Courts

Limerick brothers jailed for savagely beating friend with hurl and wrench

Daragh Hayes (37) falsely believed Ciaran Ryan was romantically involved with his ex-partner

Cian Hayes was sentenced to 2½ years with the final six months suspended for the assault on Ciaran Ryan in September 2021. Photograph: Brendan Gleeson
Cian Hayes was sentenced to 2½ years with the final six months suspended for the assault on Ciaran Ryan in September 2021. Photograph: Brendan Gleeson
David Raleigh
Thu Jan 30 2025 - 20:05

Two brothers have been jailed for savagely beating their friend with a hurl and a wrench.

Daragh Hayes (37) and Cian Hayes (33), of Ballyashea, Kildimo, Co Limerick, lured Ciaran Ryan to the home of Daragh Hayes and set upon him on September 29th, 2021.

“They beat me like they wanted me dead,” Mr Ryan told the court previously.

The two accused, brothers of Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes, falsely believed that Mr Ryan was romantically involved with Daragh Hayes’s ex-partner, Limerick Circuit Criminal Court heard.

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The two defendants, who had no previous convictions, were initially charged with assault causing serious harm, but the State accepted their guilty pleas to assault causing harm and to producing the hurley and wrench during the assault.

Mr Ryan was due to act as best man for Cian Hayes and arrived to the house with a cake, wine and beer thinking it was to be a “pleasant visit”, prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley said.

He suffered a collapsed lung, multiple fractures and extensive bruising in the unprovoked attack, which Mr Ryan said changed his life.

“Since this assault my life has been hell in my local parish. The Hayes brothers made up plenty of false rumours and accusations about me,” he said.

Afterwards, and despite realising their mistake, Daragh Hayes threatened Mr Ryan that his car sales business and his girlfriend’s family home would be targeted if he told anyone what had happened. Ms Buckley said Daragh Hayes also warned Mr Ryan to stay out of local pubs and shops.

Judge Colin Daly said the brothers “lured” Mr Ryan to the house with “stunning premeditation” having “organised the perfect conditions for their attack”.

He jailed Daragh Hayes for three years with the final six months suspended, and sentenced Cian Hayes to 2½ years with the final six months suspended.