Supreme Court Confirms Ronan Group Owns Bewley’s Harry Clarke Windows

Overview

• The five-judge Supreme Court dismissed Bewley’s appeal on 18 February, bringing the ownership dispute to an end.
• Ownership vests in RGRE Grafton Ltd, the Johnny Ronan–controlled company that owns the Grafton Street building.
• The judgment held the Clarke pieces perform the functions of windows, including lighting and ventilation.
• Judges concluded the tenant did not prove it paid for the works in 1927–28, which was fatal to its claim of title.
• The Ronan Group welcomed the decision and says the windows will remain in situ, while Bewley’s expressed disappointment and said a planned donation to public ownership cannot proceed; the set is valued at about €1 million.