Kildare man (19) pleads to manslaughter of Ryan Weir Gibbons

THE man responsible for the death of Ryan Weir Gibbons in Kildare town last October pleaded guilty to manslaughter in front of the family of the victim at Naas District Court this week (9 April).

Ryan Murphy (19) of Curragh Plains, Kildare – who was 18 at the time of the offence – stood with barrister Aisling Murphy as Sergeant Mary Meade told the court: “There is no book of evidence, we’re here for assigned pleas”.

Judge Desmond Zaidan asled: “Are you Ryan Murphy?” 

"Yes,” replied the defendant.

“I’m about to put the charge to you that, on 26 October 2025 on the Dublin Road (Magee Terrace), Kildare town you unlawfully killed Ryan Weir contrary to common law. How do you plead?” asked Judge Zaidan.

“Guilty”.

“I assume you have pleaded guilty following proper legal advice?” asked the judge. 

“Yes," replied Mr Murphy.

“I take it the accused is over 18?” 

“Yes, judge,” said Ms Murphy.

“Is this going forward next door?” asked the judge of the DPP’s representative, Cairbre Finan.

“Yes, judge,” said Mr Finan.

“Can you remind me with a brief outline of the allegations?” asked the judge of Sgt Meade before correcting himself.

“Sorry. Not allegations, now that he has pleaded guilty”.

“Ryan Murphy and a number of friends had been out socialising and coming home on the bus to Kildare town,” she began.

“Also on that bus was Ryan Weir who was unknown to them.

“They were making a lot of noise and Ryan Weir confronted them.

“There was a small altercation, some grappling, grabbing T-shirts.

“Then, after Ryan Weir got off the bus, at 3.07am Ryan Murphy and friends came across Ryan Weir and assaulted him.

“Ryan Weir died in Naas General Hospital four days later on 30 October,” said Sgt Meade.

Judge Zaidan remanded Ryan Murphy on continuing bail – under the same conditions as previously set – to await the beginning of the next sittings of Naas Circuit Court on 14 April.

He awarded legal aid for Ryan Murphy’s solicitor David Powderley, as well as for one junior, and one senior barrister for the sentencing hearing.

“For what it’s worth, under the Section 56 Order (disclosure) I assume you’ve seen all the CCTV before pleading guilty?” asked the judge, to which Ms Murphy, nodded.

Judge Zaidan spoke to the victim's father Edward and brother Andrew at the conclusion of proceedings expressing the court's sympathy to the family.