Left to Right: Noel Corbett, Ger Corbett-Niall Collins TD and Denis Corbett
Last Updated on 9 October 2026 by Watchdog Witness
Introduction: A Warning From the Past
In the quiet countryside of County Limerick, a property empire is rising. The Corbett Group, founded by brothers Denis, Ger, and Noel Corbett, has launched a flurry of housing developments across the region . With high-profile projects like Woodfield Manor in Newcastle West, where they are building 112 homes, the company is rapidly expanding .
But behind the glossy CGI images and ambitious promises lies a network of connections that demands scrutiny. This is not just a story of three tradesmen-turned-developers. It’s a story of who they’re partnering with, where their money is coming from, and what happened the last time the Corbett name was associated with construction in this part of Ireland.
For anyone considering buying a home from The Corbett Group — or doing business with them — this article is a warning. The last time a Corbett-linked construction operation went bust in this region, tradesmen and suppliers were left out of pocket. History may be about to repeat itself.
The Corbett Brothers: From Tradesmen to Developers
Denis, Ger, and Noel Corbett are brothers from the Newcastle West area . By trade, Ger and Denis are blocklayers, while Noel is a plumber — working-class men who have made an extraordinary leap into large-scale property development .
Their company, The Corbett Group Assets Ltd, was registered in Ireland on 11 September 2025 (company number 797155) . The registered address is Crean, Monagea, Newcastle West, Limerick .
A key detail from the company records: the current directors have been the director of 22 other Irish companies between them, 4 of which are now closed . This raises serious questions about their previous business history. What happened to those four companies? Were creditors left unpaid? Were tradesmen and suppliers burned?
The group is currently active on multiple sites across County Limerick :
Ger Corbett has stated they are “planning permission for various other sites in Newcastle West” and hope to build “hundreds of new homes” across Ireland .
The group is using an ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) system to speed up construction. Ger Corbett told the Limerick Leader: “We are here to deliver much needed homes and to create as much local employment as possible” .
Denis Corbett is also named in Building Control records as the owner of a block of 12 apartments at Woodfield Manor, under the company DCManor Ltd .
The Funding: Who Is Ardcairn Capital?
The Corbett Group is not funding its developments through traditional bank lending alone. They have partnered with Ardcairn Capital, a development finance lender backed by M&G Investments’ £5 billion Catalyst fund .
Ardcairn Capital was founded by Daire McCarthy (CEO, chartered surveyor with 20 years’ experience in banking and finance), Noel Ross (Director, Head of Portfolio Management, 20 years in residential development finance), and Michael Corbett (Head of Credit Operations) .
Michael Corbett is described as “an accountant with more than 15 years experience in the Irish banking and real estate markets, including commercial lending, development finance and debt restructuring” .
A LinkedIn post from Ardcairn Capital confirmed: “Ardcairn Capital is pleased to announce the closing of a loan facility, to The Corbett Group, to support the delivery of 22 new homes in Cappamore, Co. Limerick” . The post ends with: “Best of luck to Denis Corbett and the Corbett Group and to Michael, Daire and Noel at Ardcairn Capital DAC“ .
This is a significant connection: The Corbett Group is being funded by a lender whose founding team includes a man with the same surname, Michael Corbett. Given that the brothers’ surname is Corbett, this raises questions about potential family connections or conflicts of interest that deserve scrutiny.
The “Dream Mentoring” Network: Who Is Behind The Corbett Group?
Beyond Ardcairn Capital, The Corbett Group is connected to a network of mentors and business coaches. An Instagram post from The Corbett Group celebrated a “brand-new €12 million fund just signed off”, crediting two key individuals: Tom Smyth and Jonathan Finlay .
“Massive congratulations to The Corbett Group! 3 new development sites closed… A huge thank you from The Corbett Group to Tom Smyth and Jonathan Finlay — key players in bringing this dream to life.”
Who are these men?
