Hotel manager claims employers breached contract with dismissal

The general manager of the Shannon Great Southern Hotel told the High Court yesterday he was traumatised after receiving a letter…

The general manager of the Shannon Great Southern Hotel told the High Court yesterday he was traumatised after receiving a letter of dismissal earlier this year.

Mr Patrick Dooley, of Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare, is seeking a declaration that, under a contract of service, he is and continues to be employed by Great Southern Hotels Ltd. He also wants a declaration that the company acted in breach of contract in purporting to terminate his employment on February 24th.

Great Southern Hotels Ltd denies Mr Dooley remains in employment as general manager of Shannon Great Southern under a contract of service.

Mr Dooley said he received a memo in January saying management needed his response on a number of matters.

At a meeting, management went through difficulties it said it had with him. As the meeting concluded, they agreed to disagree, but Mr Dooley subsequently received a letter of dismissal.

Mr Dooley agreed he had been offered the right to appeal but believed it would not be a "fair trial".

The hearing, before Mr Justice McCracken, continues.

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