Limerick manager John Kiely has explained that his character witness for his player Kyle Hayes during the controversial trial was done to support him rather than condone what had gone on.
Hayes, one of the best hurlers in the country, was given a two-year suspended prison sentence on Wednesday after being convicted last December of two counts of violent disorder for an incident in Limerick.
Judge Dermot Sheehan said an immediate custodial sentence is not "appropriate," and society will not benefit from Mr. Hayes going to prison.
The judge also made a compensation order that Hayes pay the other party involved a sum of €10,000 for "his personal injury and loss." Hayes was released on his own bond of €250 and must keep the peace and be of good behaviour for two years.
Hayes is now back with the Limerick panel but will not feature for Limerick in their Allianz League semi-final against Kilkenny this weekend as he has an ankle injury.
The Kyle Hayes trial has become a hot topic in Ireland, with many questioning if Hayes would have gotten the verdict he did had he not been a sports star.
Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes has been given a two-year suspended prison sentence after being convicted last December of two counts of violent disorder | https://t.co/uzRWSXB4iX pic.twitter.com/aDuNl9T2GR
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) March 20, 2024
One of the main takeaways from the trial was the fact that John Kiely, the Limerick boss, was a character witness for Hayes at his first sentencing hearing in January.
Kiely explained that he didn't act as a witness for Hayes because he condones the nature of the allegations, but because he was there to support his player.
"I think my presence, I wouldn't have gone there unless I wanted to show him that I was there to support him, but also that it doesn’t mean I’m condoning what happened at all, quite the contrary. Listen, it’s over; it has been dealt with by the courts; we move on," said the legendary All-Ireland-winning manager.
"I'm glad that it has come to an end. I am very much looking forward to the future now. I know Kyle is looking towards the future as well and pushing on. That's it, really. I am just glad that it has come to a conclusion."
Kiely also added that the case has been difficult for everyone and that he is now glad that the matter is in the past.
"Listen, none of this is easy for anybody, and you'd rather not be in that situation. These challenges are obviously there for everyone involved.
"But ultimately, it's down to the individuals who are directly involved. For all their sakes, I'm sure they're glad that this part of it has come to a close."
