A Dublin-based family of Travellers, which was refused admission to a concert at a Dublin venue, has been awarded almost £5,000 damages for breach of contract.
Mr Kieran Collins, with an address at Villa Park, Finglas, and eight members of his extended family, had sued Kilcommon Inns Ltd., owners of the Lower Deck Pub, Portobello, Dublin, after they had been turned away from a Johnny McEvoy concert.
Judge John O'Hagan in the Circuit Civil Court held that the family had valid tickets and had been refused admission at a time when the concert organisers were allowing other members of the public into the venue.
Judge O'Hagan heard that the night out had been arranged by Mr Collins as a family surprise for his son, Joseph, a Johnny Mc Evoy fan, who had just received a kidney transplant after having been on a waiting list.
The judge commended the family for their behaviour and restraint on the night of the concert more than three years ago. He said there had been an unfortunate over-sell of tickets for the concert and Mr Collins's family had interpreted the refusal of admission as a prejudice against Travellers.
The promoters had breached their contract with the family and were liable to compensate them, he said.
He awarded Mr Collins £4,554 to be shared among his family, all of whom had been added as plaintiffs to his action.
Afterwards Mr Collins said it was a great day for Travellers throughout Ireland. He said his family was delighted by the commendation by Judge O'Hagan on the manner in which they had accepted and dealt with the refusal.