In Short

A round-up of today's other stories in brief.

A round-up of today's other stories in brief.

Man takes sex abuse action against priest

A man who claims he was sexually abused by a priest twice a week from the age of 14 to 19, beginning when he was an altar boy, has begun a High Court action for damages against the priest and the Bishop of Ferns.

Patrick Doyle (48), The Rookery, Bellefield, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, has taken the proceedings against Fr John Kinsella, who was attached to the Diocese of Ferns. The action is also against Bishop Eamon Walsh, who is being sued in his capacity as Bishop of the Diocese of Ferns on the basis that he was vicariously liable for the alleged acts of the priest.

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The court was told by Mr Jack Fitzgerald SC, for Mr Doyle, that Fr Kinsella rejected the allegations. The court also heard that counsel for Bishop Walsh will argue the action is statute barred because of the delay in bringing it.

Farmers settle golf club action

A group of farmers from the midlands have settled their High Court action against a local golf club and the State over alleged grazing rights on lands in Co Laois. The group, which claims grazing rights on commonage known as the Great Heath near Portlaoise, Co Laois, had taken the action against the Heath Golf Club, Portlaoise, the Minister for Finance and the Office of Public Works, which manages the land.

Mother refused service wins award

A mother and her six-year-old brain-damaged son, who were refused service in a pub, have accepted damages for defamation and discrimination.

Laura Brady, Foxdene Ave, Balgaddy, Lucan, Co Dublin, told the Circuit Civil Court yesterday that in August, 2005, she had gone to the Penny Hill pub, Ballyowen, Lucan, with her son, Lee, for a meal.

Following Ms Brady's evidence the court was told there had been inter-party talks and settlement terms had been accepted on the basis of Ms Brady receiving €7,500 damages and her son, Lee, receiving €5,000.

Judge Smyth approved of the settlement on behalf of Lee and directed the money be invested for him in court funds until he is 18.

Trial for sex assault collapses

The trial of a Dublin father accused of sexually assaulting his daughter over 30 years ago has collapsed at the Central Criminal Court. Mr Justice Kevin O'Higgins discharged the jury on the application of defence counsel Mr Roddy O'Hanlon following legal discussion. It was day three of the trial.

Mr Justice O'Higgins remanded the 61-year-old accused on continuing bail for a new trial.

The man denies raping and sexually assaulting his daughter.