Kyle Hayes has been named in the Limerick team for the first time since being found guilty of violent disorder last year.
The 25-year-old has been picked by manager John Kiely to start at wing-back ahead of Saturday’s league clash with Dublin at Croke Park (5.15pm throw-in). It is the first time Hayes will line out for his county since last year’s All-Ireland final where Limerick defeated Kilkenny.
In December, Hayes was found guilty of two counts of violent disorder following an incident at a Limerick nightclub in 2019. He was found not guilty of assault causing harm. Following the conviction, Judge Dermot Sheehan refused to rule out a custodial sentence for the hurler.
Hayes’ sentencing hearing has been adjourned until March 20th.
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During the trial, Limerick manager Kiely appeared as a character witness and spoke in favour of his player. Hayes missed Limerick’s opening two league outings this season, a pair of victories over Antrim and Westmeath.
Alongside Hayes, Mike Casey has been named in the starting side for the first time this season and lines out at full-back.
Limerick team to face Dublin: Nickie Quaid; Fergal O’Connor, Mike Casey, Barry Nash; Diarmaid Byrnes, David Reidy, Kyle Hayes; Will O’Donoghue, Darragh O’Donovan; Gearoid Hegarty, Cathal O’Neill, Conor Boylan; Donnacha Ó Dálaigh, Shane O’Brien, Adam English.
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