Ex-Principal Of Leinster Senior College Loses Dismissal Case Over Grinds Venture And Shredded Diaries

Friday, 11 July 2025 12:38

By Martin Osborne

An internal investigation had been launched after the school learned he was running what it considered a rival grinds business.

The former principal of Leinster Senior College in Newbridge has lost a legal challenge to his dismissal.

Karl Hegarty had taken a case under the Unfair Dismissals Act after he was sacked for gross misconduct in January 2023.

An internal investigation had been launched after the school learned he was running what it considered a rival grinds business.

Mr Hegarty, according to the Irish Independent, claimed he had verbal permission from his employer and said he had noted this in his work diaries.

However, the Workplace Relations Commission heard that he shredded those diaries after being asked to produce them.

The WRC adjudicator said the destruction of potential evidence "entirely undermined" his credibility.

It also claimed that Mr Hegarty failed to give clear information about his income from the business, and that he had been aware of his obligations, even if he hadn’t signed a contract with a non-compete clause.

His complaint was formally dismissed in a decision published yesterday.

More from National News

Department Of Housing Shifts Blame On To Council As Kildare Families Priced Out Of "Affordable" Housing Again

In a statement to Kfm News, the Department said the Barracksfield West development is part of the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, and that the minimum prices, about 24% below market value, were decided by the Council.
Outbreak Of Bird Flu Has Been Confirmed In Carlow Turkey Flock

All flock owners have been urged to be vigilant for signs of bird flu and to maintain biosecurity measures
Lidl To Open Country’s First Net Zero Energy Store In Maynooth This Thursday

Designed in partnership with the Irish Green Building Council, the supermarket will generate as much energy as it consumes annually.
Contract For Maynooth Eastern Ring Road Project Awarded To Company Based In Kilcullen

The new single carriageway relief road will connect the R405 Celbridge Road in the south to the R148 Leixlip Road in the north.
Policy Shift Allows Private Sector To Construct Wastewater Plants For New Housing

Up until now, only Uisce Eireann has been allowed do this.
Parents Invited To Take Part In Major Survey On Primary Education’s Future

Audio

95 per cent of the country’s almost 3,100 primary schools fall under the patronage of religious bodies, according to figures from Education & Training Boards Ireland.
New "Affordable" Naas Homes Cost More Than Families Are Allowed To Borrow From Council

The same issue arose at Lattin Place on Rathasker Road because the three-beds started at €365,000, just five thousand euro over the loan threshold limit.
Minister Lawless Sought Legal Advice Over Claims Apprentice Electricians Bought Exam Papers For €50

Audio

Mr Lawless sought advice from the Attorney General on whether the matter should be referred to An Garda Síochána.