Courts / Dublin / Report

'Quibbling' over phrasing of c-word 'fatal' to scrapyard manager's hopes of saving job, WRC told

Summary

A tribunal has upheld the dismissal of Bernard McMahon, a scrapyard manager, who was accused of using the c-word in a workplace incident involving a junior female employee. McMahon denied calling the employee the c-word, claiming he only spelled it out as a form of banter. The incident, which occurred in December 2023, was reported by the employee, who gave evidence under the pseudonym 'Ms A'. She stated that McMahon asked her if she knew the term used to describe her when she first joined the company and then spelled it out, prompting laughter from those present. McMahon argued that the employee initiated the banter and that there was no indication of distress. However, the tribunal found that McMahon failed to adequately address his employer's concerns during the disciplinary process. The adjudicator noted that McMahon's focus on procedural arguments and quibbling over the exact phrasing of the alleged remark was detrimental to his case.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Quibbling' over phrasing of c-word 'fatal' to scrapyard manager's hopes of saving job, WRC told. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 12 December 2023 Incident
• 19 December Other
• 2025-12-04 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report