Tom Smyth: The “Fraudster-Turned-Businessman”
Tom Smyth is the CEO of Dream Mentoring and the managing director of Dream Apartments, a serviced accommodation business with locations across the UK .
But Smyth’s past is deeply troubling.
In January 2012, the BBC reported that Thomas William Smyth was ordered to hand over 19 properties to the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) after a High Court judge deemed his property portfolio to be the proceeds of crime .
The BBC report stated that between 2000 and 2007, Smyth “made numerous fraudulent self certification mortgage applications to a variety of financial institutions in order to obtain almost £2m in loans to buy property” .
SOCA’s investigation identified that Smyth obtained his property portfolio through mortgage fraud, tax evasion and money laundering .
Soca’s Andy Lewis said: “Thomas Smyth deliberately abused the system for his personal gain” .
Smyth has since rebuilt his profile as a “mindset mentor” and property investor. A podcast episode from 2024 describes his “battle with alcoholism and addiction” and his journey to becoming a “respected mindset mentor with his Dream Mentoring program for entrepreneurs” . Another podcast notes that he has “gone bankrupt a few times and how he bounced back each time” .
This is the man mentoring The Corbett Group. A man with a history of fraud, asset confiscation, and money laundering is now guiding the company’s vision and helping them secure funding.
Jonathan Finlay: The Chairman
Jonathan James Finlay is listed as the Chairman of The Corbett Group. A LinkedIn post shows him and Denis Corbett at a board meeting at Adare Manor .
Finlay is the director of JRF Global Holdings Limited, a company involved in the “development of building projects” . He has been associated with at least 13 company roles.
The ICF Construction Method: Will It Stand the Test of Time?
The Corbett Group is using an ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) system to build its homes . Ger Corbett says this method is “marginally more expensive than regular housebuilding” but easier to staff and faster to complete .
ICF construction involves building walls from hollow expanded polystyrene blocks that are stacked and filled with reinforced concrete . The benefits include rapid on-site assembly, high strength, and excellent thermal and acoustic properties . Nudura, a leading ICF manufacturer, claims its systems have a 60-year life expectancy and are resistant to rot, corrosion, and degradation .
However, potential homebuyers should ask questions about the specific ICF system being used, the quality of the concrete, and whether the builders have the expertise to install it correctly. ICF is a relatively new method in Ireland compared to traditional blockwork, and errors in installation can be costly to remediate.
The Warning: What Happened in 2008?
The local tradesmen and suppliers who lost money in the 2008 period deserve to know if history is repeating itself. The people who are being sold homes by The Corbett Group deserve to know who is behind the company.
The Corbett Group’s directors have been involved with four closed companies . What happened to those companies? Were creditors paid? Were tradesmen left out of pocket?
These are the questions that must be answered. The Corbett Group presents itself as a story of rural ambition — three brothers from Limerick building a property empire. But the truth is more complex:
- They are being mentored by a convicted fraudster who had 19 properties confiscated for mortgage fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering .
- They are being funded by Ardcairn Capital, whose founding team includes a man named Michael Corbett — a potential conflict of interest that demands investigation .
- They are chaired by Jonathan Finlay, a businessman with multiple company interests .
- Their rapid expansion is being financed through a network of lenders and mentors with questionable histories .
- Their directors have been involved with four closed companies — what happened to the creditors?
Conclusion: Buyer Beware
If you are considering buying a home from The Corbett Group, ask questions. Ask about the four closed companies. Ask about the mentorship from a convicted fraudster. Ask about the ICF system and whether it will stand the test of time. Ask who is really behind the company.
The last time a Corbett-linked construction operation went bust in this region, tradesmen and suppliers were left out of pocket. History may be about to repeat itself.
Watchdog Witness will continue to investigate. If you have information — whether you were an unpaid supplier, a former business partner, or a resident with concerns — we want to hear from you. Your identity will be protected.
