Farmer whose cattle were shot by defence forces has bankruptcy extended

The High Court has extended the bankruptcy of John Hoey, a farmer from Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, by eight years. Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington's decision means Mr Hoey will remain bankrupt until the end of February 2024. The extension was granted following findings that Mr Hoey had failed to cooperate with the Official Assignee, Chris Lehane, since an earlier judgment delivered in April. Mr Hoey's legal team argued that a document previously filed in 2016 constituted a statement of affairs, but the judge ruled this had no bearing on her findings. Mr Hoey was declared bankrupt in February 2016 following a petition by John Kelly Fuels Ltd for €262,000. He intends to appeal the court's ruling.