A Co Kerry dog-trainer who was improperly removed as a member of the Working Spaniel Club of Ireland has been reinstated and is to be paid £8,000 damages.
Mr Thomas Rice, counsel for professional dog-trainer Mr Frank Maunsell of Lisnagree, Camp, Co Kerry, said in Dublin Circuit Court his client's membership had been terminated in October 1998.
He told Judge Bryan McMahon the club's officers now accepted Mr Maunsell's removal had been improper and, in publicly apologising to him, acknowledged he remained a full member without allegation of blemish to his reputation.
In a settlement read out in court, the parties agreed to act in a co-operative and amicable manner and in accordance with the best spirit of the club.
The Skerries, Co Dublin-based club's committee decided to terminate Mr Maunsell's membership in October 1998. Mr Maunsell, who claimed he had not been told of the committee's intention to discuss his membership or make representations on his behalf, had sued the club for breaches of contract, fair procedures and natural justice.