Backlash after Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes awarded GAA All-Star despite convictions

Hayes, who has now been awarded five All Stars in his career, was also one of three players shortlisted for hurling player of the year but lost out on that honour to Clare’s Shane O’Donnell

Hayes was given a suspended sentence in March for violent disorder and handed down a two-year driving ban for dangerous driving in September.

The five-time All-Ireland winner was back in court in recent weeks for re-entry of the two-year suspended sentence which was triggered after Hayes was convicted of the dangerous driving offence.

However, Limerick Circuit Court heard that the section 99 hearing, which could see Hayes jailed if the judge decides to activate the suspended sentence, could not be heard as Hayes was appealing the conviction for dangerous driving.

The hearing was adjourned until December 9.

However, Hayes’ off-field activities didn’t prevent him from being selected in the hurling team of the year in the GAA/GPA PwC All Star Awards on Friday night.