Judge Slams Wexford Man for Gaming the Legal System in 14-Year Battle

A High Court judge has criticized a Wexford man for gaming the system during a litigation process spanning 14 years, which the court found was designed to frustrate the recovery of a debt exceeding €1 million.

On May 21, 2026, Judge John Jordan issued the observation while refusing preliminary motions filed by Brendan Kirwan. Kirwan had sought to strike out an application to set aside the conveyance of a property interest in Coolcotts, Wexford.

The legal action was brought by Filbeck Limited, a judgment creditor seeking the repayment of a judgment obtained against Kirwan in 2012. Filbeck Limited alleges that the transfer of the property was a deliberate effort to prevent the company from enforcing that judgment.

The property in question, located at Glenville Road, Coolcotts, Wexford, was originally registered in June 1982 as being jointly owned by Brendan Kirwan and his wife, Frances Kirwan.

According to court records, the property was registered in the sole name of Frances Kirwan in early 2011. Shortly thereafter, in late 2011, Filbeck Limited issued proceedings seeking a summary judgment of approximately €1 million against Brendan Kirwan.

Judicial Findings on Court Abuse

Judge Jordan described the litigation history as protracted and asserted that the conduct of the defendant served as a clear example of how the legal process can be manipulated to avoid financial obligations.

the litigation history is “protracted” and “illustrates in a rather stark way how litigants such as Kirwan can delay and frustrate the delivery of justice – by abusing the court process – or by doing what many might describe as gaming the system”

Judge John Jordan

The judge further noted that Kirwan had successfully delayed Filbeck Limited from having the case heard and determined. Judge Jordan stated it was clear that Kirwan will endeavour to continue to do so if allowed.

Beyond the immediate impact on the creditor, the court highlighted the broader systemic consequences of such delays. Judge Jordan stated that the wasting of court time by a single litigant effectively deprives other parties of the time necessary for their own cases to be heard.

Timeline of Asset Conveyance and Litigation

The court’s review of the case established a chronology of events that underscores the timing of the asset transfer relative to the debt proceedings:

• June 1982: Brendan and Frances Kirwan are registered as joint owners of the Glenville Road property in Coolcotts, Wexford.
• Early 2011: The property is transferred and registered in the sole name of Frances Kirwan.
• Late 2011: Filbeck Limited initiates proceedings for a summary judgment of about €1 million against Brendan Kirwan.
• May 21, 2026: Judge John Jordan refuses Kirwan’s motions to strike out the application to set aside the 2011 conveyance.

The refusal of the preliminary motions allows the application to set aside the conveyance to proceed, potentially enabling Filbeck Limited to pursue the property as a means of satisfying the 2012 judgment.