Sources and Citations
- Limerick Leader – Building firm unveils plan to construct hundreds of new houses across Limerick (2025)
- Instagram – The Corbett Group / Dream Mentoring post (2025)
- LinkedIn – Ardcairn Capital loan facility to The Corbett Group (2025)
- BBC News – Businessman Thomas Smyth to hand over 19 houses to Soca (2012)
- Podverse – Building a Dream: Tom Smyth’s Story of Resilience, Redemption & Hiring (2024)
- YouTube Music – TURNING DREAMS TO REALITY; Tom Smyth on goal setting, private jets & making millions in furniture
- Company Check Ireland – The Corbett Group Assets Ltd (company number 797155)
- Property.ie – Woodfield Manor, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick
- Daft.ie – Woodfield Manor, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick
- Wall Systems – Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) Systems
- Nudura – Nudura’s Commitment to Sustainability in New Build Houses (2025)
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available court records, Companies House documents, and reports from reputable news outlets. All individuals are presumed innocent of any criminal wrongdoing unless proven otherwise in a court of law. The information contained herein does not constitute legal advice and is provided for informational and journalistic purposes only. Watchdog Witness does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. This article may be updated as further information becomes available.
Watchdog Witness will continue to track this case and others like it.
Should you wish to request the removal of this article, we will consider legitimate and lawful grounds for doing so, in accordance with our editorial policy and data protection obligations. If you have information about this story — a tip-off, new evidence, or a correction — we want to hear from you. Your identity will be protected. If you believe any detail in this article is inaccurate, please contact us with your evidence, and we will review it promptly.
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About The Author
It’s about time this was exposed. A lot of small self employed people and their families were hurt before by Denis when everything went bang, not to mention the suppliers. Denis didn’t loose his mansion up by Barna though. Funny that! Like he’s one of the Healy-Raes the way he talks you’d swear he was the salt of the earth. By their fruits ye shall know them.. Great article!!
Their questionable reputations precede them. Personally I wouldn’t buy a dog house from them.
There’s alot of other shenanigans going on with them that’s not mentioned here. I’ve emailed in some info I have.
Some shower of cunts
Your being kind to them, Denis has some chequered history .
Oh brown envelopes all over the gaff lol
Oh looks like all the rumours are true after all.
That noel fella cheating on his wife with a local girl is fairly common knowledge too poor woman
Its [redacted] daughter the local shop. She worked or maybe still working at the pub that’s owned by Noels wife
Not his first tim cheating. Proper slime bag
Ger Corbett also cheats on his wife and the poor woman works with him.
He is so full of shit buy shirts that fit.
These boys have form! Lots of it and all the locals are well aware
Ay yes, the jealous, uneducated in the real world Irish people who don’t believe in people changing just because some of you can’t.
I think it’s honorable that these men are able to get up off the ground after being beaten, just goes to show the true strength of the Corbetts and their mentor
Hilarious comment. Must be one of the corbetts after reading this. If they wanted to do the right thing they’d pay the people they fecked over last time instead of gloating all over social media like they achieved something with crooks from Northern Ireland
You obviously have no idea of the true extent of the skulduggery by Denis , the word honourable and the name Denis Corbett don’t sit well together. Facts trump fantasy.
I bet you are related to some.of them.
You only have to look at the sizes of the houses they’re building and the amount they’re charging for them. You litterally can’t swing a mouse let alone a cat in them. Their greed knows no bounds.
Oh I’d love to be in the pub in Castlemahon listening to the conversations 🤣🤣🤣
It’s very easy for people to sit behind a screen and criticise someone who is out there trying their best . At least they’re trying their best to do something and have the bravery to go for it . Instead of knocking people down all the time maybe it’s time to give credit where it is due . Nobody is perfect but someone who is trying to achieve something and puts it out there deserves encouragement not negativity . The people who are negative and begrudging probably never took a chance in their lives. Keep doing what you are doing Denis Corbett and the Corbett group and don’t let the jealousy and bitterness of others bring you down.
