TWO BROTHERS from Kildimo who pleaded guilty to assault causing injury and producing keys and a hurley were back on the charges at Limerick Circuit Court on Friday.

The court heard the friendship with the victim “sadly turned sour”.

Daragh Hayes, 37, of Ballyashea, Kildimo, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm, producing an article, namely a spanner and a second charge of producing an article, namely a hurley.

Cian Hayes, 33, of Ballyashea, Kildimo, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning injury and producing a key. The offenses took place at Ballyashea, Kildimo, on 29 September 2021.

The brothers are the older brothers of five-time All-Ireland-winning Limerick star hurler Kyle Hayes.

Last Wednesday, Judge Colin Daly adjourned the matter until today to rule on applications by Daragh and Cian Hayes’ defense teams for probation reports and a psychological report on behalf of Daragh Hayes.

Cian Hayes was represented by Lorcan Connolly SC, appearing alongside Amy Nix BL.

In applying for a probation report, Mr Connolly said Cian Hayes will be 34 on his next birthday – December 9 – is married with a young family, has no previous convictions and is a qualified engineer employed by a multinational in the last seven years.

Senior counsel said a Section 3 assault causing harm contrary to the Non-Fatal Offenses Against the Person Act 1997 carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Mr Connolly said the background to the case was that there had been a friendship between Cian Hayes and the victim.

“The friendship turned sour unfortunately,” said Mr Connolly, who added that this was the first time Cian Hayes had offended and referred to his previous good character.

Judge Daly said probation reports identify problems in people’s lives that they need support with.

“Is there anything in his life like addiction or mental health issues?” Judge Daly asked.

Mr Connolly said there was no history of addiction or mental health problems.

Judge Daly asked if Cian Hayes would need the Probation Service to keep him out of trouble in the future.

“No. I don’t expect anything like that,” said Mr Connolly, who added that a probation report would highlight the judge’s problems.

Judge Daly said Mr Connolly would “eloquently” outline the issues on behalf of his client.

Judge Daly said: “I don’t think it’s an appropriate case for a probation report.”

READ MORE: Hayes brothers plead guilty to assault that caused injury in Limerick and produced keys and hurley

Yvonne Quinn BL intervened for Daragh Hayes’ legal team of Brian McInerney SC and Kenneth Kerins BL.

Ms Quinn said there had been requests for a probation report and a psychological report to be prepared for Daragh Hayes.

She said Daragh Hayes is 37 years old and the father of three children aged 9, 5 and 8 months. Mrs Quinn said the five-year-old had serious medical problems and Daragh Hayes was very involved in her care.

The barrister spoke of the “difficulties” Daragh Hayes was facing at the time of the offences.

“These are ongoing. He’s dealing with them,” said Ms Quinn, who added the reports would help the court and explain things better than she can.

Judge Daly asked if there was a likelihood of reoffending or if the community supported the needs of Daragh Hayes.

“No,” said Mrs. Quinn.

Judge Day said he did not think a probation report was necessary.

The judge granted the application for a psychological report on Daragh Hayes but did not grant legal aid for the report.

Judge Daly adjourned the cases until December 19, when Cian and Daragh Hayes are due to be sentenced.