THE CHIEF executive of the Athletic Association of Ireland has claimed there is an orchestrated campaign to dismiss her involving members of the Irish Sports Council, including its chairman Ossie Kilkenny and chief executive John Treacy.
Mary Coghlan has brought High Court proceedings to prevent her dismissal. She claims Mr Kilkenny had described her as “the cancer that is within us” which must be removed, while board member Patsy McGonagle had described her as “a silly bitch”.
Yesterday, Ms Justice Mary Laffoy gave leave to Brian O’Moore SC, for Ms Coghlan, to serve short notice of the injunction proceedings on the sports council and the board of the association. The matter was returned to next week.
Ms Coghlan is seeking an injunction restraining the association ending her employment, allegedly on foot of a direction issued by the Irish Sports Council.
She is also seeking a declaration she cannot be sacked on foot of allegations of improper governance, except in accordance with an investigation carried out under the principles of natural and constitutional justice.
She also want an order compelling the association to investigate misconduct allegations by her against board member Patsy McGonagle, whom she alleges called her a “silly bitch”.
Ms Coghlan said the Irish Sports Council had opposed her appointment from its outset in May 2008 and had, a few months later, determined, without holding any proper inquiry, she was responsible for “serious governance issues” in the association.
In October, Mr Kilkenny threatened the council would withhold funding from the association, it is claimed.
It is also alleged the council used its influence against the holding of a disciplinary inquiry into the conduct of Mr McGonagle.
At a meeting on November 12th last, she claims Mr Kilkenny directed the association to end her employment, using a six-month probationary clause to do so. It was at that meeting Mr Kilkenny referred to her as a cancer that had to be removed, she claims.