Family of Ryan Weir Gibbons campaign for justice reform

A CAMPAIGN calling for reform of Ireland's manslaughter sentencing laws has been launched by the family of the late Ryan Weir Gibbons.

The family say justice has not been served after a five-year prison sentence was imposed on the man convicted of killing the 29-year-old.

Ryan Murphy (19), of Curragh Plains, was sentenced at Naas Circuit Court earlier this month to five years in prison after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Weir Gibbons, who died after sustaining fatal head injuries following an assault in Kildare Town in October 2025.

Speaking to the Kildare Nationalist, Ryan's father, Edward Gibbons, said the family believes the sentence was "far too lenient" and is now seeking legislative reform to ensure tougher penalties for unlawful killings.

"We feel the sentence simply doesn't reflect the loss of a life," he said. "I've spoken with a number of families around the country who have gone through similar circumstances, and many of them feel the same. We believe there needs to be reform of the sentencing laws for manslaughter."

The family has launched an online petition calling for a review of sentencing guidelines and says it hopes to build public support for legislative change.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Elva Duffy outlined a number of mitigating factors in Mr Murphy's case, including his early guilty plea, his age, expressions of remorse, his low risk of reoffending and his efforts to assist Mr Weir Gibbons after the assault.

However, the judge also identified significant aggravating factors, including threats made before the assault, the pursuit of Mr Weir Gibbons after an earlier altercation on a bus and video footage of the incident. While the headline sentence was eight years, these mitigating factors reduced the custodial sentence to five years.

Following the sentencing, Mr Weir Gibbons' family say they intend to continue pursuing every avenue available through the criminal justice process.

Mr Gibbons said one of the family's concerns is what they believe is an overemphasis on character references and sporting achievements during sentencing.

"I don't think sporting achievements should have any bearing on what happened that night," he said. "It should be a level playing field for everyone."

It is also the family’s belief that the case had there were inaccuracies in the case that might have led to a lighter sentence.

Mr Gibbons described receiving hate online from a number of people who have attempted to muddy the late man’s reputation, and who have behaved in an intimidating manner towards the family.

He told the Kildare Nationalist that due to this hostility, many of his family members are considering moving from their homes in Kildare Town – a place they have been residents of since 2004.

However, Mr Gibbons also expressed gratitude to the garda members who responded on the night of the incident, the investigation team and the medical staff who treated Ryan.

Mr Gibbons also praised the widespread support the family has received from the local community.

"99.9 per cent of the people in Kildare Town are good people," he said. "The support we've received has meant a great deal to us."

As well as campaigning for sentencing reform, Mr Gibbons said he hopes Ryan's death will encourage wider conversations about violence among young people.

"We don't want another family to go through what we've gone through," he said.

The family is encouraging members of the public to support its petition calling for a review of Ireland's manslaughter sentencing framework.

The petition reads: ‘By signing this petition, you are supporting a call for meaningful legal reform in memory of Ryan Weir Gibbons, with the aim of protecting lives, strengthening public confidence in the justice system, and helping prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedy.’ Visit the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/protect-lives-deliver-justice-reform-our-manslaughter-laws-in-memory-of-ryan-weir-gibbons