A Donegal native who assaulted by players and spectators whilst refereeing a football match in Offaly has launched High Court proceedings against the Football Association of Ireland and the clubs involved.
Daniel Sweeney from Dungloe was hospitalised after being assaulted at the end of a game between Horseleap United and Mullingar Town in the Combined Counties Football League in November 2018. Sweeney suffered a jaw broken in two places, a fractured eye socket and lacerations to his nose.
High Court personal injury hearings are for cases when damages sought are over €60,000.
The former Arranmore United player received €5,000 compensation from Dean Dinnegan from Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
It was claimed at Tullamore Circuit Court that the incident at the match on arose out of racist remarks made towards the defendant, Dinnegan, who also produced a golf club.
Three Mullingar Town players and a spectator were given 40-year bans from all football activity for their roles in an attack.
Sweeney’s High Court action is being taken against the FAI, the Combined Counties Football League, Horseleap United, Mullingar Town, Dean Dinnegan, Sean Dinnegan, Sean Dinnegan Snr and Michael Joyce.