Dundalk FC ordered to pay €64k to former coach Brian Gartland over unfair dismissal

The former captain and ex-head of football operations at Dundalk football club has been awarded almost €53,000 after he was unfairly dismissed from his job at Oriel Park for having made a protected disclosure about concerns for the safety of players.

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ordered Dundalk Town FC to pay Brian Gartland compensation totalling €64,434 overall for the unfair dismissal and other breaches of employment legislation including a failure to pay wages and be given a written contract.

The WRC heard that Mr Gartland, who was appointed head of football operations with Dundalk following his retirement as a player in January 2023, struck a new two-year deal with the club when it was bought by new management at the end of 2023.

Under a verbal agreement, Mr Gartland’s salary was due to increase for the first year with an additional increase for the second year together with a fee schedule relating to transfer fees and prize money.

The former captain was appointed co-manager for a short period in April 2024 before the appointment of a new manager.

A short time later, Mr Gartland made a protected disclosure regarding a health condition of the new manager that impacted upon player safety.

He claimed he first raised the issue on April 19th, 2024 and again three days later.

Mr Gartland explained that the first day under the new manager he expressed serious concerns to the team's owner about the manager’s ability to undertake the responsibilities of the role.

While he had heard rumours, Mr Gartland said he had witnessed one or two incidents with his own eyes.

Mr Gartland said he raised health and safety issues regarding players and injury prevention and that players could not play three days a week after