SOLDIERS SUE FOR DEAFNESS
FEBRUARY 1999
IT emerges in the Dáil that 50% of soldiers serving in Aiken Barracks are suing the state for deafness.
Figures released by the Department of Defence show that 35% of all army personnel have put in claims.
The level of claims at the Dundalk barracks is considerably lower than at many other bases – 95% of soldiers in Wexford are seeking compensation, 83% Bandon, Co. Cork are seeking compensation; 72% Sarsfield Barracks, Co. Limerick; 66% Ennis, 61% Boyle, 60% Sligo and McCann Barracks, Templemore; 56% Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny and 54% Finner Camp, Co. Donegal.
‘Department of Defence officials continue to push the minister out, regurgitating old material with a new spin,’ says Pat Grogan, PDFORRA president.
‘ This is done, and has been successful to date in keeping the media spotlight rigidly focussed on the victims of this negligence, portraying them as criminals, and on the courts, in order to divert attention away from the department’s proven negligence.’ GLENMUIR Utd’s grip on their MDL Premier Division crown is loosened by Woodview Celtic who stake their own title claim.
It finishes 2-0 at DkIT in very tough conditions with a freezing gale-force wind spoiling the match.
Conor Murphy, with a cracking half-volley from more than 20 yards gives Wood- view the lead in the 15th minute.
The same player should have earned a penalty when sent tumbling in the box, while at the other end, reigning champions Glenmuir come close through Anto Reilly and Alan Larkin.
However, with the elements in their favour in the second half, Glenmuir are unable to make a breakthrough.
Two minutes from time Mickey O’Kane makes it 2-0 to Woodview who now sit second two points off Rock Celtic.
Woodview Celtic: Thomas Mulvey, Gavin McKeever, Paul Warnock, Chris Caulfield, Seán Dixon, Conor Murphy (Seán Conlon), Paul McArdle, Michael Bergin, Raymond Trimble, Paul Hoey, Mickey O’Kane.
Glenmuir Utd: John Rogers, Alan McCartney (Brian Casey), Alan Browne, Ciarán Sheehy, David Fairclough, Dermot Grier, Paddy Reilly (Mark Nolan), Chris Lawless, Alan Larkin, Anto Reilly, Stephen Fisher.