Teen international footballer’s career on hold after car accident, court told

A TEENAGE international footballer’s career had to be put on hold following a car accident, a judge heard yesterday.

Circuit Court president Mr Justice Matthew Deery rejected a €13,300 assessment by PIAB (Personal Injuries Assessment Board) as inadequate to compensate 17-year-old Kirsty Keogh.

He adjourned the damages claim made by Kirsty against the insurers of a car driver, who rear-ended her mother’s car, to a full trial in the Circuit Civil Court.

Barrister Ivan Daly told the court that Kirsty, of Dromheath Grove, Ladyswell, Mulhuddart, Dublin, had been selected to play for the Ireland Under 19s just before the accident which took place on April 4 last year.

Mr Daly said she had been a front-seat passenger in a car driven by her mother, Louise Keogh, when it was driven into from behind. She had suffered whiplash injuries to her neck and lower back.

He told Mr Justice Deery that Kirsty had been treated for soft tissue injuries at James Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, as well as having 10 sessions of physiotherapy.

Mr Daly said Kirsty had been unable to play for Ireland because of her injuries and at the time doctors warned her she would not be internationally match fit for more than a year.

He said she had resumed light training but suffered pain to her lower back when playing football. She experienced pain at school when sitting for long periods and discomfort when standing or walking.

The court heard that while Kirsty’s injuries had not been serious they had significantly limited her participation in her chosen sport.

Kirsty had been chosen to play for Ireland against Germany soon after the accident and had missed out on other matches and trials since.