A company under garda investigation was incorporated just a month before Heather Humphreys was the star attraction at its February “charity” event.
Concerns have been raised locally over the due diligence she conducted before attending the event where she was named Monaghan person of the year – though there is no suggestion of criminal wrongdoing on Humphreys’s part.
Gardaí contacted Humphreys in May this year over allegations that the company didn’t pass enough of the funds raised to charity.
Comment? No
According to the Farney Foundation CLG – incorporated on 10 January this year – the money it raised for its event was to be donated to a charity chosen by the winner, Heather Humphreys.
“Votes cost €1.00 per vote with approximately 70 cent going to Farney Foundation who will in turn present a cheque to the 2024 Farney Foundation County Monaghan Person of the Year for a charity or cause of their choice,” said the company.
Tickets to the event cost €70 and included a meal with live music.
The Farney Foundation is a company limited by guarantee but not registered as a charitable organisation with the Charities Regulator.
“Farney Foundation is a non-profit entity that promotes and supports anyone and anything associated with Co. Monaghan all over the world,” its says.
Humphreys declined to comment when asked by The Ditch if she was presented with a cheque and which charitable cause it was given to.
“An Garda Síochána is investigating the organisation and running of an event held in Monaghan in February 2025. As this is an ongoing criminal investigation, An Garda Síochána is not making any further comment,” said the garda press office.
