BREAKING: ‘Don’t mind him, he can breathe’ - hurley broken in assault by Hayes brothers on close friend

A MAN suffered a punctured lung and multiple fractures during an assault by Limerick brothers Daragh and Cian Hayes, with a hurley and a wrench, over the mistaken belief the victim was involved with Daragh Hayes' ex-partner and mother of his two children.

The victim, Ciaran Ryan, who owns a car dealership, was told after the assault not to drink or shop in Kildimo, and that his business and girlfriend's home would be targeted. 

The court heard Mr Ryan spent over a week in hospital after being struck with a hurley and a wrench. A hurley was broken during the assault on Mr Ryan.

Daragh Hayes, aged 37, of Ballyashea, Kildimo, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury, namely a wrench, and a second count of producing an article, namely a hurley.

Cian Hayes, aged 34, of Ballyashea, Kildimo, has pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and producing a wrench. The offences occurred at Daragh Hayes’ home, located behind his parents home on the family farm, Ballyashea, Kildimo, on September 29, 2021.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State solicitor Brendan Gill, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Detective Sergeant Michael Reidy.

The court heard the Hayes brothers and Mr Ryan are all from Kildimo, went to school and played sport together, and were “very close friends”.

Mr Ryan was invited to Daragh Hayes' home around 7.15pm on the night in question after he milked the cows. Mr Ryan brought beer, wine and cakes as he thought it was to be a social occasion to discuss elements of Cian Hayes’ upcoming wedding. Mr Ryan was due to be the best man.

After Mr Ryan sat down on a couch in the sitting room he was told “this is not about the wedding” outlined Ms Buckley.

The prosecuting barrister said Mr Ryan was asked about texts he sent to Daragh Hayes ex-partner. The couple had broken up in recent months.

“Mr Ryan was friends with Daragh Hayes’ ex-partner with whom Daragh Hayes has two children. Both accused had got it into their heads that Mr Ryan was involved with Daragh Hayes ex-partner. This was unfounded and totally erroneous. Mr Ryan had a girlfriend of his own,” said Ms Buckley.

Det Sgt Reidy said there is no evidence of a relationship between Mr Ryan and Daragh Hayes' ex-partner.

The detective garda said violence ensued almost immediately in the sitting room.

Ms Buckley said Mr Ryan denied any impropriety but the Hayes brothers thought he was lying when he was telling the truth.

Cian Hayes picked up a spider wrench and Daragh Hayes picked up a hurley that were “planted” in the sitting room.

“Cian swung the wrench on one side of Mr Ryan. Daragh Hayes began hitting him with the hurley on the other side. Mr Ryan slid off the couch and put his hands up to protect himself. Mr Ryan shouted “please stop”. He had a collapsed lung and was having difficulty breathing.

"Cian Hayes said, ‘Don’t mind him, Daragh, he can breathe’ and they continued hitting him from either side. Daragh Hayes broke the hurley such was the force. Daragh demanded the wrench from Cian and hit a blow to Mr Ryan’s right leg. Mr Ryan was begging him to stop but they carried on.

Daragh Hayes used the boss of the hurley on Mr Ryan’s hands. Cian resumed with the wrench,” said Ms Buckley.

After Mr Ryan offered to show the brothers his phone to read text messages the brothers realised he was telling the truth. Daragh Hayes became “visibly upset” as he was “in the throes of a relationship breakdown”.

“Mr Ryan was told to keep quiet and don’t tell anyone,” said Ms Buckley.

The prosecuting barrister said Daragh Hayes told the victim not to drink in the pubs or shop in Kildimo.

Daragh Hayes told Mr Ryan that he would get somebody to do a job on his business in town and that his girlfriend’s home in Adare would be targeted.

The sentencing hearing continues after lunch.