Limerick Hayes brothers to learn their fate this Thursday

TWO brothers will be sentenced by Judge Colin Daly in Limerick Criminal Circuit Court some time after 2pm this Thursday, January 30 for assaulting a man with a hurley and wrench.

The victim - Ciaran Ryan - suffered a number of injuries including a broken leg, fractured ribs, punctured lung and broken fingers during the beating. He spent over a week in hospital.

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 at a sentencing hearing in December. 

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.

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

Det Sgt Reidy said violence ensued almost immediately.

Ms Buckley 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.

At the conclusion of the case, Judge Daly said he wished to consider sentencing and adjourned the matter to January 30, 2025 for judgement.