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Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Swashbuckling giant Kyle Hayes divides opinion like no other GAA star
Of all the high-profile residents holding deeds to one of those prized condos on hurling's Main Street, none comes close to Kyle Hayes in their ability to ignite a wildfire. On or off the pitch, Hayes is the preferred accelerant for social media arsonists seeking to set the online world ablaze. Drop his name — his genius as a sportsman trailed by his deeply unsavoury past — into a conversation and, typically, it has the effect of a Molotov cocktail. Neither the game's alley fighters nor its most dementedly combative figures, not even Ireland's dean of the perpetually highly-strung, the hyper-emotional Davy Fitzgerald, can set summer so instantly aflame as Limerick's skyscraping five-time Allstar. That he was back in court less than 24 hours after last month's Man of the Match masterclass against today's Munster final opponents Cork reconfigured the entire All-Ireland debate, was a reminder of how the threads of his two lives have become so inextricably knotted. And of how seeking to disentangle one from the other will remain an exercise in futility for as long as the Kildimo Pallaskenry leviathan remains a lead player on championship Broadway. The swashbuckling giant who led the shattering undressing of the Rebels, whose blistering impact on the long days has exhausted the pundits' store of superlatives, co-habits with the author of an infinitely more sinister off-field backstory. A five time All-Ireland winner; a young man who avoided jail after receiving a two-year suspended sentence on two counts of violent disorder inside and outside a nightclub in Limerick in 2019. He was later ordered to do 180 hours community service. Ironically, the more successful Hayes is at invading the vital moments in Limerick's mission to reclaim their status as the alpha males on the hurling landscape, the higher the volume is turned up on the chorus of outrage. When he is awarded a Man of the Match or, as he was last season, an Allstar (the awards entirely justified by on-field displays, the lone criteria the judging panels are empowered to assess), the condemnation screeches to a deafening crescendo. There are two constituencies feeding the frenzy. The first and the loudest are the social media attack dogs who instantly scramble for the high moral ground every time a controversy arises, their arguments shrill and one-dimensional and lacking nuance or perspective. But there are others, often compassionate, empathetic individuals, who are nonetheless alarmed that an individual found guilty of violent disorder, who has never expressed remorse and who received just 180 hours community service even after breaching the terms of his original sentence, retains a starring role in one of Ireland's most high-profile cultural celebrations. Their reasoning is more subtle, more heartfelt and not so easily dismissed. Some commentators in a counter-argument believe it irrational to hold athletes up as moral exemplars, that once the courts have spoken, life must go on. Even if it is an entirely logical assertion, it ignores the extreme emotions involved. That Hayes is able to shut out all the white noise each time he plays, that he shows no sign of surrendering his place at the centre of the hurling world even while finding himself surrounded by such ceaseless tumult, is, of itself, quite remarkable. At 6'5', his physique as muscular and streamlined and carrying the same sense of majesty as the thoroughbreds who will contest today's Epsom Derby, he is the Platonic ideal of an athlete so often imagined by ancient Greek sculptors. He has maybe the greatest arsenal of gifts - the pulverising power and torque of an Airbus A330, an Apache helicopter's lift and nimble manoeuvrability, a B-52 bomber's deadly payload of obliterating missiles — of anybody who has played the game. Cork, propelled into that recent round-robin tie on a tide of anticipation, departed less than two hours later nursing the kind of traumas that must have invaded their night time imaginings ever since. With Hayes rampant, Limerick were again a force of invincible self-belief, a reborn team delivering perhaps the magnum opus of John Kiely's star-spangled reign. In full flight and fizzing like a well-fletched arrow across a rectangle of grass, their number six offered a jolting reminder of why he rates among sport's most arresting and magnificent vistas. Watching again the footage of his wonder goal against Tipp in the 2021 Munster final, different elements of his jinking, jaw-dropping solo gallop — a run at once thunderous and balletic — evoke Lamine Yamal, Rudolph Nureyev, Roger Federer, the Road Runner confounding Wile E Coyote, a Lamborghini Aventador and an 18-wheel juggernaut. Tipp's defence appear as helpless as traffic cops trying to stop a runaway buffalo from breaking a red light. The fever of excitement surrounding Hayes that afternoon, his capacity to deliver such irresistible moments, was a key component in Limerick's four-in-a-row champions announcing their separation from the rest of the field. His success in combining demonic intensity with flourishes of artistic beauty in