Jury sworn in for assault trial of three men including Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes

The five-time All Ireland winner is charged with one count of assault and two counts of violent disorder

Kyle Hayes, a decorated hurler, is among three men charged over an alleged incident at a nightclub in Limerick. Photograph: INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Kyle Hayes, a decorated hurler, is among three men charged over an alleged incident at a nightclub in Limerick. Photograph: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

A jury was sworn in on Monday afternoon for the trial of three men, including five-time All Ireland winning Limerick hurler, Kyle Hayes, who are charged with violent disorder and assault causing harm to a man at a nightclub in Limerick City.

Kyle Hayes (25) with an address at Ballyashea, Kildimo, is charged with two counts of violent disorder, one which allegedly occurred inside the ICON nightclub, Upper Denmark Street, Limerick City, and one outside the nightclub, on October 28th 2019.

Mr Hayes, a Young Hurler of the Year in 2018, who won his fourth All Star award last Friday night, is also accused of assault causing harm to Cillian McCarthy (24), of Toureen, Ballysimon, Co Limerick, and originally from Hilltop, St Patrick’s Road, Limerick, in the vicinity of the nightclub, on the same date.

Craig Cosgrave (24), with an address at Caherally, Grange, Co Limerick, is charged with violent disorder inside the nightclub on the same date.

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Jai Chaudri (22), with an address at Carheeny, Kildimo, Co Limerick, is charged with violent disorder outside the nightclub, and assault causing harm to Cillian McCarthy, also on October 28th, 2019.

The three accused were arraigned on Monday afternoon before judge Tom O’Donnell at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.

All three spoke only to confirm they were pleading “not guilty” to all of the charges against them.

Prosecuting counsel John O’Sullivan BL, on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), told the jury the alleged events occurred “in the early hours” of October 28th, 2019.

Mr O’Sullivan said the alleged victim, Cillian McCarthy, was a former student of St Clements College, Limerick, and was a qualified carpenter.

He said the trial would hear medical evidence from doctors who treated Mr McCarthy for facial injuries following the alleged assault.

A jury of seven men and five women were sworn in to hear the case.

Mr O’Sullivan said the trial would likely last at least one week and it may possibly continue into next week.

Judge O’Donnell told the jury the case would likely attract media attention and he directed they not discuss the case with anyone.

He remanded the three defendants on continuing bail until the trial commences on Tuesday morning.