Boy hit in eye by rebounding golf ball settles case for €55,000

High Court reporters

A young boy who struck a golf ball at a driving range but it rebounded hitting him in the eye has settled a High Court action for €55,000.

The boy was only five years of age when the accident happened at a driving range at a local golf club six years ago.

His counsel, David Roberts BL, told the court the boy struck a golf ball, but it rebounded onto his face, hitting him in the right eye. The boy, he said, suffered a blunt eye trauma but has now fully recovered, though he will need follow-up checks in the future.

Mr Justice Nuala Jackson said the boy was a “very fortunate young man” and it must have been a very painful incident.

She said the boy had done extremely well in the settlement.

Now aged eleven years of age, through his mother he sued the trustees of the Heath Golf Club with registered offices at Greatheath, Portlaoise, Co Laois, over the accident on March 10th, 2019.

In the proceedings, it was claimed there was an alleged failure to take any or any adequate precautions to ensure the boy was safe while on the premises and an alleged failure to take any or any adequate measures to prevent the injury which in fact occurred.

It was further claimed that there was an alleged failure to provide the necessary care and attention to ensure the safety of the boy.

The boy was brought to his local hospital and was later managed at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital. It was claimed his injuries included bruising, swelling and raised intraocular pressure as well as a small tissue hole.

Ms Justice Jackson approved the settlement.