Row between Bohemian FC and ex-manager settled

A HIGH COURT dispute between former Bohemian FC manager Sean Connor and the club was settled yesterday.

The court heard one of the reasons for his dismissal last year was an allegation that he had made “advances of a sexual nature” to a woman who voluntarily worked at the club.

Mr Connor strongly denied the claim saying it was without foundation and had made his personal life very difficult. It had also made it difficult to get another job since his dismissal in December of last year, he said.

Yesterday, as Mr Connor was about to resume giving evidence in the case, the court was told the case had been settled and an agreement was reached between the parties, which was confidential.

Counsel for Bohemians, Alistair Rutherdale, read a statement, which is to form an addendum to the agreement, saying the club and Mr Connor had reached an amicable settlement and “are happy that all differences can be put behind them”.

The statement said Bohemians acknowledged and accepted that all matters raised during the proceedings had been “satisfactorily resolved” and it was never part of the club’s case that any formal complaint of sexual harassment was made against Mr Connor.

The statement said Bohemians acknowledge and accept that Mr Connor did not forge a signature of a club director on a document in which a footballer was being offered a contract to play for Bohemians at €200 per week.

The statement added that Bohemians wished Mr Connor “all the best in his future managerial career” and thanked him for his “accomplishments as manager of Bohemians”.

Mr Connor, aged 41, who lives in Killybegs, Donegal, with his partner and child, had claimed in his action that he was wrongfully dismissed and not afforded proper procedures in the carrying out of that dismissal. He is also sought a declaration that the decision to terminate his €100,000 per season contract was null and void.

After hearing an agreement had been reached, Mr Justice Brian McGovern yesterday said he was very pleased the parties had been able to settle.