The tribunal chairman, Mr Justice Flood, accused counsel for the Murphy group, Mr Garrett Cooney SC, of being "extremely aggressive to me" during sharp exchanges between the two.
Mr Justice Flood said Mr Cooney had a "desire to bully" and had attempted to "override any attempt to conduct this tribunal".
At one point he told Mr Cooney: "I really do object to this constant barrage which I have been subjected to by you."
Mr Cooney replied: "I am making what I think is a valid submission on behalf of my clients, and I would respectfully ask you not to take it personally."
The clashes ended with Mr Justice Flood stating: "There is no point in continuing this discussion with you, in any circumstances."
Earlier, Mr Cooney said Mr Justice Flood and the tribunal legal team had failed to outline the specific allegations being made against his client, the Murphy group. He said this had forced the Murphy legal team to proceed on guesswork and speculation.
He also strongly criticised the way Mr Justice Flood had dealt with Mr James Gogarty as a witness. "It is clear as crystal that Mr Gogarty was treated as a favoured witness," he said. This contrasted with the questioning of Mr Michael Bailey and Mr George Redmond.
He said Mr Gogarty had on at least three occasions made a false and damaging allegation about Mr Joseph Murphy jnr - that he had assaulted a woman.
"Both Mr Gallagher (Mr John Gallagher SC from the tribunal legal team) and you, Mr Chairman, sat on your hands and allowed him to make that allegation from the freedom of the witness box," Mr Cooney said.
In addition, Mr Cooney said, "he had the benefit of a personal interview from you in his house. He had Garda protection."
Mr Justice Flood replied: "I walked into his house for five minutes. I shook hands with him. He said `I am the man you want to discuss with'. I said `No, I will not hear any evidence' and walked out the door."
Mr Cooney replied: "You arranged Garda protection which the Garda believe is not necessary".
Mr Justice Flood said he would proceed on the basis of fairness and at this stage he had not formed any conclusions.