Coman's pub family to take dispute to court

A legal battle is looming in the High Court between an elderly couple and five of their sons in relation to the family pub and drinks business which includes the wellknown Coman's pub in Rathgar, Dublin.

Mr Patrick Coman (80) and his wife, Mary (70), of Grosvenor Road, Rathgar, are denying claims by five of their six sons that a final settlement of disputes between the parents and the sons, involving a payment to the parents of €7 million, was reached at a meeting last year.

It is understood this meeting was attended by senior counsel and solicitors.

Mr and Mrs Coman founded the pub and wholesale drink business.

The five sons involved in the court case - Geoffrey, Patrick Jnr, Thomas, Denis and John - are directors of companies involved in the family business. John is also a solicitor. The sixth son, William, is not involved in the litigation.

The five sons claim the settlement of February 2003 involved their parents resigning immediately as directors of the companies and being paid €7 million for their shareholdings.

They say this was a full and final settlement of all disputes with their parents, and reject their parents' claim that the settlement is not legally binding.

It is understood the parents claim there was no signed agreement and both sides have given different accounts of what occurred at the settlement meeting.

The Coman business was built up after Mr Patrick and Mrs Mary Coman moved to Dublin from Tipperary in 1957.

The businesses include a pub and a wholesale drinks distribution business.

Their sons have shareholdings of 8 per cent each in the companies and are also directors.

In the High Court this week, Mr Justice Peart adjourned proceedings involving the family for two weeks.

This was done on the basis that the sons would continue undertakings that their parents would continue to benefit from a company credit card and would also receive a payment of €25,000 without prejudice.

Mr and Mrs Coman, accompanied by some of their daughters, attended a brief hearing at the High Court yesterday.

The case will return to court on February 2nd.