A WOMAN who alleged she was slandered by an international soccer player withdrew her appeal yesterday against the decision of the Cork Circuit Court to dismiss her claim for £15,000 damages.
Ms Jacqueline Murray, of Banduff, Mayfield, Cork, was not in the High Court in Cork to hear her counsel, Mr Gerry Healy, apply to have, her appeal withdrawn.
The decision ends a long-running case which began in May 1991 when Ms Murray alleged Roy Keane made an explicit sexual comment to her and called her a whore, calling her reputation and good character into question.
Keane, who is in Vienna tonight with Manchester United for a Champions League match, indicated to his solicitor, Mr Olan Kelleher, on being told the appeal was withdrawn, that he did not intend to extract his costs from Ms Murray, estimated at about £10,000, after they were granted to him by Mr Justice Barr.
Keane and Ms Murray lived close to each other in Lotamore Park, Mayfield, at the time of the alleged incident. During a day long trial in July 1995, Keane in evidence strongly denied making the sexual comment but admitted calling Ms Murray names, saying he had been provoked.
Judge Patrick Moran held that the words spoken, while vulgar, did not constitute a slander and dismissed the action for damages with costs to be paid in the event of an appeal. The appeal was lodged in August 1995 and had been adjourned several times until yesterday's application to have it withdrawn.
Mr Jim Duggan, for Keane, applied for both Circuit and High Court costs against Ms Murray, which were granted. Mr Kelleher said his client was delighted his name had been vindicated and the matter was now closed. Ms Murray must still pay her legal costs.