The five-time All-Ireland winner was found guilty of violent disorder last year.
The awarding of an All-Star to Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes on Friday following his recent criminal convictions has resulted in a fierce backlash against the GAA online.
The wing-back was convicted of two counts of violent disorder relating to an incident at the Icon nightclub in Limerick on October 28, 2019.
A jury at the November 2023 trial heard how Hayes was part of a “mob” that “chased”, “punched”, “stamped” and “kicked” a 24-year-old man, during a “vicious and sustained attack” inside and outside the venue.
The Pallaskenry native was also handed down a two year driving ban for dangerous driving in September, a conviction the HR officer and University of Limerick graduate has since appealed.
On Friday, the 26-year-old picked up his fifth consecutive All Star for his efforts from the Treaty’s half-back line throughout the season, however fans online have since criticised the GAA for his inclusion in the honours list in the wake of his high profile court case off the field.
One woman took to X to complain about the decision, writing: “Absolutely love GAA both football and hurling but I’ll be blunt here. No disrespect to Kyle Hayes but in no uncertain terms should he have received an All Star award especially when he was found guilty of violent conduct.”
Another wrote: “This is my association, it’s the association where thousands of volunteers crawl out of bed on a Saturday morning after a hard weeks work to nurture the future of it and their community. Kyle Hayes doesn’t and shouldn’t represent that, this of all years. It’s shameful and tone deaf.”
One other person labelled the decision “a stain on the reputation and community values of the GAA.
“An utter disgrace and shame,” they added. “Disgusting.”
“The GAA have clearly lost their way somewhere,” wrote another disgruntled hurling fan. “If these are the standards that they uphold, this All Star award is an absolute disgrace.”
Others saw the award as justified, considering the player’s performances on the pitch last season were brilliant, despite the fact that John Kiely’s team came undone in their pursuit of an historic five-in-a-row.
One X user heaped praise on Hayes – who had also been nominated for the individual Hurler of the Year award but lost out to Clare’s Shane O’Donnell.
She wrote: “So very well deserved, he was phenomenal this year! One of the best hurlers in the country. Well done Kyle!”
Another commented: “Congrats to Kyle Hayes on a 5th All Star, a Limerick hero! Unbelievable season, an absolute powerhouse at wing back.”