the most recent meeting with Cork — the player exhibiting what one Joe DiMaggio biographer describes as a 'glint of godhood' — strengthens the arguments of those who are happy to declare the 26-year-old the greatest hurler in the country. He is unquestionably the most divisive. If Hayes has one or two rivals for the title of Ireland's most influential hurler — led by his Limerick teammate, the lyrical master conductor Cian Lynch — he is unrivalled as the most contentious. Ahead of tonight's rematch, there will be discussion of a sporting life bejewelled by achievement, a freakish talent who combines an engraver's touch with the kind of physical dimensions that might eclipse the sun. As he swatted the Rebels aside 20 days ago, a rampaging Hayes had Dónal Óg Cusack flicking through the history books in search of a meaningful reference point. 'This Limerick we ever seen a better team than them? What a machine they looked, so well engineered, resilient, strong, every part is working and up for the fight everywhere.' Anthony Daly was just as effusive: 'Hayes is like a gazelle. It's not just his breaking out, it's the tackling, it's the handling at the last second, it's the whole package he gives you there at six.' 'Hayes is the leader of this Limerick team,' was the unequivocal verdict of Ger Loughnane's one-time sideline Sancho Panza, Tony Considine. Many, horrified by the court case that put Hayes on the front pages, look at his story from a different angle, declining to see beyond the self-inflicted wounds of his past. His suspended sentence on two charges of violent disorder inside and outside the Icon nightclub in 2019 — charges he denied at the 2023 trial — sits like an ugly, distinguishing visible-to-the-world birthmark. The evidence heard in court was authentically shocking. Many took issue with John Kiely's courthouse character reference, particularly the suggestion that Hayes 'accepts his part in that very disappointing night' and was 'very sorry'. How could that be, how could he have accepted his part and be sorry, went the counter argument, when he had pleaded not guilty? The feelings of his harshest critics are perhaps evoked in a memorable line from the political writer and former Clinton adviser, Sidney Blumenthal, in discussing Donald Trump's serial refusal to embrace the negative consequences of his actions. 'Trump's psychological equilibrium requires the constant rejection of his responsibility for the abrasive reality he churns up,' wrote Blumenthal. Whether or not Hayes is entangled by his conscience or is armoured against self-examination only he can truly say. What is certain is that he will race onto a Shannonside meadow this evening and the arena will rise to a fever pitch. Some to acclaim a phenomenal player, one they believe has advanced into the territory of competitive excellence accessible only to the all time greats. Others to toss their disgust like a Molotov cocktail onto the wildfire triggered every time Kyle Hayes steps onto one of summer's great stages.
Extra.ie
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Limerick fans defend Kyle Hayes after Cork MOTM backlash
Limerick fans jumped to the defence of their player Kyle Hayes following further backlash from fans last weekend. Hayes and Limerick confirmed their place in a seventh-straight Munster hurling final thanks to a 16-point demolition of Cork at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday last. The Rebels had been fancied to take down John Kiely's men – as they had done twice in championship action in 2024. Limerick's Kyle Hayes was mobbed by supporters after starring in his side's Munster Hurling Championship win against Cork. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile The lattermost of those defeats was last July's All-Ireland semi-final, when Cork edged an epic between the sides by two points. But on Sunday last there was only one team who looked like winning, and that was Limerick. Hayes led the charge from centre back – a change from his usual No.7 jersey – and had a barnstormer of a display as he dictated play between the lines all afternoon. Shane Barrett up against Kyle Hayes during the Munster Hurling Championship match between Limerick and Cork at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Up top, the likes of Tom Morrissey and Aaron Gillane were in red-hot form, while Diarmaid Byrnes and Adam English were lively also. Hayes' performance saw him scoop the Man of the Match award ahead of his teammates and while some questioned the decision based on the player's recent court proceedings, Limerick fans stood up for their player. Kyle Hayes. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie 'Kyle richly deserved his motm [sic] award,' came one social media response, as another said: 'I'm delighted for the kid, he's been through enough negativity, best of luck for the future.' 'Well done Kyle you are a brilliant hurler and keep going – up Limerick,' came a supportive response from another fan. 'Deserved it and Gillane and English a close second,' came a snappy summary from another. Even a Cork fan who had watched his side get hammered by the Treaty conceded Hayes had been the best player on show. 'As a Rebel – he deserves [the] man of the match,' the fan wrote.
