Three young people who sustained injuries in a horrific car crash in Co Donegal in which five other young people died, including a nine-year-old boy, have been awarded more than €800,000 damages by the High Court.
Brothers Shaun (19) and Eamon McNeilis (14), who were injured in the accident seven years ago, which claimed the life of their nine-year old brother Michael and four other teenagers, were awarded €369,000.
The boys' 20-year old cousin, Martha McGill, was awarded €445,632 for the injuries she suffered. Shaun, Eamon and Martha were in a car with other family members at the time of the fatal crash.
They sued the owner of the other car, Ann Armstrong from Belfast, as a result of the accident on the main Glenties to Letterkenny Road in Fintown, Co Donegal, on August 13th, 1999.
Ms Armstrong's 18-year-old son, who was driving the other car, died in the crash along with three other youths who were passengers in the car.
David Armstrong, from Belfas,t lost his life, along with fellow sixth-formers Nicholas Kirkwood (18), Ballygowan, Co Down; Christopher Hanna (17), Downpatrick, Co Down; and Christopher Sloan (17) Holywood, Co Down.
Members of the McNeilis family from Edergole, Ardara, Co Donegal, and the McGill family were in their car when the car driven by David Armstrong moved on to the wrong side of the road and collided with their car.
Mr Justice Michael Peart, in a reserved judgment, yesterday said he was not making a finding of contributory negligence in the case because of the ages and state of maturity of those involved. There were five children in the back of the car and only three seat belts, he said.
The judge said he would award Eamon McNeilis €165,000 and Shaun McNeilis €204,165.
Eamon suffered fractures to both legs and was in a wheelchair for four months, the court heard. Shaun suffered a fracture to his right leg and was in traction for 13 weeks.
Martha McGill, Ardara, Co Donegal, was awarded €445,632. She had a hip replacement and a disfiguring scar.