Woman suing Dublin bar for injury sustained while trying to catch sex toy

An incident involving a ring intended for use on “a certain part” of the male anatomy being thrown into the air as a prize at a lingerie party was akin to a bridal bouquet being thrown and did not require a risk assessment, an engineer told the High Court.

Sean Walsh was disputing engineering evidence called on behalf of Sylvia Deehan, aged 46, to the effect a risk assessment should have been carried out in relation to an Ann Summers lingerie party held at the Lough Inn, Loughlinstown, Dublin, on January 21, 2011.

Ms Deehan, Maple Avenue, Ballybrack, Dublin, alleges she injured her ribs as a result of being shoved aside by another woman who was lunging for the ring. Mark De Blacam, counsel for Ms Deehan, argued yesterday she is entitled to both exemplary and compensatory damages because “false evidence” was given about her.

However, lawyers for the pub said Ms Deehan’s claim “flies in the face of common sense” and should be dismissed.

Mr Justice Max Barrett has reserved judgment on the action by Ms Deehan, against Loughlinstown Inn Ltd, trading as the Lough Inn pub at Loughlinstown, Co Dublin.

The pub has denied claims by Ms Deehan she suffered injuries as a result of being pushed by another woman who was trying to grab the prize, thrown in the air by an Ann Summers representative in the bar.

The incident allegedly occurred during a “ladies night” in the bar. Dublin Circuit Court dismissed the claim last June and Ms Deehan has appealed that decision to the High Court

In closing arguments, Mr De Blacam said this was “an unfortunate case” where one side was “telling lies.”

Because “false evidence” and lies were told to the court about Ms Deehan, she was entitled to “exemplary” and compensatory damages.

Joe McGettigan, for the pub, argued the claim against it was “ludicrous” and flew “in the face of common sense” in relation as to how people socialise.

Earlier, Mr Walsh, a consultant engineer who compiled a report for the pub, rejected engineering evidence tendered on Ms Deehan’s behalf that a risk assessment should have been carried out at the pub relating to an event like an Ann Summers party. Risk assessments are carried out for large or unusual events, not for smaller, regular events held in pubs or hotels, he said. The throwing of the prize was “a similar situation” to a bride throwing her bouquet at a wedding reception.