Hayes brothers jailed for beating friend 'like they wanted him dead' with hurley and wrench

Brothers Daragh and Cian Hayes were jailed at Limerick Criminal Circuit Court this Thursday for viciously assaulting a man with a hurley and wrench.

It was over an "unfounded and totally erroneous" belief the victim was involved with Daragh Hayes's ex-partner. 

The victim - Ciaran Ryan (pictured below) - suffered a number of injuries including a broken leg, fractured ribs, punctured lung and broken fingers during the beating. He spent over a week in hospital.

Judge Daly jailed Daragh Hayes, aged 37, of Ballyashea, Kildimo for three years with the final six months suspended for 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, were taken into consideration.

Cian Hayes, aged 34, of Ballyashea, Kildimo, was jailed for two and a half years with the final six months suspended for assault causing harm. Producing a wrench was taken into consideration by the judge.

There was no reaction from the Hayes brothers as they were led away by prison officers to commence their sentences. There were a number of family members in court including the brothers' parents who sat in the body of the court.

The offences occurred at Daragh Hayes’ home, located behind his parents home on the family farm, Ballyashea, Kildimo, on September 29, 2021.

Judge Colin Daly said it was premeditated and perfectly co-ordinated attack on Mr Ryan, pictured below at Limerick Criminal Circuit Court this Thursday.

"They launched a surprise attack on the false pretense of organising an upcoming wedding," said Judge Daly, who also spoke of the "vigilante-style" nature of the attack.

The State was represented by prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State solicitor Brendan Gill, and Detective Sergeant Michael Reidy.