LATEST: Man pleads guilty to manslaughter of Limerick pensioner
Michael Hayes, aged 71, died following an incident at St Michael's Court, Watergate, Limerick city on July 10, 2025
A LIMERICK man has admitted killing a pensioner in Limerick city during a violent incident last year.
Philip Ambrose, aged 44, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Michael Hayes at a sitting of the Central Criminal Court in Limerick, presided over by Mr Justice Seán Gillane.
When formally arraigned this Thursday afternoon, Mr Ambrose, who appeared before the court charged with murder stated: “I plead not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter.”
Senior Counsel Michael Delaney confirmed the guilty plea to the manslaughter charge was acceptable to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Having noted the guilty plea to the lesser charge, Mr Justice Gillane noted a sentencing date will now be required.
The defendant was remanded in continuing custody and is set to appear before the court again next Friday, October 30 when a sentencing date will be set.
Mr Ambrose was originally charged with the murder of Michael Hayes, aged 71, at St Michael's Court, Watergate, Limerick city on July 10, 2025.
On that date, the 71-year-old, a native of Kilmurry Court, Garryowen, Limerick, was found with critical injuries outside his home at St Michael’s Court, Watergate, Limerick city.
He was assisted by neighbours and rushed to hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced dead.
When originally charged by gardai with the murder, Ambrose did not make any reply. The court heard Ambrose had been unemployed and was in receipt of Disability Allowance.
Mr Hayes was a retired member of the 12th Infantry Battalion Defence Forces, Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, and a former member of Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) Post 6.