The O’Callaghan name is one of the most prominent in Irish hospitality, synonymous with landmark hotels across Dublin and beyond.

But behind the doors of The Alex, The Davenport, The Green, The Mont and the Eliott in Gibraltar, a bitter family dispute is now playing out.

Noel O’Callaghan, the businessman who began building the O’Callaghan Collection in the 1980s, claims he has been frozen out by his two sons, Paul and Charles.

In court filings he alleges his salary was cut off, his credit card cancelled and his access to key assets blocked.

According to Legal Affairs editor with the Business Post Catherine Sanz, Mr O’Callaghan’s sons Paul and Charles have denied all accusations.

“There was a third son, Brian,” she told Newstalk Daily.

“So, Brian O'Callaghan was involved in the company.

“He's not named as a defendant in the case, but he previously held a stake in the business, and he redeemed his shares in 2023.

“So, part of Paul and Charles’ case is there was this entire overhaul; [they would say], ‘Brian divested, we changed the share structure, these shares and these agreements that you’re contending to rely on now have no value’.

“Therefore they believe [their dad’s] entire case is moot.”

The Davenport hotel / Merrion Hall at the Merrion Square in Dublin, Ireland. Image: Boaz Rottem. 5 July 2019

Ms Sanz said the case is of massive interest, in part because of how private the family usually is.

“I think going into court for a family dispute like this is a very extreme action, and I think it’s a step that most lawyers would advise you not to take unless you really felt there was no other resolution,” she said.

“When the case first entered into the High Court, Mr Justice Mark Sanfey actually asked one of the lawyers, ‘Can you just please attempt mediation?’

“The lawyer said, ‘We actually have’, and the judge said, ‘Well, can you actually try to do it again?’

“Because he said it’s really most unfortunate when family disputes like this end up in court and end up needing to be litigated.

“You’re opening yourself up to so much scrutiny, not just from nosy journalists like me, but from the public in general.”

Ms Sanz said this case is “exposing [the family] in a way that I think they have never been before”.

Main image: Gavel laying on judges bench in courtroom