A WOMAN who claimed she was knocked down and injured by a man in a milk float used in the Father Ted has settled a High Court action for damages.
Geraldine Naughton (59) of Inisgrove, Lahinch Road, Ennis, Co Clare, claimed she was pinned under the float after it mounted the kerb of a roundabout and drove over her left leg.
The incident took place around February 26 2008 during the Father Ted festival in Kilfenora, Co Clare, and court documents state that the milk float was “driven or steered erratically” by a man dressed as Fr Dougal McGuire.
Ms Naughton claimed that she was left in “great pain” after the milk float rolled over her leg, which was left swollen and extremely painful after it was removed.
She was placed in a plaster and was required to use crutches for eight weeks after X-rays taken at Ennis General Hospital revealed a fracture to the tip of her left fibula and a laceration to the back of her left ankle.
During follow up appointments at Limerick Regional Hospital’s fracture clinic it was noticed that she had sustained a friction burn of the skin on her left calf.
Her cast was removed in April 2008 and she underwent physiotherapy.
Ms Naughton was then “left with a scar that constitutes a cosmetic defect”, according to the plaintiff’s claim papers lodged with the High Court.
The document further stated: “This is a source of great embarrassment to the plaintiff as she is very conscious of the scar.”
It was also claimed the plaintiff continues to suffer from pain if she undertakes any physical exercise and is unable to wear high heeled shoes.
Ms Naughton sued for damages for personal injury, loss, inconvenience and expense caused or occasioned by the negligence on the part of the defendants or one of them, their servants or agents.
She also claimed interest on all special damages pursuant to Statute and further or other reliefs, as well as court costs together with VAT at the appropriate statutory rate.
The plaintiff was taking part in a fundraising event, along with seven others, organised by and for Down Syndrome Ireland Ltd, the first named defendant.
It involved pushing a milk float for a distance of approximately 10kms, from Ennistymon to Kilfenora in Co Clare.
"The said milk float was the same or a replica of the milk float which had featured in an episode of the television comedy programme Fr Ted, which particular episode was a parody of the action movie "Speed", and accordingly the milk float would be recognised with fondness by aficionados and followers of the Father Ted programme," the claim document stated.
There was no admission of liability by any of the parties involved.
The terms of the settlement was not disclosed and the matter was struck out by Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill at the High Court sitting in Limerick.
