On May 7, 2025, Michael Healy-Rae, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, initiated legal proceedings against Michelle Keane, a former general election candidate and activist, in a case concerning allegedly defamatory social media posts. The Circuit Civil Court in Tralee has adjourned the matter to next week, specifically to Tuesday, May 13, 2025, if Ms. Keane does not indicate her intention to contest the case.
During the court session, barrister Elizabeth Murphy, representing Mr. Healy-Rae, stated that an interlocutory injunction was being sought to remove what she described as “serious and grave” publications about her client. The court was informed that this was a civil matter under the Defamation Act, with Ms. Keane being called to respond to the allegations made against her.
Ms. Murphy, instructed by Killarney solicitor Dan O’Connor, emphasized the need for an injunction to restrain further publication of the allegations. She noted that Ms. Keane typically represents herself in legal matters and that notice of the civil bill had been served via email over the recent bank holiday weekend.
Judge Ronan Munro presided over the proceedings and expressed a preference for the notice of the injunction to be served to Ms. Keane’s address in Knocknagoshel by the Killarney-based solicitor. The court was advised that Ms. Keane has electronic gates at her residence, which made the service of papers more complicated. Judge Munro instructed that if necessary, the envelope containing the legal documents should be placed behind the electronic gates.
Following this direction, solicitor Dan O’Connor proceeded to Knocknagoshel to serve the papers by hand on the same day. When the case resumed at 2 PM, Ms. Keane was again absent from the court. Ms. Murphy outlined specific allegations made by Ms. Keane against Mr. Healy-Rae, which she claimed were defamatory in nature. According to Ms. Murphy, Ms. Keane “self-publishes” on social media, making her statements particularly impactful.
The suit falls under Section 33 of the Defamation Act 2009, which governs such matters in Ireland. While the specific allegations referenced in court cannot be repeated due to their sensitive nature, Ms. Murphy made it clear that the goal was to obtain an order to remove all posts accusing her client of illegality or immorality.
Judge Munro raised concerns regarding the speed of the proceedings, asking if it would be possible to serve the papers on Ms. Keane personally. He adjourned the matter to Tuesday at 2 PM, noting that if Ms. Keane wished to contest the proceedings, she would need to notify the court's office. The judge indicated that the case would proceed on an uncontested basis if Ms. Keane remained absent.
Healy-Rae’s legal team is expected to seek to serve notice on Ms. Keane in multiple ways, including personally, by registered post, and electronically. The court aims to ensure that she is fully aware of the proceedings and that the matter is addressed appropriately, regardless of her presence.
This case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding defamation in the digital age, where social media can amplify claims that may have serious legal implications. As the proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how Ms. Keane will respond and what the outcome will be for both parties involved.
