Future in deep doubt at Maureen O’Hara Foundation after public row

Nasty family and friends feud at center of dispute

In response, Murphy said she was deeply disappointed, heartbroken and hurt by the false allegations and rumours surrounding the Maureen O’Hara Foundation.

The former PA said in a statement: "I cherish Maureen’s vision and dream. Her legacy is the precious seeds and blueprint for her ultimate achievements. A thing that can not ever be stolen or taken.

"I am very honoured to work with a group of people whose shared spirit of giving, passion and commitment is an expression of the true love for Ireland’s greatest actress, a great lady and a real legend."

Charles Fitzsimons, who resigned as the director of foundation, told the Sunday Independent that the organization had “outrageously misinterpreted her [Maureen O’Hara’s] dream”.

Commenting on the future of the foundation, the board of directors said the credibility had been tarnished.

"Unfortunately, recent media coverage seems committed to discredit the foundation by whatever means possible.

"Whist the reason for this action is wholly unclear, it is nevertheless causing the foundation considerable difficulty in terms of its credibility and in progressing with its objectives," the foundation said.

O’Hara’s stepson Chris Blair, who is a director of the American arm of the foundation, expressed concern over the future of the organization.

"The current difficulties are beyond distressing, and I certainly hope that all questions can be cleared up through independent review as quickly as possible.

"With so much uncertainty about the future, I think it is impossible to move the organisation and its mission forward until this is accomplished.”

Meanwhile, Maureen O’Hara has said she has no interaction with the day to day running of the operation.

"Regarding the Maureen O’Hara Foundation, while that entity bears my name, I am not personally involved in its management or operations," O’Hara said.

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Nster.com