Cyclist’s injuries action against sister of Regency Hotel victim settled

A cyclist who claimed he suffered a severe and complex injury to his foot after he was struck by a SUV has settled his High Courtaction for damages.

The action was taken by sound technician Andrew Walsh (35) who claimed he was knocked off his bike at Meath Street, Dublin 8 on May 19th, 2011.

He claimed his bicycle was struck from the rear by a white Nissan driven by Maria Byrne of Windmill Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12.

In his action, Mr Walsh claimed Ms Byrne drove in a manner which was dangerous, failed to keep a proper lookout, and failed to brake properly to avoid the collision.

The claims were denied by Ms Byrne, who was represented by Vincent Foley SC. She is the sister of murder victim David Byrne who was shot dead in the Regency Hotel, Dublin, in February 2016.

On Wednesday morning, on what was the second day of the hearing Diarmuid Murphy Bl for Mr Walsh said the case had been settled and with the consent of the parties could be struck out.

No details of the settlement were given in open court.

Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon said she was “delighted” the sides had come to a settlement.

The judge said the case was “an interesting one” which had raised issues concerning the rights of cyclists.

Mr Walsh, represented by Stephen Lanigan-O Keeffe SC and Mr Murphy, claimed he suffered injuries including two fractures to his metatarsals in his right foot as a result of the collision.

He claimed the pain in his foot, and other symptoms including involuntary twitching, had persisted, causing him difficulties, discomfort and has required the use of a walking stick, and he has undergone surgery.

He also requires further surgery on the injury in the future, the court heard.

He told the court that two men, who he did not know, came on the scene while he was on the ground after the collision and intimidated him.

Under cross-examination by Mr Foley, Mr Walsh denied giving different versions of the collision in statements to the gardaí, his expert engineer and the court.

He further denied that relevant medical evidence had been withheld.