Laois solicitor says preparations 'ongoing' for Forest Fest 2027

Amid concerns over his suspension from practicing law, a Laois solicitor and festival founder says preparations for Forest Fest 2027 are ongoing.

Solicitor Philip Meagher first brought the Forest Fest to Emo village in the summer of 2022 and the music and arts festival, which is aimed at an older audience than the nearby Electric Picnic Music and Arts Festival in Stradbally, has earned good reviews and a loyal following.

Forest Fest 2026 attracted 16,000 revellers to Emo in July this year with headliners like The Boomtown Rats, Deacon Blue, James and The Charlatans. Aimed at the more mature festival goer, the annual event appeared to have found its audience.

The Leinster Express/Laois Live contacted Mr Meagher to ask if he could offer assurances to people who had purchased early bird tickets that the planned 2027 Forest Fest in Emo was going ahead.

Mr Meagher didn’t answer the phone but responded to the query by text and stated that: “Preparations for the 27 event are ongoing.”

When asked if updates could be expected next month, Mr Meagher wrote: “As plans crystallise announcements will be made as in the past number of years.”

The concerns arose because the Law Society of Ireland brought a disciplinary case under the Solicitors Acts against Mr Meagher of Midland Legal Solicitors in Portlaoise before the High Court on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The Law Society then published a notice that by Order of the High Court made on October 1, 2026 that Mr Meagher was suspended from practice and “that no bank shall, without leave of the Court, make any payment out of the client account of Philip Meagher the Respondent Solicitor, Midland Legal Solicitors or any account in the name of the Respondent Solicitor's practice.”

Shortly after the publication of the High Court order earlier this month, Mr Meagher stated to the Leinster Express/Laois live that: “Further to the recent court order I am now positively engaged in a process with the law society. This process will incorporate a number of various constructive proposals to move forward from this point, details of which are actively being worked on.

“The primary concern raised by the law society had been addressed prior to the order. Unfortunately my ability to properly oversee all appropriate governance procedures was severely compromised due to the huge demands on my personal time for the past number of years.

“I am obviously personally very embarrassed after 35 years in practice of this position particularly as i was planning to retire next year in any event. I assure all of our clients of our total commitment to complete ongoing issues with the assistance of the Law Society and in the context of the order and our proposals to them. I would like to thank all those of my long standing clients and former colleagues who have messaged their kind support.”

The case is due back before the High Court on Monday, November 9.