A violinist whose promising career was curtailed following a car crash has been awarded £30,000 damages for whiplash injuries. Acting Circuit Court President Judge Diarmuid Sheridan heard that Ms Colette O'Brien (33), leader of the Cork Symphony Orchestra, had reached concerto standard as a violin soloist before the crash last year.
Her counsel, Ms Nastaise Leddy, said Ms O'Brien needed to practise up to six hours daily, but was now unable to do so.
Awarding Ms O'Brien £30,000, Judge Sheridan said he believed every word she had said about her injuries.
He granted Mr Mark de Blacam, counsel for the other motorist, Ms Margaret Furlong, Belgard, Tallaght, Dublin, a stay pending an appeal to the High Court on terms that £10,000 be paid out immediately to Ms O'Brien.