Dundalk Town ordered to pay former executive almost €17k over unfair dismissal

Dundalk football club has been ordered to pay compensation of almost €17,000 to a former executive who had his contract terminated suddenly without any reasons by the club’s then owner just over 12 months ago.

The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that Dundalk Town FC had unfairly dismissed its chief operations officer, Martin Connolly.

The first division club, which was relegated from the premier division at the end of last season, had not expressly conceded that the termination of Mr Connolly’s contract was unfair during a two-day hearing at the WRC which concluded in March.

Mr Connolly claimed he was informed by Dundalk’s chairman on February 26th, 2024, that he was to be removed from his duties with the club. However, he was paid up until May 22nd, 2024.

The WRC heard that the executive, who joined Dundalk in January 2022 to oversee the day-to-day running of the club, was given no written or verbal warning and there were no investigations or hearings.

Mr Connolly sought compensation for the financial loss of four months’ salary from his €50,000 per annum post as chief operating officer after he obtained alternative employment in September 2024.

He claimed his new job in a factory, for which he earned €42,975 per annum, involved a long commute and 12-hour shifts.

Counsel for the complainant, Aaron Shearer BL, said the public nature of Mr Connolly’s dismissal and reputational damage should also be taken into account in relation to his mitigation efforts.

The WRC heard that Mr Connolly was not the subject of any disciplinary measure during his time at the club.

However, Mr Shearer said the situation changed when a new owner, Brian Ainscough, took over the club in December 2023.

Evidence was heard that Mr Ainscough