Barry O’Keeffe, a journalist with The Irish Times, and Paula Hatton, a former advertising executive with the newspaper, agreed the proceeds of the sale of both the house and the collection would be split on a 50/50 basis.
Judge James O’Donohoe said he was delighted the couple had come to an agreement on the sale of the house, on which there is a €117,000 mortgage, and the collection, which the court heard was expected to raise up to €150,000. An earlier court hearing was told the couple’s collection included paintings, prints, furniture, ceramics, toys, advertising memorabilia, coins, medals, engravings, lithographs, a library including limited edition books and jewellery.
He ordered the sale of the house, but put a stay of three months on the order to allow Ms Hatton to arrange a finance plan so she could buy Mr O’Keeffe’s share. Failing that, the house would be sold.
Arrangements should be made to auction the collectables within the same time period.