A soldier and former Dublin minor hurler who suffered ankle injuries when he fell while jumping a wall on an obstacle course during training was awarded £35,000 damages by the High Court yesterday. Mr Paul O'Reilly (29), from Clondalkin, sued the Minister for Defence and the State after the incident at Gormanston training camp, Co Meath, on May 31st, 1990.
Mr Justice Patrick Smith said the plaintiff alleged he had to jump to the ground from a 15-foot wall. On his only attempt, he claimed he injured his right ankle. The defendants denied the allegations, pleading contributory negligence.
The soldier joined the Army in February 1990. He trained in the gym at Collins Barracks, including indoor obstacle training on a workhorse with instructions on how to land. Several soldiers were taken to Gormanston for obstacle training. The plaintiff's account of what happened at the course and that of the defendants differed in some respects.
Mr Justice Smith said the soldier should have had considerably more training to perfect vaulting. Training and instruction for the particular course were inadequate considering the soldier's age and inexperience.
After the accident, the soldier was taken to the Mater Hospital and placed in a cast. He had continuing symptoms and was returned to hospital in December 1990. Again, he had a plaster cast placed for six weeks.
The judge said he was not satisfied on evidence that any contributory negligence had been proved.