A High Court action by a man who claims he was sexually abused by Dr Michael Shine during a hospital examination 19 years ago was settled today.
The case had been adjourned twice since last Wednesday when the court was told Dr Shine was ill and in hospital. He remains in hospital but was expected to be discharged later today, the court heard.
Dr Shine was sued by Ronan MacConnoran (35) who claimed the abuse occurred during an examination by the orthopaedic surgeon in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co Louth, in February, 1993.
He sued Dr Shine, Drogheda Road, Mornington, Co Meath; the North Eastern Health Board (now the HSE) ; and the Medical Missionaries of Mary, the former owners of Lourdes Hospital.
Mr MacConnoron, a self-employed roofer, Ardee Road, Dunleer, Co Louth, sought damages for assault, battery, false imprisonment, and/or fraudulent concealment, sexual abuse and emotional suffering allegedly caused by the negligence and breach of duty by the defendants.
Today, following talks between the parties John Gordon SC, for Mr McConnoron said he was pleased to say the matter had been settled and could be struck out.
A jury of seven men and five women selected to hear the case was told today it had been settled. They were thanked by Mr Justice Eamon De Valera before being discharged.
Mr MacConneron had received a "strong six figure sum" as well as his costs as part of the settlement, his solicitor Dave Coleman said after the case.
Mr Coleman said it was a "landmark day" for his client after a long and difficult path in which no "no quarter" was given.