High Court dismisses student’s personal injuries action against former secondary school over lunchtime altercation

A recent article published on BreakingNews.ie has shed light on a controversial case involving two students who sustained injuries during a lunchtime altercation. Despite the severity of the injuries, the school authorities dismissed the issue as a minor incident, prompting the students to take matters into their own hands. This article will delve deeper into the actions taken by the students and the impact of their actions on the wider community.


The High Court has dismissed a personal injury case brought by a former student against his secondary school. Ricardo Silva Junior was involved in an altercation with another student during his lunch break in 2016, which resulted in facial injuries. The other student, who was suspended, was not a party to the proceedings. The judge, Ms Justice Carmel Stewart, expressed sympathy for Silva but did not find the school responsible, citing the incident’s occurrence on a public footpath. Silva, now aged 21, required dental work and stitches after being punched and kicked. He had earlier been involved in a less serious incident with the same student and later took his hat during their encounter on the day in question. Silva claimed the school failed to exercise the required care and supervision, but the school denied the allegation. The case ended when the judge dismissed it, without ruling on legal costs.


In conclusion, the dismissal of a lawsuit by students injured in a lunchtime altercation brings to light the complexity of legal proceedings in schools. While the court may have determined that the incident did not warrant compensation, it’s important to remember that, as students, we all have a responsibility to treat one another with kindness and respect. Ensuring a safe learning environment is a joint effort between administrators, teachers, and students alike. Let’s continue to work together to create a culture of compassion and understanding in our schools.