The Workplace Relations Commission rejected Patrick Roche’s complaints of disability and sexual-orientation discrimination after New Ross Sport & Leisure Limited ended his buddy gym membership. Adjudication officer Seamus Clinton dated the decision 28 January 2025.
Roche said he sought a personal trainer because of his disability and was later told his membership had been terminated. The company said it acted because of his behaviour towards staff. The adjudicator found staff accounts of interactions with Roche consistent and concluded they most likely occurred; he found the company had rebutted the presumption of discrimination on both grounds. The adjudicator expressed reservations about the company not retaining CCTV, but found this did not establish discrimination.