Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 1087Unfair dismissal (civil employment matter) · Co. Dublin

Arts manager appeals to Labour Court for reinstatement after unfair dismissal

Linda O'Shea Farren, a former arts manager, was summarily dismissed from the Contemporary Music Centre in Dublin in September 2022, two days after a formal investigation found she had 'no case to answer.' Evonne Fergus is the named suspect in the case. The CMC conceded the unfair dismissal claim and acknowledged O'Shea Farren 'did not contribute' to her dismissal. The Workplace Relations Commission awarded her €55,000 but found reinstatement was not appropriate, and she has since appealed to the Labour Court for reinstatement, with a hearing in August 2025.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court28 Aug
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Linda O'Shea Farren was summarily dismissed from the Contemporary Music Centre in September 2022, two days after a formal investigation found she had no case to answer.
Where
Dublin.
When
Dismissal in September 2022; Labour Court reinstatement hearing in August 2025.
Cause
The CMC board did not consider the option of re-engagement or reinstatement.
Investigation
A formal CMC investigation exonerated O'Shea Farren and found she had 'no case to answer.'
Charges
Unfair dismissal, a civil employment matter.
In court
The Workplace Relations Commission awarded €55,000 but found reinstatement was not appropriate; O'Shea Farren appealed to the Labour Court for reinstatement.
Other details
  • The €55,000 award was based on a €44,000 salary, loss and prospective loss of income.
  • In the two years from her dismissal she had earned only €1,000 gross.
  • Since September 2024 she had earned €400 with €1,000 due and a €2,000-a-month one-year contract since November 2024.
  • She ran in the 2024 local elections in Dublin Pembroke, for NUI chancellor in October 2024, and for the Seanad in January 2025.
  • The CMC accepted wrongful dismissal and lack of procedures.
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • otherShe was awarded €55,000 by the Workplace Relations Commission. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe €55,000 award was based on a €44,000 salary, loss and prospective loss of income. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherShe ran in the local elections in 2024 in the Dublin Pembroke area. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherShe ran for election as chancellor of the National University of Ireland in October 2024. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherShe ran for election to the Seanad in January 2025. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherIn the two years from her dismissal she had earned only €1,000 gross. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherSince September 2024 she had earned €400 with €1,000 due and a €2,000-a-month one-year contract since November 2024. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe CMC board did not consider the option of re-engagement or reinstatement. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 28 Aug2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Arts manager who won WRC unfair dismissal case appeals to Labour Court to get job back

    Labour Court hearing on reinstatement appeal after WRC unfair dismissal award; CMC accepted wrongful dismissal and lack of procedures.

    victim, female, irish (judged from name)suspect, Evonne Fergus, named, irish (judged from name)Evonne Fergus