Donegal striker awarded damages after jaw broken in nightclub

A soccer player who suffered a broken jaw after he was assaulted in a Donegal town nightclub has been awarded €9,322 damages by a High Court jury.

David Graham (24), Laghey, Co Donegal, a striker with Donegal Town FC, sued Darren Reynolds, Bruckless, Dunkineely, Co Donegal, over the assault at the Sky nightclub in the Abbey Hotel, Donegal, on the night of August 5/6th 2012.

The disco was packed with people celebrating Donegal having qualified for the All-Ireland GAA football final earlier that day, the court heard.

Desmond Murphy SC, for Mr Graham, said no defence had been entered to the claim.

On that basis, the case proceeded before Mr Justice Colm MacEochaidh and a jury.

In evidence, Mr Graham said, prior to Mr Reynolds’ assaulting him and breaking his jaw, Mr Reynolds was involved in an earlier altercation in the nightclub that same night with another man.

As a result of the assault, Mr Graham suffered a broken jaw and dental problems, the jury heard.

After considering their verdict for almost an hour, the jury awarded €9,000 general damages, plus €322 special damages.

The judge also awarded costs to Mr Graham against Mr Reynolds.