A bank accountant who had to quit rugby following a car accident has been awarded £25,450 damages for personal injuries.
Mr Raymond Fitzpatrick (32) of The Grove, Bettyglen, Raheny, Dublin, a brother of former Irish prop forward Mick Fitzpatrick, told Dublin Circuit Court it had been his boyhood dream to represent his country.
He told his counsel, Mr Michael Durack SC, that his rugby career ended when his wife's car, in which he was a passenger, was crashed into two years ago.
He injured his neck, shoulder and backhand still suffered spasmodic pain.
He was a member of Portmarnock and Sutton Golf Clubs and played off a 10 handicap.
Although he tried to play in competitions arranged to celebrate Portmarnock Golf Club's centenary in 1994, he was unable to do so.
Mr Fitzpatrick told the court he played for Suttonians 2nd XV and was a member of the 1st XV squad before the accident.
He could not play rugby since and might have to give up the game.
Dr Paul O'Connell, a consultant rheumatologist at Beaumont Hospital, said rugby was out for Mr Fitzpatrick and he would have difficulty making a comeback at golf.
He expected his injuries would affect him for another two years.
Judge Patrick Smith said Mr Fitzpatrick had been a fit and active man before the accident which had seriously disrupted his life, his work and his sporting activities.
He awarded him £21,000 general damages with £4,450 special damages.
Mrs Grainne Fitzpatrick, who was also injured in the accident, accepted an undisclosed settlement in her claim for damages. Both had sued Ms Linda Fennelly, All Saints Road, Raheny, Dublin, owner of the second car.
