The restaurant sector has hit out at a “spiraling claims culture” after the High Court awarded €20,000 in damages to a woman who banged her knee against the leg of a table while sitting down to dinner.

A €20,000 High Court damages award to a woman who banged her knee against the leg of a table while sitting down to dinner will have serious repercussions for hoteliers and restaurateurs.

He’s been a hero in their eyes for decades — but now he’s got the award to prove it.

One Irish mother has conquered her greatest fear today so she could see her son battle it out for an Olympic gold medal in Athens.