A Republic of Ireland supporter faces a hefty bill when he returns from the Euros after a court heard he owes almost €23,000 in unpaid rent.

Judge Jacqueline Linnane granted judgment in the sum of €22,750 against Paul Kelly, Somerton, Portrane Road, Donabate, Co Dublin, in favour of his former landlord.

Barrister Jonathon Miller, counsel for landlord Gerry Butler, Castle Lawns, Estuary Road, Malahide, Co Dublin, told the Circuit Civil Court on Monday that the tenancies board had made a determination of €23,750 against Mr Kelly.

Mr Miller, who appeared with Greene Solicitors, said he was asking the court to confirm the board’s determination which related to unpaid rent for a former letting by Mr Butler to Mr Kelly with regard to an apartment at Bisset’s Loft, Malahide.

He told the court that Mr Kelly had made an arrangement to pay off his debt at a rate of €500 a month. Only two payments had been made and there was an outstanding debt of €22,750 for which Judge Linnane granted judgment.

Mr Miller said there was no appearance in court for or on behalf of Mr Kelly who, he had been informed, had left for the European Championship games on Sunday.

Counsel said it would seem Mr Kelly preferred the environment of the Euros in France to that of a courtroom in Dublin.

Mr Kelly will also have to pay the tenancies board’s legal costs.