Jury sworn in as Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes charged with assault

A jury was sworn in this afternoon to hear a 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 28 October, 2019.

Mr Hayes, who won Young Hurler of the Year in 2018 and 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 ICON nightclub, on the same date.

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

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

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

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

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

Prosecuting counsel John O'Sullivan BL, on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), said the trial would likely last at least one week and it may possibly continue into next week.

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

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