Crowley & anor v Sheehan & ors (Approved) [2026] IESC 16 (18 February 2026)

Crowley & anor v Sheehan & ors (Approved) [2026] IESC 16 (18 February 2026)

Due to both parties significantly changing their legal positions at the last minute and the unusual conduct of the appeal, the normal rule that costs follow the event should not apply; therefore, no order for costs is made.

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2026] IESC 16
Parties
Respondent: Charles Crowley; Respondent: Raymond Crowley; Appellant: Barry Sheehan; Appellant: All unknown and unascertained owner or owners; Notice Party: Attorney General
Jurisdiction
Ireland
Judgment Date
18 February 2026
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Supreme Court Costs Ruling Following Judgment
Outcome
Appeal dismissed; no order as to costs.
Legal Topics
Ground Rents, Fee Simple Purchase, Landlord and Tenant Law, Costs Orders
Property Law Ground Rents Fee Simple Purchase Landlord and Tenant Law Costs Orders

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Parties

Charles Crowley

Respondent

Raymond Crowley

Respondent

Barry Sheehan

Appellant

All unknown and unascertained owner or owners

Appellant

Attorney General

Notice Party

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Supreme Court Costs Ruling Following Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether costs should follow the event where both parties changed their legal positions at the final appellate stage
  2. 2 Interpretation and application of s. 16(2)(f) of the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act 1978

Ratio Decidendi

Due to both parties significantly changing their legal positions at the last minute and the unusual conduct of the appeal, the normal rule that costs follow the event should not apply; therefore, no order for costs is made.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed; no order as to costs.

Orders

  • No order for costs in respect of the appeal.