DUBLIN, Ireland: The High Court has been told that the Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival CLG will go into liquidation next week.

A creditors' meeting is scheduled for November 12, and the liquidator will handle any dispute involving the company's only full-time employee, barrister Eoin Clifford SC, said this week.

Business developer Kery Mullaly, who was hired to help secure sponsorship for the annual festival, previously obtained an injunction last June lifting his suspension over alleged misconduct while he awaited a full hearing.

When the case was last in court, Justice Brian Cregan said the situation "was crying out for mediation." After hearing the latest update, he adjourned the matter for another two weeks. Mullaly's lawyer, Cliona Kimber SC, said there will still be a request for legal costs, but the judge said that must be made to the liquidator.

Mullaly, of Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, says he was suspended in September 2024 without prior notice of eight allegations, all of which he strongly denies.

Claims against him include attending the Electric Picnic while on certified sick leave, disrespect toward board members, and aggressive behavior toward Irish Water during sponsorship negotiations. It was also alleged that some sponsors complained and withdrew support because of him.

The board later narrowed the investigation to three allegations, including his attendance at the festival and his employment contract. It was claimed he drafted his own contract, awarding himself 2,000 euros a month plus 100 euros an hour for sponsorship work. Mullaly says the contract was reviewed and approved by the board's former treasurer.

He said in a sworn statement that he has worked with the festival since 2011, first as a volunteer, then as an independent contractor, and finally as an employee in 2021. He argues the accusations were designed to cause him significant stress and anxiety — and have succeeded in doing so.