Extra.ie
20-05-2025
- Extra.ie
Judge warns hurling ace Hayes: 'You will be jailed if you commit another crime'
Limerick All-Ireland-winning hurler Kyle Hayes was warned by a judge yesterday that he will be jailed if he commits another criminal offence. The GAA All Star was back in court yesterday, less than 24 hours after he was named man of the match in his side's 16-point defeat of Cork in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship. Sitting in the dock at Courtroom 4 in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, Hayes waited silently for confirmation he would serve 180 hours of community service in lieu of three months in jail, as previously indicated by Judge Dara Hayes, no relation to the GAA player. Kyle Hayes. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie After confirming the order, however, the judge warned Hayes he would be going to prison if he committed further criminal offences. Last April, the judge indicated he would impose the community service order in lieu of Hayes serving three months of an 18-month suspended jail sentence previously imposed on him. The suspended jail term was imposed on the Limerick centre-back after a jury convicted him on two counts of committing violent disorder, inside and outside the Icon nightclub in Limerick in 2019 – charges he denied at a trial in 2023. Kyle Hayes. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie Yesterday, the judge reminded Hayes that all of the relevant legal 'obligations and requirements' on the hurler had been 'explained' to him. The judge warned that 'non-compliance' with the order would see the All-Star hurler going to jail. Addressing Hayes, the judge said: 'If there is non-compliance, you will be brought back before the court and the [three-month] sentence will be imposed.' Hayes replied: 'Yes, judge.' The judge said he would make 'no order' on the hurler's second conviction for violent disorder, in respect of the same night at the nightclub in 2019. Where and when Hayes will be starting his community service were not disclosed in court. Judge Hayes said the hurler must complete the community service order within 12 months. Hayes, who was named man of the match on Sunday, following Limerick's defeat of Munster rivals Cork, arrived in court before 10.30 am yesterday and waited until his case was called after lunch. Kyle Hayes. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile His barrister, senior counsel Brian McInerney, confirmed that the Probation Service had deemed the hurler suitable for community service in lieu of the jail sentence. 'A suitable service has been selected and all other matters have been satisfied,' Mr McInerney told the court. Hayes, 26, of Ballyahsea, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, appeared as part of long-standing 'Section 99 Re-entry' proceedings. The hearing was initially triggered after Hayes engaged in dangerous driving at Mallow, Co. Cork, four months after the concurrent suspended sentences of 18 months and two years for violent disorder were imposed on him in March 2024. On July 14, 2024, Hayes was recorded by a garda overtaking nine cars in a row on a stretch of the N20 Cork-Limerick dual carriageway, while driving 55kph above the 100kph speed limit. Hayes lost an appeal on March 12 last against the conviction, for which he was given a two-year driving ban and fined €250. Previously summarising the events from the Icon nightclub, Judge Hayes said the hurler was one of two men who ' aggressively approached' self-employed carpenter Cillian McCarthy, and was one of a group of four males who later on 'attacked' Mr McCarthy inside the nightclub. The judge said two gardaí gave evidence at Hayes's trial that they saw the hurler kicking a man lying on the street outside the nightclub, but the judge said there was no evidence before the court that the man on the ground was Mr McCarthy. The judge said the jury acquitted Hayes of a third charge: assault causing harm to Mr McCarthy. He said Hayes had paid €10,000 in damages to Mr McCarthy as part of the terms of the suspended sentences imposed on him. Judge Hayes said testimony by the hurler's father, Liam Hayes, who told the court he depended on Kyle to help him run their family farm after he underwent heart surgery, had not assisted nor swayed him in his final judgement.
Sunday World
19-05-2025
- Sunday World
Kyle Hayes to serve 180 hours of community service as he avoids jail
BACK IN COURT | Hayes was back in court today, less than 24 hours after he was named man of the match in Limerick's 16-point defeat of Cork Kyle Hayes outside Limerick Circuit Court (Pic: Brendan Gleeson) Hayes was back in court today, less than 24 hours after he was named man of the match in Limerick's 16-point defeat of Cork in the Munster senior hurling championship on Sunday. Sitting in the dock at courtroom 4, Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, Hayes waited silently for confirmation he would serve 180 hours of community service in lieu of three months in jail, as previously indicated by Judge Dara Hayes. After confirming the order, however, the judge warned Hayes he would be going to prison if he committed further criminal offences. Last April, the judge indicated he would impose the community service order in lieu of Hayes serving three months of an 18-month suspended jail sentence previously imposed on him. The suspended jail term was imposed on the Limerick centre-back after a jury convicted him on two counts of committing violent disorder, inside and outside, the Icon nightclub, Limerick, in 2019 - charges he denied at a trial in 2023. Today, the judge reminded Hayes that all of the relevant legal 'obligations and requirements' on the hurler had been 'explained' to him. The judge warned