A YOUNG man had to have his leg amputated as a result of injuries sustained after being struck by a car taking part in an international rally event, the High Court was told yesterday.
Blaine Murphy (25) suffered severe compound fractures to his left leg when he was struck by a Honda Civic which came off the road while he was watching a stage of the Galway International Motor Rally on February 5th, 2005.
At the time of the incident, which occurred on the road between Gort and Loughrea, Mr Murphy was filming cars with his camcorder. The court yesterday viewed video images of the rally taken by him at the time of the collision.
Arising from his injuries, Mr Murphy, Cashelmara, Knocknacarra, Galway, has sued the Co Galway Motor Club Ltd, Irish Motorsport Federation Ltd (Motor Sport Ireland), Motor Sport Ireland Safety Team and Brian Melia, Old Church Street, Athenry, Co Galway, the driver of the rally car.
It is claimed the rally was organised and operated by the Co Galway Motor Club under the auspices of Motor Sport Ireland and that Motor Sport Ireland Safety, a recognised club of Motor Sport Ireland, provided safety services for the rally.
Mr Murphy alleges negligence and breach of duty of care by the defendants. It is claimed there was failure to carry out an adequate risk assessment for dangers in the area where Mr Murphy was watching the rally.
All four defendants have denied the claims against them. The action before Mr Justice Brian McGovern continues next week.