RTÉ rugby commentator Jim Sherwin was yesterday awarded €21,000 in damages after he successfully sued Cork County Council for injuries he suffered to his ankle when he slipped almost six years ago.
Mr Sherwin, from Strathin, Templecarrig, Delgany, Co Wicklow, was walking along the roadway from Cork Airport to Musgrave Park to attend the Combined Provinces versus a South African team rugby match on November 24th, 1998, when he fell, Cork Circuit court heard.
Mr Sherwin was walking towards the rugby ground when his left leg slipped off the tarmac and he injured his left ankle. He then got a taxi to Musgrave Park and went to the team physiotherapist.
On returning to Dublin he contacted his friend, orthopaedic surgeon Dr William Quinlan, who tended to the injury.
Mr Sherwin said the injury meant he had to cancel plans for a second series on hill-walking for RTÉ, though a medical report in April 2003 said he could resume any activities he wished, the court heard.
Consulting engineer Mr Joe O'Sullivan, for Mr Sherwin, examined the roadway and concluded that a stream flowing from a farm gate had led to the erosion of supporting soil and the creation of a six-inch high lip on the road. Judge James O'Donohue was satisfied Mr Sherwin had suffered a soft-tissue injury. He believed Cork County Council was negligent and awarded Mr Sherwin €21,000 in damages.