Former TG4 star withdraws unfair dismissal claim

A FORMER actress with the Irish-language soap series Ros na Rún has withdrawn a claim for unfair dismissal against the programme’s makers.

Actress Mairéad Ní Ghallchóir had initiated the case against Tyrone Productions after her character, Angela Uí Dhireáin, was written out of the popular TG4 soap last year.

A planned hearing of the case before the Employment Appeals Tribunal was adjourned yesterday without hearing any evidence after the tribunal was informed both sides were in private talks about resolving the matter.

A short time later, the hearing — which was conducted in Irish — was told Ms Ní Ghallchóir had withdrawn the case.

However, it is understood the actress is due to reappear in the show next year. A profile of her character also remains on the official Ros na Rún section of TG4’s website.

Tribunal chairman, Mark O’Connell BL, said he would give both parties leave to re-enter the case before February 1 after being told there were a few minor outstanding issues between the sides.

Ms Ní Ghallchóir last appeared on-screen in May 2006 following one of the show’s most dramatic storylines in recent years.

Her character was written out of the soap after she was violently assaulted by her on-screen husband, Tadhg, played by actor Macdara Ó Fátharta. He subsequently refused to pay ransom money after she was kidnapped by one of his business enemies.

After the hearing, Ms Ní Ghallchóir, originally from Co Donegal, declined to elaborate on her reasons for bringing the case. “We have come to an agreement and we’re satisfied,” she said.

Ros na Rún producer Patricia Carroll said Tyrone Productions were also happy with the outcome of the hearing.

The case could have set an interesting broadcasting precedent if it had gone to a full hearing as it is the first known claim in Ireland by a TV star seeking a claim of unfair dismissal for having their part written out of a show.

Most cast members on popular TV series operate on relatively short-term contracts due to the nature of the business.

Ros na Rún, which was first broadcast in 1996, is screened twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday on TG4.

Filmed at a studio in Spiddal, Co Galway, the programme provides regular employment to about 100 people including cast, crew and extras.