Architect backs up developer's cash denial
Architect Ambrose Kelly has backed up developer Owen O'Callaghan's assertion that he never paid former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to smooth the way for the Quarryvale development.
Mr Kelly earned more than IR£1.3m in architectural fees for his work on Quarryvale and the proposed national stadium at Neilstown.
He told the tribunal that the only discussion he had with the developer regarding Mr Ahern centred on the former Taoiseach's negativity about the proposed project in Neilstown, west Dublin.
Developer Tom Gilmartin has already claimed that Mr O'Callaghan told him he had paid Mr Ahern IR£80,000 for Quarryvale.
Both Mr Ahern and Mr O'Callaghan deny this.
Mr Kelly said no political-type discussion took place between himself, Mr O'Callaghan and soccer pundit Eamon Dunphy when they met Sam Hammam, the then owner of Wimbledon Football Club in London.
"It was the most entertaining evening that you could ever have in your life. I don't remember any serious conversation, everybody had a few cans of beer and it was a funny story evening," he said.
- Lorna Reid
