Defamation Proceedings Initiated Against Irish Media Outlets

Phoenix Law Represents Mick Finnegan in Defamation Case

Phoenix Law is proud to represent our client, Mick Finnegan, in defamation proceedings against media outlets Extra.ie and The Irish Times. This legal action stems from a deeply troubling incident when our client was the victim of an unprovoked attack in a popular Dublin bar. The attacker received a conditional discharge and ordered to pay compensation to our client. Our client thought this the matter at an end. The reporting that evening then added to the harm of this incident.

Two weeks ago, Extra.ie and The Irish Times published articles under the headline: “Garda who attacked man taking pictures of him in Dublin bar spared jail sentence.” The only photo used in these articles was of our client, Mick Finnegan, implying that he was the Garda involved in the assault. In reality, Mr. Finnegan was the victim of the attack, not the perpetrator. This inference has not only damaged his professional life but also his personal life.

This erroneous manner of which our client’s photograph was published has led to severe consequences for Mr. Finnegan, both personally and professionally. Firstly, the use of his image in connection with the headline has led people to mistakenly believe that he is a violent person. This false portrayal has severely damaged his personal reputation, leading to unwarranted suspicion and social ostracism.

Secondly, the implication that Mr. Finnegan is an undercover Garda has compromised his safety and privacy. Being falsely identified as an undercover officer can lead to significant risks, including potential targeting by criminal elements who may seek retaliation against law enforcement personnel. Our client has already received several threatening messages about being an undercover Garda.

Our client is a prominent and proud mental health advocate. Both of these outlets have published articles about the work he does for his community and mental health across Ireland. They have also written about his high-profile protest and campaign into institutional abuse against St. Johns Ambulance. He is someone who is held in the highest regard within his and the mental health community, compounding on the damage done. It is our client’s position the outlets ought to have been more mindful of their publication of this article and photograph.

Phoenix Law sent pre-action correspondence to both Irish Times & Extra.ie. We have had a response from the Irish Times stating they are currently considering same and the photograph has since been removed from the article. At the time of writing, Extra.ie’s article and photograph remain online.

Our Diarmuid Brecknell acts in this defamation matter.