Limerick business owner who lost fingers in workplace accident has 'long road' ahead

A LIMERICK man has spoken about his life-changing injuries after he lost three fingers in a workplace accident.

Ian Gardiner suffered the injury at his newly-opened business, Gardiner’s Foodhall on Church Street, Newcastle West in July.

The accident happened just two weeks after he opened his doors to the public.

The 48 year-old was using a bandsaw at the premises when a freak accident resulted in him losing three fingers on his right hand.

Doctors managed to reattach his fingers, however, as they were cut at the knuckle, Ian has no usage of them.

In September, the business man announced that he would have to close the business as it was no longer possible for him to work.

Ian told Limerick Live that he is trying to stay positive.

However, he has a long road ahead.

“I used that saw for over 30 years, I only ever got a cut when I was cleaning it. It is just unfortunate that this happened. I have a long road ahead of me with winding down the business, I am finding it hard but I am trying to stay positive. I am going up and down to Cork for treatment and I will be back again on December 6 for more surgery”.

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Originally from Patrickswell, Ian lives with his wife Maria in Carrigkerry.

He is eager to give advice to people who are thinking of setting up a business to help them avoid the struggles he is currently experiencing.

“I have met so many people who don't realise they are not covered if something happens to them if they set up as a sole trader.

“I had loads of insurance on my products, business interruption and all that, but I had nothing for myself.

“I would advise people not to set up as a sole trader, forget about it. Set up as a company or a partnership. It will take longer but it will be worth it.

“I have been through it all and had an unfortunate accident which was a hard way to learn. I didn't know that two weeks after opening this would happen”.

After the accident, Tom Ruddle, local councillor and President of the Newcastle West Chamber of Commerce, set up a fundraiser to help Ian with his recovery.

Cllr Ruddle said at the time that he hoped the fundraiser would cover some of Ian's medical expenses and other costs.

Ian said he was so grateful for everything Cllr Ruddle, Patrick O'Donovan and the entire community had done for him.

“The fundraiser was fantastic. People were so generous, I didn't expect it at all but people were amazing.

“There are costs involved, driving up and down to Cork, it gets expensive so the money has been going to that sort of thing, it has been a great cushion

“I am on disability allowance now and I can't work. It is going to take me a long time, I have a lot to deal with”.