Limerick hurling star Kyle Hayes to learn his fate this Wednesday

FIVE-TIME All-Ireland winning Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes is due to be sentenced this Wednesday at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.

Mr Hayes, aged 25, of Ballyoshea, Kildimo was found guilty at a trial last December of engaging in violent disorder in the Icon nightclub in Limerick city centre and of engaging in violent disorder at Upper Denmark Street. They both occurred on October 28, 2019.

The jury found Mr Hayes not guilty of assault causing harm to Cillian McCarthy, aged 24, at Upper Denmark Street, Limerick city on the same date. All of the verdicts were unanimous.

Mr Hayes was represented by Brian McInerney SC, appearing with Joseph McMahon BL, instructed by solicitor Sarah Ryan.

The case was prosecuted by John O'Sullivan BL, instructed by State Solicitor Padraig Mawe, with the assistance of Detective Garda Barry Moylan.

READ MORE: Limerick manager John Kiely urges judge to give Kyle Hayes a 'second chance'

Mr Hayes was due to be sentenced by Judge Dermot Sheehan on January 19.

On that date, Mr McInerney read out a number of letters to the court in relation to Mr Hayes’ good character. 

“It is an isolated aberration in an otherwise blameless life. He has contributed enormously to society in a positive way,” said Mr McInerney, citing Mr Hayes' charity and fundraising work, and sporting achievements.

Judge Sheehan said Mr Hayes was involved in sustained punching in the violent disorder incident in the Icon nightclub and outside kicked somebody on the ground with a level of force “even though it appears that person wasn’t Mr McCarthy”.

The case was adjourned to this Wednesday, March 20, as the judge said he was going to take some time to consider the evidence and a number of testimonials.