A Dublin schoolboy, about to win his first cap with the Irish soccer under-15s, has been awarded almost £28,000 damages for what a judge described as a terrible injury.
Judge Diarmuid Sheridan heard that Daniel Loughran (15) of Cromlech Fields, Loughlinstown, played fullback for Stella Maris, a nursery team for Tranmere Rovers. He had been given trials at Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers where he met and played pool with his soccer idol Kenny Dalglish.
Ms Anne Reilly, counsel for Daniel, told the Circuit Civil Court he broke his front teeth after slipping on ice at his school, Marian College, Ballsbridge. His front teeth were still loose following the preChristmas 1993 accident and he faced difficult implantation operations. Dental bills were expected to reach almost £8,000.
Daniel told the court his ambition was to become a professional footballer and he already had a special mouth-guard made to allow him to continue with his career. "Normally only rugby players have to wear mouth-guards," he told Judge Sheridan.
Judge Sheridan said the school had admitted liability and had quickly agreed a "no quibble" offer of £7,829 for Daniel's future dental bills.
He said the initial pain must have been appalling and added £20,000 general damages for pain and suffering.
Afterwards Daniel, who attended court with his mother Marie, said he was delighted with the award which will remain invested in court funds until he is 18.
Daniel reached the last 25 of 150 competitors for the Irish under-15s and hopes to make the 16-strong squad which is yet to be named.