An Irish traditional singer is suing historian Prof Diarmaid Ferriter claiming the cover of the academic’s book on the Pioneers depicts him as an alcoholic.

Tim Lyons, Athenry, Co Galway, claims a photo of him with two pints of stout on the cover of Prof Ferriter’s A Nation of Extremes – The Pioneers in Twentieth Century Ireland depicts him as an alcoholic. He is also suing the book’s publisher, Irish Academic Press.

Ennis Circuit Court heard Prof Ferriter said he had no input into the selection of the photograph.

Dismissing Prof Ferriter’s application to have the action struck out, Judge Gerald Keys said: “How could I deal with the defence of innocent publication without hearing from everyone?

You would have to have a full trial of the action to establish if the author is entitled to that relief.” Peter Clein, for Mr Lyons, said … Read More »

31-year-old Dublin man feared he would contract a blood-borne infectious disease after sitting on a syringe needle in the city’s North Star Hotel, a judge was told in court yesterday.

Judge Alison Lindsay awarded Derek Ledden €10,000 damages and costs against the hotel owner, BC McGettigan Limited, which has its registered office at Waterloo Lane, Ballsbridge, Dublin.

Mr Ledden told the judge in the Circuit Civil Court that he had to abstain from having sex with his girlfriend until he received a HIV and hepatitis all-clear six months after the incident and it had strained their relationship.

Barrister John Moher said Mr Ledden, of Upper Oriel Street, Dublin, had suffered a traumatic experience six years ago when his brother, Stephen, had been murdered in a mistaken identity shooting at their home.

The judge said a needle had been found on the floor and there … Read More »