Long-running proceedings taken by a Co Armagh farmer and businessman alleging he was libelled in an article published in the Sunday Times newspaper on June 30th, 1985 , have been resolved at the High Court on the eve of the action.
The action by Mr Patrick Murphy, Coronagh, Crossmaglen, against Times Newspapers Ltd, Gray's Inn Road, London, publisher of the Sunday Times, and a number of journalists, was due to open at the High Court today. If it had gone ahead, it was expected to take several weeks.
However, in court yesterday, Mr Garrett Cooney SC, for Mr Murphy, told Mr Justice ╙ Caoimh that by consent, the proceedings could be struck out with no order. Mr Kevin Feeney SC, for the defence, consented.