Sacked Bord na gCon chief’s position advertised

THE job of sacked Bord na gCon chief executive Aidan Tynan was advertised in Sunday newspapers while an investigation into the controversy continues.

The closing date has been set for March 3, around the same time that an independent inquiry ordered by Sports Minister John O’Donoghue is expected to report its findings on Mr Tynan’s dismissal.

Former Department of Justice secretary general Tim Dalton is probing the circumstances of the dismissal as well as other issues around the running of the greyhound board, including its policies in relation to doping offences.

In a prominent ad placed in a number of newspapers, applicants are invited to send their CVs to a Limerick-based recruitment firm.

Among the key responsibilities outlined in the job description is that the chief executive will advise the board on the implementation of policies and ensure policy decisions of the board are implemented effectively.

Although it is denied by Bord na gCon chairman Paschal Taggart, it has been suggested that Mr Tynan’s dismissal was linked to disagreement between both men over a board decision not to publicise doping offences in relation to two greyhounds in races last year.

The sacking in late January happened the day after Mr O’Donoghue asked Mr Taggart to respond to a letter he had received from Mr Tynan about the issue.

Despite claiming he had strong support from within the industry, as demonstrated by the turnout at a press conference he held at the Shelbourne Park greyhound track nine days ago, the western branch of the Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association passed a motion of no-confidence in Mr Taggart at its meeting a week ago.

They publicised the decision in an advertisement in the greyhound newspaper the Sporting Press last week, citing their unease with the manner in which the controversy has been handled by Mr Taggart and his board.

The selection procedure for the Bord na gCon chief executive’s post is not clear but it is likely that any appointment would have to be approved by the board members.

The position has been filled on an interim basis by the board’s financial officer Michael Foley, who has acted as the chief executive in the past before Mr Tynan’s appointment in October 2004.

Despite the controversies, the board’s expansive capital development plans are continuing and details of a proposed 14m stadium for Limerick will be unveiled in the city today.