Two brothers defamed in a letter circulated by the Irish Brokers Association, after they had complained of serious breaches in the association's accounts, were awarded £135,000 (€171,415) damages by a High Court jury yesterday.

Mr Albert Dawson (63) of Knocknashee, Goatstown, Dublin, and his brother Dudley (59) of Maywood Drive, Raheny, Dublin, said the award was "inadequate".

Mr Albert Dawson said the compensation did not adequately reflect the true extent of their losses. He added that an original jury award of £515,000 made in their favour, but rejected by the Supreme Court as excessive, would have been more appropriate.