A DISPUTE between former manager of Bohemians Football Club Seán Connor and the club has been settled at the High Court.
Among the reasons for Mr Connor's dismissal in December last was an allegation he had made "advances of a sexual nature" to a woman who voluntarily worked at the club, the court heard.
Mr Connor strongly denied that allegation, saying it was without foundation and had made both his personal life and ability to procure another job very difficult.
Yesterday, the court was told the case had been settled on foot of a confidential agreement between the parties.
In a statement read by Alistair Rutherdale, for Bohemians, the club said it and Mr Connor had reached an amicable settlement.
The statement said Bohemians acknowledged and accepted that all matters raised had been "satisfactorily resolved". It also said it was never part of the club's case that any formal complaint of sexual harassment was made against Mr Connor.
Bohemians acknowledged and accepted Mr Connor did not forge a signature of a club director on a document in which a footballer was being offered a contract.
In his action, Mr Connor had claimed he was wrongfully dismissed and not afforded proper procedures. He also sought a declaration that the decision to terminate his €100,000 per season contract was null and void.
Mr Connor was earning €600 a week managing Sligo Rovers before he went to Bohemians on December 1st, 2006, under a contract due to last to the end of the 2009 League of Ireland season.
In December 2007, the directors of the club dismissed him following a number of allegations, all of which Mr O'Connor denied.
On the first day of the action on Tuesday, the court heard the alleged sexual harassment occurred after he invited the young woman out for dinner and later took her to an apartment.
It was alleged he invited her out "under false pretences" and made "advances of a sexual nature".
Mr Connor denied he made any advances and said he had invited the young woman out to thank her for assistance provided. He added that no formal complaint had been made by the woman.
In its defence and counter-claim, Bohemians alleged Mr Connor's position was terminated for serious and ongoing breaches of his contract, including the alleged offering of contracts to players without board approval and alleged payment of unauthorised meal expenses. It was also alleged Mr Connor drove a club sponsor-supplied car without insurance despite having been warned not to do so, and ended up in an incident in which a motorcyclist was paid €3,000 to settle any claim.