Suspended sentences after Offaly victim's 'head split open' by two brothers

Banagher pub attack recalled at Tullamore District Court as €5,000 paid and suspended sentences imposed

Published 20th May 2026, 13:00 BST Brothers appeared before Tullamore District Court | Tribune Pictures Banagher pub attack recalled at Tullamore District Court as €5,000 paid and suspended sentences imposed Sign up to our Offaly Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Offaly Live within your account.

TWO brothers received suspended sentences for an assault which could have resulted in the victim's death, Judge Andrew Cody said.

Speaking at Tullamore District Court, Judge Cody said the victim was around the same age as himself and had sustained a serious injury.

“They split his head open. They're lucky they didn't kill him,” said the judge.

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Robert Hernon (26), Feighs, Banagher and William Hernon (35), Millview, Sandymount, Birr had been convicted of assaulting Martin Kenny at Simon Lyons pub, Main Street, Banagher on December 30, 2024.

The two brothers appeared together in court for finalisation of their sentencing last Wednesday, May 13.

As previously directed by the judge, they had made payments of €2,500 each arising from the offences.

Judge Cody was told Robert Hernon, a single man, was currently doing an apprenticeship in scaffolding and had no previous convictions.

He expected to qualify in that trade in October or November and it was his intention in the future to travel to Australia.

The judge heard William Hernon was a married father of two who had been out of work on disability because of an accident at work. He then returned to work three days a week.

The court was told both men were extremely remorseful and ashamed of what they had done.

Judge Cody said probation reports for both men were very positive and assessed them at low risk of reoffending.

However, the assault was a serious one, the judge added. He sentenced each man to two months in prison, suspended for three years.

Recognisances for appeals were set at a €100 bond for each man.