BREAKING: Judge makes decision on Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes' case

LIMERICK hurler Kyle Hayes walked free from court this Friday after a judge said he will avoid jail if he is deemed suitable for community service.

Judge Dara Hayes, presiding, ordered Kyle Hayes to engage with the Probation Service and if he is suitable then to carry out 180 hours of community service in lieu of three months in prison.

The matter was further adjourned until April to allow for Mr Hayes to engage with the Probation Service.

Judge Dara Hayes said the dangerous driving offence was not a repeat of the violent public disorder.

On Wednesday, State solicitor Padraig Mawe gave a summary of the two original convictions of violent disorder and the “triggering” dangerous driving offence.

Kyle Hayes was found guilty following a trial of engaging in violent disorder inside the Icon Nightclub in Limerick city and on the street outside on October 28, 2019 when he was 21.

Mr Mawe said Kyle Hayes and others “engaged in violence” against the victim Cillian McCarthy, who was 20 at the time.

Kyle Hayes was found not guilty of assault causing harm to Mr McCarthy.

In March 2024, Judge Dermot Sheehan imposed an 18-month prison sentence on Kyle Hayes for engaging in violent disorder in the Icon nightclub and a concurrent two-year jail sentence for the violent disorder on Upper Denmark Street, Limerick city.

The sentences were suspended on condition that he be bound to the peace and be of good behaviour during that two-year term

Mr Mawe said the “triggering” offence was a dangerous driving conviction near Mallow when Kyle Hayes drove at 155kmph and overtook nine cars on July 14, 2024.

Mr Mawe said it is matter for Judge Dara Hayes to revoke some or all or none of the suspended sentence.

READ MORE: Ex-Limerick minor hurler, haulier and farmer involved in 'unsophisticated' €28k fertiliser heist

Brian McInerney SC, appearing with Liam Carroll BL, instructed by solicitor Sarah Ryan, represented Kyle Hayes, aged 26, of Ballyashea, Kildimo, Co Limerick.

Mr McInerney submitted that the interests of justice would not be met by invoking a jail sentence.

Counsel said the “triggering” offence of dangerous driving is “wholly different in character” to the violent disorder convictions.

Mr McInerney said Kyle Hayes has a “quasi-dependent parent”, is a single, unattached man who lives at home with his parents, has a responsible job and engages in sport.

Kyle Hayes’ father, Liam Hayes took the stand and said he relies on his son Kyle to help in the running of his dairy farm after he suffered from significant ill health.

“He (Kyle) is doing everything at the moment. He lives at home. He is there on a 24/7 basis. He starts with me in the morning at 5am and after his day job when he comes home if he is not training and during the night if there are cows calving,” said Liam Hayes.

Mr McInerney said that Kyle Hayes has two brothers who reside locally but are unavailable at this time to render any assistance to Liam Hayes and won’t be able to for some time in the future.

Mr McInerney said the original trial, district court, circuit court appeal and triggering matters attracted the most enormous degree of publicity.

Judge Dara Hayes said on Wednesday that he wanted to consider matters before giving his decision this Friday morning.

More to follow...