selling albums, made between 1969 and 1983, belonged to them.
Three members of the group, John Sheahan, Ronnie Drew and Barney McKenna, were in court for Wednesday's negotiations, which resulted in the settlement announced yesterday before Mr Justice Girvan. Other members of the group involved in the case were Seán Cannon, Jim McCann and the personal representatives of the late Ciarán Bourke and Luke Kelly.
As well as the damages, The Dubliners got an agreed declaration that the copyright and title of the dozen albums "reposes entirely with the plaintiffs and has never been validly assigned, leased or otherwise transferred to the defendant company, and any purported assignment, transfer or lease is void".
Mr Donnell Deeny QC said that the members of the group were delighted to have re-established control over the recordings.
Mr Henry Toner QC, for Outlet Recording, said that a new business relationship had evolved alongside the court proceedings and the company looked forward to a happy future with the group.
In a joint statement afterwards, the parties said: "The proceedings between The Dubliners and Outlet have been fully resolved by consent and to the satisfaction of both parties, resulting in the return to The Dubliners of the copyright of their sound recordings.
"Furthermore, The Dubliners and Outlet have entered into a new business arrangement, which it is anticipated will be to the mutual benefit of both of them, and they look forward to working together in this new, exciting relationship."
Mr Canice Maguire, managing director of Outlet, said: "This is the beginning of a new partnership and relationship with The Dubliners and we look forward very much to promoting their existing and future works. We are happy with the meetings we have had with the new team and the enthusiasm is easily visible."
Speaking on behalf of The Dubliners, John Sheahan said: "We have had various points of dispute in our relationship up to now, but we have jointly written a new score and look forward to a harmonious future together."
The Dubliners are celebrating their 40th year on the stage and are returning to Germany next week for a 16-concert tour. The birthday celebrations will conclude with a concert in the Point Theatre, Dublin. on December 30th.