Ireland Labour Court dismisses religion discrimination claim in Tipperary
On May 1, 2015, computer science teacher Fachtna Roe and caretaker Noel Lonergan had a verbal and physical altercation at the Central Technical Institute in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, after Roe attempted to remove a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary that Lonergan had erected as part of a May altar. Lonergan sustained minor injuries to his neck and hand during the tussle, and both men were subject to disciplinary proceedings. Roe, who had previously complained about the altar in 2012, brought a claim to the Labour Court alleging discrimination, harassment and victimisation on grounds of religion. Deputy Labour Court chairman Alan Haugh dismissed the claim after four days of evidence, upholding a 2017 Workplace Relations Commission decision.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court20 Aug
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Computer science teacher Fachtna Roe attempted to remove a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary from a May altar, and caretaker Noel Lonergan intervened, leading to a physical altercation in which Lonergan was shoved backwards, hit himself off an object, and sustained minor injuries to his neck and hand.
- Roe had previously complained to institute authorities in 2012 concerning the erection of the May altar, and school management subsequently relocated it.
- Where
- The incident occurred at the Central Technical Institute (CTI) in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
- When
- The verbal and physical altercation took place on May 1, 2015.
- Investigation
- Lonergan reported the matter to gardaí and gave a statement.
- Charges
- Roe brought a claim to the Labour Court alleging discrimination, harassment and victimisation on grounds of religion.
- In court
- Deputy Labour Court chairman Alan Haugh dismissed Roe's claim after four days of evidence, upholding a 2017 Workplace Relations Commission decision.
- Other details
- Both Roe and Lonergan were subject to disciplinary proceedings concerning the May 2015 altercation.
- Roe was relocated to alternative teacher duties at Templemore where he continues to work.
- Teacher Jonathan Nolan broke up the row.
- Roe's complaint to the Equality Tribunal resulted in a mediated settlement on April 27, 2015.
13 statements extracted from the articles
- whatRoe had previously complained to institute authorities in 2012 concerning the erection of the May altar. (extra.ie)
- whatRoe claimed the statue is a symbol associated with oppression, cruelty and humiliation of women and children. (extra.ie)
- whatAfter Roe's 2012 complaint, school management relocated the May altar. (extra.ie)
- whatRoe attempted to remove the statue in May 2015 and Lonergan intervened, leading to a tussle. (extra.ie)
- whatLonergan was shoved backwards, hit himself off an object and sustained minor injuries to his neck and hand. (extra.ie)
- whatTeacher Jonathan Nolan broke up the row. (extra.ie)
- whatBoth Roe and Lonergan were subject to disciplinary proceedings concerning the May 2015 altercation. (extra.ie)
- whatRoe was relocated to alternative teacher duties at Templemore where he continues to work. (extra.ie)
- whatRoe's complaint to the Equality Tribunal resulted in a mediated settlement on April 27, 2015. (extra.ie)
- whereThe incident occurred at the Central Technical Institute (CTI) in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. (extra.ie)
- whenThe verbal and physical altercation took place on May 1, 2015. (extra.ie)
- investigationLonergan reported the matter to gardaí and gave a statement. (extra.ie)
- courtDeputy Labour Court chairman Alan Haugh dismissed Roe's claim of discrimination, harassment and victimisation on grounds of religion. (extra.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 20 Aug2021Holy row: Teacher and caretaker’s tussle over Virgin Mary statue that ended up in court - Extra.ie
Reports the Labour Court ruling after four days of evidence dismissing Roe's claims, upholding a 2017 Workplace Relations Commission decision, and details the 2015 altercation, disciplinary proceedings and Roe's subsequent relocation to Templemore.
victim, Fachtna Roe, male, irish (judged from name)Fachtna Roesuspect, Noel Lonergan, male, named, irish (judged from name)Noel Lonergan