that 'non-compliance' with the order would see the All-Star hurler going to jail. Addressing Hayes, the judge said: 'If there is non-compliance you will be brought back before the court and the (three month) sentence will be imposed.' Hayes looked at the judge and replied: 'Yes, judge.' The judge said he would make 'no order' on the hurler's second conviction for violent disorder, in respect of the same night at the nightclub in 2019. The terms of the judgement order, specifically, where and when Hayes will be starting his community service, were not disclosed in court. Judge Hayes said the hurler must complete the community service order within 12 months from today. Hayes, who was named Man of the Match last Sunday, following Limerick's defeat of Munster rivals Cork in the fourth round of the Munster senior hurling championship, arrived in court before 10.30am this morning and waited until his case was called after lunch. Hayes's barrister, senior counsel Brian McInerney, confirmed to the court that the probation service had deemed the hurler suitable for community service in lieu of the jail sentence. 'A suitable service has been selected and all other matters have been satisfied,' Mr McInerney told the court. Hayes, (26), of Ballyahsea, Kildimo, Co Limerick, appeared as part of long-standing 'Section 99 Re-entry' proceedings. The hearing was initially triggered after Hayes engaged in dangerous driving at Mallow, Co Cork, four months after the violent disorder concurrent suspended sentences of 18 months and two years were imposed on him in March 2024. Kyle Hayes outside Limerick Circuit Court (Pic: Brendan Gleeson) News in 90 Seconds - May 19th On July 14th, 2024, Hayes was recorded by a garda overtaking nine cars in a row on a stretch of the N20 Cork- Limerick dual carriageway, whilst driving 55kph above the 100kph speed limit. Hayes subsequently lost an appeal against the driving conviction on March 12th 2025, for which he was given a two-year driving ban and fined €250. Previously summarising the events from the Icon nightclub, Judge Hayes said the Limerick hurler was one of two men who 'aggressively approached' self-employed carpenter, Cillian McCarthy, and that Hayes was one of a group of four males who later on 'attacked' Mr McCarthy inside the nightclub. The judge said two gardaí gave evidence at Hayes's trial that they saw the hurler kicking a man lying on the street outside the nightclub, on the night, but the judge said there was no evidence before the court that the man on the ground was Cillian McCarthy. The judge said the trial jury acquitted Hayes of a third charge, assault causing harm to Mr McCarthy. He said Kyle Hayes had paid €10,000 in damages to Mr McCarthy as part of the terms of the suspended sentences imposed on him. Judge Hayes said sworn testimony by Kyle Hayes's father, Liam Hayes, who told the court that he depended on Kyle to help him run their family farm after he underwent heart surgery, had not assisted nor swayed him in its final judgement.
The Irish Sun
19-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Judge confirms Kyle Hayes community service decision & issues jail time warning as ace in court hours after Limerick win
LIMERICK hurler Kyle Hayes has dodged jail after being deemed suitable for 180 hours of voluntary community service in lieu of a three-month prison term. The All-Star player appeared in court today, less than 24 hours after he was named man of the match in Advertisement 4 Kyle Hayes has dodged jail after being deemed suitable for community service Credit: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile 4 The Limerick hurler appeared in court today after being named man of the match in a Munster Senior Hurling Championship game on Sunday Credit: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile 4 Hayes was warned he would be going to prison if he committed further criminal offences Credit: James Treacy Sitting in the dock at Courtroom 4, Limerick Circuit Criminal However, the judge warned Hayes he Last April, the judge indicated he would impose the community service order in lieu of the The Advertisement Read more in News Today, the judge reminded Hayes that all of the relevant legal 'obligations and requirements' on the hurler had been 'explained' to him. The judge warned that 'non-compliance' with the order would see the All-Star hurler going to jail. Addressing Hayes, the judge said: 'If there is non-compliance you will be brought back before the court and the (three month) sentence will be imposed.' Hayes looked at the judge and replied: 'Yes, judge.' Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun The judge said he would make 'no order' on the hurler's second conviction for violent disorder, in respect of the same night at the nightclub in 2019. The terms of the judgement order, specifically, where and when Hayes will be starting his community service, were not disclosed in court. DANGEROUS DRIVING CONVICTION Judge Hayes said the hurler must complete the community service order within 12 months from today. Hayes, 26, of Ballyahsea, Kildimo, Co Limerick appeared as part of long-standing 'Section 99 re-entry' proceedings. Advertisement The hearing was initially triggered after Hayes engaged in dangerous driving at Mallow, Co Cork, four months after the violent disorder concurrent suspended sentences of 18 months and two years were imposed on him in March 2024. On July 14, 2024 Hayes was recorded by a Hayes subsequently lost an appeal against the driving conviction on March 12 2025, for which he was given a two-year driving ban and fined €250. 4 Judge Hayes said the hurler must complete the community service order within 12 months from today Credit: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile Advertisement
