Bohs barman awarded €8,700
A former president of the club gave evidence to the tribunal that in the latter part of 2009, any casual labouring staff left the club’s employment and it had just seven employees. In 2009, the club made a loss of €1.9m and the following year the loss was €1.5m. Bohemians also had a bank debt of €4m.
The details emerged in an action brought by the club barman, Alan Brady, claiming unfair dismissal by the club in December 2011. Mr Brady, of Carnlough Road, Cabra, was the only full-time person working in the bar. On match nights, casual staff were employed.
He told the tribunal he was given a new two-year contract in October 2010.
He did not get on with a director (unnamed) and kept his distance from him, but in September 2011 he received a letter from the director expressing dissatisfaction with his performance. He objected, describing the comments in the letter as hurtful and belittling.
On December 16, 2011 he received a text from the director calling him to a meeting that day at 3pm. He dropped by at 2.30pm but was told by the director to come back at 3pm “like I told you”.
“By 3.10pm he was told ‘you’re gone with immediate effect, due to financial constraints’”, the tribunal report of the hearing said.
The barman had helped out with security at the club and, when asked by the tribunal why he felt he was dismissed, he said he believed it had to do with security.
He had had a lot of people barred from the club and, when new directors were appointed, some of their friends had been refused entry to the ground.
The tribunal found he was unfairly dismissed and awarded him €8,700.
