Goal founder denies bullying as he blocks suspension bid

Goal founder John O’Shea has blocked a bid to suspend him, denying claims of bullying and alleging there was a “concerted action” to remove him from his post.

The Goal CEO secured an interim High Court order yesterday evening rejecting complaints by some Goal staff of “institutionalised bullying”, claiming they were “false and concocted”, the court heard.

Ms Justice Mary Laffoy was told there appeared to be a “personality clash” between Goal chairman Pat O’Mahony and Mr O’Shea. Mr O’Shea had been told not to attend a board meeting last week where a vote to suspend him was defeated by six votes to five.