Courts / Galway / Report
Fired Galway Bay radio show host loses unfair dismissal claim
Summary
Neil Molloy, former host of Galway Bay FM's breakfast show, lost his unfair dismissal claim at the Workplace Relations Commission. Molloy alleged unfair dismissal and breach of minimum notice and terms of employment. The station, represented by Ibec official Declan Thomas, submitted that Molloy subjected CEO Cormac O'Halloran and programme director John Divilly to a "verbal assault" on 1 June 2023. Thomas stated Molloy admitted his behaviour was inappropriate on 8 June but again raised his voice and insulted O'Halloran. Siptu official Marie O'Connor contended the dismissal was a "witch hunt" and disputed any threatening conduct. The tribunal heard Molloy was suspended in June and dismissed in September following a disciplinary hearing. Company chairman Peter Allen stated there was a "breach of trust" and that Molloy's anger during the apology indicated it was not a once-off incident. Adjudicator Janet Hughes found the initial incident might not have justified dismissal but ruled the second incident undermined Molloy's apology. She concluded the decision to dismiss was not unfair, though the finding of gross misconduct was excessive. The tribunal dismissed both statutory claims as not well founded. The matter is now being appealed to the Labour Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Fired Galway Bay radio show host loses unfair dismissal claim. Charges or matters: unfair dismissal; breach of minimum notice and terms of employment. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 1 June 2023 Incident
- 8 June Incident
- 11 August Other
- 5 July Other
- June 1 Incident
- June 8th Incident
- 2024-11-20 Publication
Why: At that point, the CEO told the complainant that because of his "wholly disrespectful, intimidatory, insubordinate and verbally abusive behaviour", he was being suspended pending investigation, Mr Thomas submitted. CNI source report
Case subjects
Co Accused
Applicant
Charges: unfair dismissal; breach of minimum notice and terms of employment (Alleged Or Contested)
Co Accused
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Appearance of tips machine in cafe that pulled in €5k unexplained, tribunal notes
- Judge speaks out about toxic masculinity while jailing young man for rape
- 'You ruined my life,' rape victim tells older brother
- Retired Franciscan brother jailed for 11 years for raping boy
- Lab had to decontaminate first aid room after technician found to have been napping, wearing lead-exposed work gear, tribunal told
- Lithuanian man admits engaging in terrorist plot to attack mosque
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request