Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

File photo Shutterstock/Juhku

Challenge over investigation into greyhound who tested positive for banned substance dismissed

The judge said the challenge against the inquiry into findings concerning “Clonbrien Hero” was “premature”.

THE HIGH COURT has dismissed a greyhound trainer’s action against the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) inquiry into findings that a dog had traces of a prohibited substance in its system.

Justice Tara Burns, in finding against trainer Graham Holland, Golden, Co Tipperary, said his challenge against the inquiry into findings concerning “Clonbrien Hero” was “premature”.

The judge said that the proceedings were brought at a time when Holland’s rights to fair procedures and natural justice had not been breached, nor were in imminent danger of being breached.

The judge in dismissing the case added that she was also satisfied the was no breach of the statutory framework governing the considerations of these matters.

The findings at the centre of the case relate to samples taken from the dog trained by Holland in three races in Cork in June and July where traces of the drug benzoylecgonine, which is the principal metabolite of cocaine, were found.

The IGB published its findings on its website.

In judicial review proceedings against the Control Committee of Bord na gCon, Holland sought to challenge the inquiry on grounds including that he had not been told what exactly the case against him is.

He also claimed that the committee had acted in breach of fair procedures and natural justice and sought to have the decision to proceed with a disciplinary hearing against him quashed by the High Court.

The committee’s hearing was put on hold pending the outcome of the High Court action.

The challenge was opposed by IGB, which denied that Holland’s rights had been disregarded by it.

It also argued that Holland’s action was premature.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Aodhan O'Faolain & Ray Managh
View 14 comments
Close
14 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds