Testimonials for Hayes brothers from a Limerick GAA club handed to judge

A NUMBER of testimonials and letters were handed in to a judge on behalf of two brothers who beat a close friend with a hurley and a spider wrench.

A court heard the brothers had  a “fixation” about a perceived relationship between the victim and one of the brother’s ex-partner when there was “no evidence” of any such relationship.

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

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

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

At the end of the sentencing hearing in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court last week, Brian McInerney SC, for Daragh Hayes, and Lorcan Connolly SC, for Cian Hayes, offered mitigation in respect of their clients. 

Testimonials were handed to the judge, including from Kildimo-Pallaskenry GAA Club, but were not read out in open court.

Mr McInerney said Daragh Hayes has fundraised and coached for the club after his promising career was brought to a premature end by injury.

READ MORE: 'They both stretched out my leg and Daragh swung at me with the wrench just below the kneecap - Read full victim impact statement in Hayes brothers' case

Mr Connolly spoke of Cian Hayes’ sporting achievements as the captain of the Junior B club county champions.

Testimonials were also issued, in support of  Daragh and Cian Hayes, by former secondary school principal John Egan, who is now retired. The brothers’ father Liam also wrote a letter for his sons.

A cert of employment was handed in by Mr Connolly, on behalf of Cian Hayes who is a principal project engineer. The court had earlier heard Cian Hayes works for Regeneron.