Pictures show assault victim in Limerick hospital after 'vigilante-style' attack by Hayes brothers

THE LIMERICK Leader / Limerick Live can reveal photos of the injuries sustained by Ciaran Ryan at the hands of the Hayes brothers armed with a hurley and spider wrench.

The pictures were taken in University Hospital Limerick two days after he was admitted in September of 2021. He was to spend eight days in hospital for injuries including a broken leg, arm, fingers, shattered ribs, punctured lung, severe bruising all over his body and underwent emergency surgery. 

Judge Colin Daly jailed Daragh Hayes for three years with the final six months suspended. Cian Hayes received a two-and-a-half years with the final six months suspended at Limerick Criminal Circuit Court on Thursday, 

Mr Ryan released the photos of him to the Limerick Leader / Limerick to show the extent of his injuries. He is pictured in visible pain with casts on his arm and leg and attached to various monitors and medical apparatuses. 

Mr Ryan, in a harrowing victim impact statement at Limerick Criminal Circuit Court in December, said when he and his girlfriend arrived at the hospital, she pulled into the ambulance bay. 

“She ran in to get the staff to come out and get me out of the car. They had to pull me by the head to get me out of the car as I did not have the use of my legs or hands and I was screaming from the pain. 

"A number of days after going through the most invasive experience of my manhood, having to poo into bedpans, in agony, pain, and having several operations, I made the decision to give my statement and tell the truth,” said Mr Ryan.

READ MORE: Sentencing hearing for Hayes brothers hears they were under illusion victim was having 'clandestine affair'

The victim, who is left handed, now has a metal plate left in left arm

“I am a qualified carpenter, and always aspire to go back doing what I love but this has been taken from me, as I've tried to do small tasks with a hammer and the pain has been excruciating on my left hand.

“My ability to participate in many sports from the same capability has been taken from me, such as skiing, motorsports, and physical sports, as my reflex time is less now, and the pain in my leg and arm is too unbearable.

"My ability to attend events which never bothered me before has been drastically impacted such as concerts - I feel I cannot stand on my leg as I used to be able to without feeling pain and need to rest. 

"I was a very outgoing and confident person with self esteem. I love to meet people from my parish, partake in many activities within the parish and local clubs. This has all been stripped from me and my family. This has had a severe impact on my self esteem and self worth,” said 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.

They begin their first full day of their jail sentences in Limerick Prison this Friday.

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