Not a good look for Astronomy Ireland, from either end of the telescope.

Calahonda52

https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2024/0215/1432581-ex-astronomy-ireland-worker-stripped-of-finance-duties/

A former employee of Astronomy Ireland says she was stripped of any work regarding financial matters because she "started to ask questions about the legality of some of the ongoings" at the organisation.

The worker, Nicole Doyle, was giving evidence after lodging complaints under the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 against the management of Astronomy Ireland, with an address at Ballycoolin, Dublin 11.

At a public hearing into her complaint this morning, Ms Doyle said she was earning €538.47 a week gross for a 37.5-hour week as an administrator at the Ballycoolin office in 2022 and 2023, but was not furnished with a statement in writing of her terms of employment according to the required statutory timeframe.

"I had tried on multiple occasions to get a contract from them, via email, in person; any time anything relating to the contract came up, grievance reporting et cetera, I would say I need a contract because I need to do this – grievance reporting, sick reporting, anything you'd need a contract for," she said.

"They told me their solicitor… was sick, then she was on holidays, then sick again," she said.

etc

emo72

And now this. So not a good look.

https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2024/06/29/astronomy-ireland-founder-pocketed-speaking-money-former-manager-alleges/

liamtech

Iv always had several issues with Astronomy Ireland over the years - i guess the main gripe was that it never seemed like a club. Astronomy Ireland is the magazine, and it used to be the store too - which was WAY over priced.

For me a club is more of a grass roots movement, or group of enthusiasts. They are usually not for profit, and all about promoting their given hobby. Astronomy Ireland, always seemed more about magazine sales.

When they had a shop, it was so over priced, that I, an enthusiast, never purchased anything from them. I remember buying my first 'big' telescope in 2007 (6" Celestron SCT Goto) - i saved nearly 400 euro having it shipped from the UK. Which was insanity at the time. Had it been 100 euro more expensive i would have been happy enough to buy Irish - but the huge difference was something i couldnt swallow.

I remember hearing (third party so cannot confirm) that they kicked up a stink when Conns Cameras began selling some Celestron Gear - the claim was they had 'exclusivity' when it came to Celestron in ireland - it just seemed petty, as Conns were more competative at the time

https://www.irishastronomy.org/

I frequent this page as my main connection with other Amateur Astronomers in ireland - i find it useful and interesting to peruse