Courts / Meath / Report

GP receptionist who said colleague called her a 'lazy b***h' tells WRC apology wasn't 'genuine'

Date
2025-07-08
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Athboy
County
Meath

Summary

Gwen Doyle, a receptionist at Athboy Family Practice, claims she was constructively dismissed in October 2024 after a colleague repeatedly called her a "lazy b***h." She says the apology she received from the colleague and the practice manager was not genuine, but rather dictated. Doyle alleges the clinic's management failed to investigate her formal grievance and did not address the toxic work environment, leaving her with no other option. Her union, Siptu, presented the case to the Workplace Relations Commission, arguing the employer's efforts were insufficient. The employer's solicitor, Terry Gorry, contended that "strenuous efforts" were made to resolve the issue. The WRC hearing is adjourned to later in the summer for further cross‑examination.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: GP receptionist who said colleague called her a 'lazy b***h' tells WRC apology wasn't 'genuine'. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: A medical clinic receptionist claims she was forced to quit because her employer failed to address a "toxic" work atmosphere after she said a colleague repeatedly called her a "lazy b***h" to her face. CNI source report

Case subjects

Gwen Doyle

Applicant

Outcome: Adjudication officer Michael McEntee has adjourned the matter to later in the summer, when Mr Gorry is expected to continue with his cross-examination of the complainant.

Terry Gorry

Applicant

Outcome: Adjudication officer Michael McEntee has adjourned the matter to later in the summer, when Mr Gorry is expected to continue with his cross-examination of the complainant.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Trial

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request