The ceiling of  a hotel room hosting  a wedding reception suddenly collapsed on top of a newly married couple and their guests, the High Court heard.

Joanne Noone claims that what was supposed to be the most important day of the lives of herself and her husband Michael was destroyed when the ceiling of the reception room of the Setanta House Hotel in Co Kildare collapsed as they were about to start their first dance.

The court heard that Mr Noone, realising a collapse was imminent, tried to get his new wife to safety but both were struck by falling timber and debris. Ms Noone, who was trapped under a large heavy timber post, claims she became dazed and confused and was convinced she was going to die.

Ms Noone , Laragh, Maynooth, Co Kildare, was giving evidence in her action against Connotes Ltd, trading as Setanta House Hotel, Clane Road, Celbridge, Co Kildare, over injuries sustained by her following their wedding on September 26th 2003.

She claims the hotel was negligent in failing to ensure the premises was safe or properly maintained. It is also claimed the defendant allowed the room to be used when it should have known it represented a danger.

Liability has been conceded and the case is before Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill for assessment of damages only.

The hearing resumes next week.