People injured in ice-skating falls are responsible, says rink’s operator

PEOPLE who may have injured themselves in falls while skating on a hugely popular ice rink in Killarney during the festive season are themselves responsible, the rink’s operator insisted yesterday.

Fran O’Donnell, who set up Holiday on Ice for the Killarney Christmas shopping festival, dismissed as a “load of bunkum” claims that skating was dangerous, following reports of several minor accidents.

Each of the e15 tickets purchased to use the facility contains a printed disclaimer saying that holders of tickets assume all risk of injury and responsibility for property lost.

Mr O’Donnell said security was provided for people on the rink and he was very proud of the safety record.

“We are fully insured, but skating is just another sporting activity in which people choose to participate like football, hurling or rugby.

“Compared to any other sports, there’s a far lower amount of injuries in skating. It’s a myth, like the alligators in the sewers of New York, to say skating is more dangerous. This is being blown out of all proportion and I can’t understand why the media is so caught up on the issue.”

He said six ice marshals were on duty at all times, as well as two first aid personnel and a manager. Six were employed in skate hire.

“These skates are non-professional and are safe,” he stated.

A similar rink has been operating in Limerick for a few years and Mr O’Donnell said people there had become “very proficient” in using it.

Holiday on Ice, which finishes in Killarney on Sunday next, drew thousands of people during the festive period, including many from other parts of Munster.

The Health Service Executive (Southern Area) yesterday said it could not confirm reports that up to 30 people had been admitted to the A&E department at Kerry General Hospital, Tralee, after using the rink.

Mr O’Donnell said it was inevitable that people would fall over and receive cuts and bruises when learning how to skate, but there were no serious injuries and no fingers had been cut off.

“Once they receive a bit of tender, loving care they’re fine. The kids really take to ice skating like ducks to water,” he added.

Dismissing any suggestions that Kerry people were clumsy, he said they taking very well to ice skating, which was still a new sport in Ireland.

There are reports that up to 30,000 people have, so far, used the rink in Killarney, but Mr O’Donnell said he was not yet in a position to give exact figures.

“We are certainly very happy with the crowds,” he said.

Meanwhile, the organisers of the Christmas in Killarney Festival, which cost €150,000 to promote, have expressed satisfaction with the festival which, they say, helped bring shoppers back to Killarney.

They also said they hope to have an ice skating rink in the town next Christmas, by which time Kerry people’s skating skills should have improved.