Legal costs of around £3,500 have been awarded against Mrs Dorothy Higgins, of Raheny, Dublin, the mother of a 10-year-old child who failed in a personal injuries action against St Vincent de Paul Infants' Convent School, Griffith Avenue, her former school, for up to £30,000 damages.
Judge Anthony Kennedy in the Circuit Court heard that Rachel Higgins had injured her upper lip and teeth when she was knocked down by pupils playing while allegedly unsupervised.
Ms Adrienne Fields, for the school, said Rachel's teacher had seen her stumble and fall. Judge Kennedy said he did not doubt Rachel's and a friend's truthfulness but he had to prefer the evidence of two adult, responsible and conscientious teachers against two children.