Well I’m from Castlemahon and have spoken to at least 12 people today and everyone is on about this. From what I’m hearing everyone is delighted that this has been exposed after all the rumours that have been verified by this. Every man and his dog in Castlemahon is talking about this and about time
What exactly has been exposed ???
The corbett group is funded by ardcarn capital ? .
Complete nonsense..
Where do you think developers get development finance . ?
Only funders exactly like ardcarn….
1 company was ever only went into liquation other 3 were closed because they never traided..
No subcontractors were owed a penny from the liquation all on record.
You borrow money you build houses you sell houses you pay back money.
Last time I checked this was not a crime.
Icf is being used all over the country. Concrete structure…
They have a mentor from the north with a past .. noting to do with the corbett group..
Is this what is exposed
That comment is total horseshit. Many contractors were left unpaid and suppliers. If its on record then you’re probably a corbet from that statement about having things on record.
Well we are owed 6k from DC manor for 4 years now, so that is complete scutter from you
Ha ha ha ha.
Honest endeavour is a noble thing indeed. However there is nothing honest in knocking hard working sub contractors trying to feed their families… there is nothing honest in breaking payment terms and making sub contractors wait months and months for payment when a 39 day payment is agreed, if they pay them at all. ?
Hope you buy a pint for your ‘ wonderful friends’ Dennis. But they are buttering you up excessively.
OMG 😲
हम कैसलमहोन में एक घर खरीद रहे थे, लेकिन यह पढ़ने के बाद हमने अपना मन बदल लिया। बहुत निराशा हुई।
हे भगवान, यह तो चिंता की बात है, भाई
“Oh my God, this is really worrying, mate.”
“We were planning to buy a house in Castlemahon, but after reading this, we have changed our minds. Very disappointing.”
Anyone buying one them house would want to bear in mind that there is a flat valley between each roof that will leak very soon given that 30 houses in woodfeild manor are leaking since the day the keys were handed out i wouldnt hold out much hope of the valleys holding out water
I heard they’re sponsoring new signage to change the village to Pakimahon
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
मेरे भाई, यह सच में बहुत बुरा है।
“My brother, this is really very bad.”
कॉर्बेट भाई सबसे ज़्यादा नस्लवादी लोग हैं जिनसे आपका कभी सामना हो सकता है। उन्होंने पहले भी भारतीय परिवारों को गाँव में संपत्ति खरीदने से रोका है और सार्वजनिक बैठकों में कहा है, “कैसलमाहोन में कोई पाकी नहीं चाहिए।”
उन्हें सिर्फ़ अमीर बनने में दिलचस्पी है। उन्हें इस बात की कोई परवाह नहीं है कि वे किसे नुकसान पहुँचाते हैं।
इन लोगों से दूर रहें।
Just to get this out here ….
I have no issue with the corbetts whatsoever nor or am I slating there new venture trying to press on and get things done.
So some things just need saying,to all people in west limerick and surrounding areas to Newcastlewest ask yourself this is this any news to you????
There reputation is there for years it’s commonly known that bills have being left everywhere by Denis with suppliers and contractors for years.
I’m in construction myself and you honestly could not call Ger Corbett a block layer nor Noel a plumber,I have yet to hear and see of a good job done by either,furthermore any dealing I did have with Noel especially he is arrogant and think he is step above everyone else to be super polite he is top notch wanker.
I was in Newcastlewest just week gone and I see a roofing contractor doing roof repair works “these houses were built by Dc Manor Denis Corbett 3 years ago max ” seemingly all the houses in that estate new roof works amended because of leaks into the houses.
The Electrician they use ain’t blood realation to Electrician and I have first hand experience with this issue.
There is also more scandal as there is local guy highly involved in criminality who is also investing money for this venture.
So guys don’t be fooled here a leopard never changes its spots these are absolute scum of earth and conmen so don’t say after I was sorry it will be too late you have been warned,just ask locals to area or all people not paid that’s true reflection of what they like that will say enough.
