A GAA footballer whose jaw was broken during a Co Donegal interclub match yesterday lost his claim for damages against a garda opponent whom he alleged had assaulted him on the pitch.
Ms Justice Laffoy, dismissing the claim brought by Mr Sean Connaughton (26), of Glenties, against Garda John Ferry, Rosheen, Dunfanaghy, said she thought Mr Connaughton was mistaken in identifying the garda as the perpetrator.
It was more probable that the perpetrator was someone who was on the pitch but was not before the court. She was conscious the case had caused a lot of stress to Garda Ferry. She made no order as to costs. Mr Connaughton had claimed his jaw was broken by Garda Ferry during a match between Robert Emmetts, Castlefin, and St Michaels, Dunfanaghy, on April 8th, 1989.