First photo of tragic pensioner beaten to death with vodka bottle in a bag

Sunday World

12-07-2025

A man in his 40s who was known to Mr Hayes, but who is not related to him, was arrested by gardaí on Friday morning.
THIS is the pensioner killed after its suspected he was punched and beaten over the head with a bag containing a vodka bottle when he went to investigate noises outside his home.
Michael Hayes, aged in his 70s, was found critically injured outside his home at St Michael's Court apartments, in Watergate, Limerick City, at around 11.30pm on Thursday.
Mr Hayes was resuscitated by paramedics and taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick where he was pronounced dead in the early hours of Friday morning.
Paying tribute to Michael on Friday evening, the Garryowen Residents Association posted:' Heartfelt condolences to Garryowen native Michael ( Mikey) Hayes , formerly of Kilmurry court Garryowen , an extremely pleasant, gentle person , sincere condolences to all your family from all your old neighbours and friends.'
Michael Hayes
News in 90 Seconds - Saturday July 12
Dozens of neighbours also paid tribute to the pensioner describing him a 'gentle soul.'
A man in his 40s who was known to Mr Hayes, but who is not related to him, was arrested by gardaí on Friday morning.
The man was being questioned by gardaí under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
Gardaí believe Mr Hayes was assaulted and beaten with a vodka bottle that was wrapped in a bag.
Gardaí were following a number of lines of enquiry, including that Mr Hayes may have gone to investigate loud noises outside his home when he was attacked.
The results of a post mortem, that was to be conducted by the office of the State Pathologist, will determine the next course of the Garda investigation, sources said.
The assault took place in Watergate, Limerick city
One of Mr Hayes's neighbours, Geraldine Costello, paid tribute to him.
'Michael was a lovely boy, he'd always go out of his way to do a good turn for you,' she said.
'His dog, Daisy, is crying all the time because Michael is not there.
'I was only talking to him yesterday, I'm after getting an awful shock.
'I was very fond of him, I'm a good friend of his, I've known him since I was young and I'm very sorry that he is gone.'
Ms Costello's niece, Tracy Coleman, said: 'It is shocking, because he was a really lovely man, and he would always go out of his way and do whatever do you.'
'He was a young man for his age, everyday he was always going for walks.'
It's understood Mr Hayes lived alone and has a number of grown-up children.
Mr Hayes, who lived near the Milk Market, was known as a gentle and respectful man who kept to himself but was always willing to lend a hand.
'He was a quiet man,' one friend said of the elderly man. 'He minded my dog when I had to be away, took very good care of her.'
A close neighbour stated: 'People here are devastated. My family are shocked. He was good to everyone around here.'
Gardaí have launched a full-scale investigation led by a senior investigating officer.
A Garda tape cordon was placed around a large section around apartments at the scene, which is located between St Michael's Street, Ellen Street and Mungret Street in the city.
Detectives were harvesting any CCTV footage in the area and carrying out house-to-house enquiries.
Gardaí appealed for anyone who was in the area on Thursday evening who may have information or who may have footage to come forward.
Anyone with information was asked to contact Gardaí at Henry Street Garda Station [phone], or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
ENDS