I was hoping to buy one of the homes in Kilmallock but thankfully got sent this post and definitely will not be going next nor near anything to do with these fraudsters
Thanks for the information 🙏
Anonymous
Those raft foundations in Cobh no stell cage around perimeter no mesh to floor slab ,under floor heating doesn’t look the best, who provides 10 years warranty if its got here can’t be rectified like a leaking roof
From retired builder
is is a newer form of insulation that can withstand the pressure of the concrete👍
What do you expect from a puppy farmer?
Just before Denis Corbett left all those businesses in the lurch in 2008, he set up Katiebroke Kennels in 2007
So as people were looking for money from him, he was very busy breeding huskey mothers to pomeranian fathers and shipping them all over the world for thousands of euro
He changed the name of Katiebroke Kennels to Hillfort Stables in 2024, took all his puppy money and used it to buy horses
Noone knows what happened all the breeding dogs he had locked in sheds to pump out puppies
He is a brown substance and I don’t mean Nutella
Shocked 😄😄😄 They’re so crooked they’d have to be buried with a corkscrew
I think some comments should not go up without people supplying names. As there are 3 daughters from the same shop. These comments should not have been put up. I wouldn’t spit on a Corbett if they were on fire for my own personal reasons. But nothing has been proven only a very nasty comment re the [redacted] girls.
You did more naming of anyone than any of the other comments you dicktard.. Clown comment imo.. who would be so stupid to attach their name to this knowing their criminal connections and possible repercussions that could occur. I think it’s great that this is being discussed and at last what has been known especially locally is been presented with facts and great citations. It would be great if some main stream outlets picked up and reported alot of this information but I suspect they won’t. Look at the political connections like Niall Collins the TD and likely others. This shit is ripe across Ireland unfortunately because we live in the most corrupt county in europe.
He is a laughing stock, he thinks folk are envious, with the video on instagram, fool of a man, no honourable man wants what he has, life built on lies & deceit, his actions … whether against the law or not, he is not an honourable man, nor any of the brothers, deceived & swindled many a decent person out of their hard earned livings he has for god know how long. This article only touches the surface of his endeavours. Well wishes to anyone recovering from the debt he has placed them in.
What about the stables , where is the money coming to fund it, is he a horse dealer, not very respected in the horse world either , he was using that circle to find some wealthy friends , he failed there, but he tried. He illegally knocked a fairy fort, for the stables . Illegal. swindled a wheelchair bound man out of his money to fund stables
Anonymous
Don’t think he knows much about construction either by the appearance of those raft foundations in cobh total lack of steel and mesh from his videos on them,love to know how their been signed off for warranty
Don’t worry the engineer that signed off on it is from outside the country and will vanish after the project is finished just like arra veiw zero accountability
I worked for this company, and they are honorable and honest men, and build to the highest quality. It’s telling that none of the commenters here are willing to put their name to their claims.
Go back to whatever you’re smoking clown. Didn’t see you signing your name to your post either.
Mickey Mouse
Typical single-digit-IQ dole merchant comment, jealous of anyone working 😂
Keep the head up lad, only a couple of months to double dole week.
I wish there was a a thumbs up and thumbs down option. I bet the thumbs down would be off the Richter scale . 🤣😂😅🤑
Anonymous
Dennis Corbett doesn’t come across as ceo of a company on a treadmill with a hoodie ranting about haters and firing people and then looking for people to work for him ,he also needs to get his grammar right as he wants 2 pricing people, this a position for the role as procurement officer which you study for . Not good advertising for to employ people, potential buyers, suppliers
Anonymous
Construction trades and personal are at a premium at present in Ireland who in their right mind would want to join this company with those remarks on the treadmill, can’t see planes full coming back from Australia to join the Corbett group
In fairness they built nice hen houses in castlemahon, it must be laying hens they are planning on putting in there
He makes the knackers blush
I wouldn’t buy a pickaxe handle from these cowboys. Alot of damage was caused by Denis in the past and alot people ripped off. Absolutely no shame
Anonymous
No more videos on the treadmill it looks like he gone to ground