Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta was found liable after a spectator fractured his right hand in a fall on a wet stairwell at Croke Park, with the Circuit Court reducing his damages by 20% for contributory negligence because he did not use either available handrail.
Judge Jennifer O’Brien delivered the ex tempore judgment on 10 July 2024 in a personal injury action issued in May 2016. The plaintiff, Darren Brooks, said he slipped on pooled liquid after descending a spiral staircase shortly before or at half-time during the All-Ireland football final on 20 September 2015. He said he reported the incident to a steward. The court heard evidence from Brooks, engineering experts and the stadium’s then Safety Officer, and reviewed photographs. Medical reports were agreed.
Brooks argued that the hazard should have been addressed by a warning, a steward or by brushing away the water. The defendant submitted that the surface water was obvious and that he should have taken greater care, including by using a handrail or moving more slowly. Brooks denied that he was rushing.
The judge said photographs showed “very clear signs of neglect”, including worn, shiny concrete. She accepted the plaintiff’s expert evidence that constant footfall caused the surface wear. The judgment said the stadium’s maintenance was largely regular cleaning and repairs when something broke down, without an apparent active plan for scheduled or preventative maintenance. The judge described this as a “run-to-failure” approach and said an appropriate condition-based plan should provide for regular checks and treatment of surfaces.
The court decided liability in Brooks’s favour, finding that no steps had been taken to monitor and properly maintain the surface beyond regular cleaning. It also found contributory negligence because Brooks did not use either handrail.
The judgment records that Brooks had surgery and physiotherapy for a moderate fracture, took four weeks off work, and continued to experience pain. The court expected full recovery and noted a small scar. It assessed damages at €30,200, reduced them by 20% to €24,160, and made no award for special damages. Costs were awarded to the plaintiff, including reserved and discovery costs, to be taxed if not agreed. The court also granted a stay pending appeal; the judgment does not state that an appeal was filed.