'There wasn't a bad bone in his body': Tributes paid to fatal assault victim (71) in Limerick

"IF EVERYONE was like you the world would be a far better place,” is one of countless tributes paid to fatal assault victim Michael Hayes, Limerick Live has reported.

Mr Hayes went out to investigate a disturbance outside his home in St Michael’s Court, Watergate, Limerick city at around 11.30pm on Thursday night. He was pronounced deceased a short time later in University Hospital Limerick.

A man was charged with the murder of the 71-year-old Garryowen native at a special court sitting on Saturday night.

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Garryowen Residents Association expressed their sympathies to those close to Mr Hayes' in a post on social media.

“Michael was an extremely pleasant, gentle person. Sincere condolences to all your family from all your old neighbours and friends,” read the post.

Another person said: “A harmless innocent soul, always a smile for everyone everyday.”

Mr Hayes was remembered fondly by those he worked with in Midwest Security in his younger days and who served him in shops in the city.

They paint a picture of a quiet gentleman, a good neighbour, somebody who went out of his way to help people and who loved animals. His beloved dog, Daisy, is whimpering constantly as she can’t understand where her owner is.

Lisa Kinsella said Mr Hayes was the only grandfather she ever knew and “always looked after us growing up”.

“Mikey was the nicest man anyone could ever meet. My grandmother used to call him her toy boy as he was younger than her. She loved him so much. They got married and he treated her like a queen.

"He would always help out and go and do her shopping. He played the role as grandfather to all her grandchildren,” said Lisa, who recalled sitting listening to Mr Hayes tell stories. 

“He used to do security so would always have a good story to tell. We all loved sitting around listening to what he would say next. He was a peaceful man that never harmed anybody, just got on with his daily security work for years,” she said.

Lisa said it is so sad to realise in this day and age that elderly people are not safe in their own homes. 

“Mikey came from a time where you could actually leave your key in your front door. I remember growing up in my grandmother's house and the key was always left in the door so we could go in any time.

"We would always meet Mikey sitting down with my grandmother watching Coronation Street. There wasn’t a bad bone in his body, he just got on with every day in life as a happy-go-lucky person. It’s heartbreaking,” said Lisa.

No funeral arrangements have been announced to date.

May he rest in peace.