Gavin Hanway appeals 12-year sentence for stabbing Kevin Kenny in Portlaoise
Gavin Hanway, a man of Walkinstown, Dublin, was found guilty in 2024 of stabbing Kevin Kenny, a man, in the stomach at the home of Hanway's former partner Teresa Ryan in The Hermitage, Portlaoise, Co Laois, on 26 July 2016. The balaclava-clad attacker was convicted of assault causing serious harm and aggravated burglary at an eight-day trial at Portlaoise Courthouse and sentenced to 12 years in prison by Judge Keenan Johnson. In July 2026, Hanway, now 55, appeared before the Court of Appeal arguing that his constitutional rights were breached when gardaí seized his car under a search warrant made out in the name of another garda. The Court of Appeal reserved judgment.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court10 Jul
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Hanway, dressed in black with a balaclava and carrying a knife, stabbed Kenny in the stomach, lacerating his small bowel in a potentially life-threatening wound.
- Where
- The stabbing took place at a house in The Hermitage, Portlaoise, Co Laois, which was the home of Hanway's former partner Teresa Ryan.
- When
- The incident occurred in the early hours of 26 July 2016, after Ryan and band members who had played at a wedding arrived at her home.
- Other details
- Kenny was rushed to Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise and then transferred to Tullamore for surgery.
- Hanway was 44 at the time of the offence and is of Limekiln Green, Walkinstown, Dublin.
- Investigation
- Hanway's car was seized on foot of a search warrant made out in the name of another garda.
- Charges
- Hanway was found guilty of assault causing serious harm and aggravated burglary.
- In court
- The eight-day trial took place at Portlaoise Courthouse in 2024.
- In July 2026, Hanway appealed to the Court of Appeal, arguing his constitutional rights were breached by the car seizure, and the court reserved judgment.
- Sentence
- Judge Keenan Johnson sentenced Hanway to 12 years in prison.
16 statements extracted from the articles
- whatHanway was balaclava-clad and stabbed a man in the stomach (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe stab wound lacerated Kenny's small bowel and was potentially life-threatening (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe attacker was dressed in black with his face covered and carrying a knife (irishmirror.ie)
- whatRyan and band members who had played at a wedding arrived at her home in the early hours (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe stabbing occurred at a house in The Hermitage, Portlaoise, Co Laois (irishmirror.ie)
- whereKenny was rushed to Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise then transferred to Tullamore for surgery (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe incident occurred on 26 July 2016 (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe car was seized on foot of a search warrant made out in the name of another garda (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeHanway was found guilty of assault causing serious harm (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeHanway was also convicted of aggravated burglary at the same address (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe trial was an eight-day trial at Portlaoise Courthouse in 2024 (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe Court of Appeal reserved judgment (irishmirror.ie)
- courtCounsel for the appellant was James Dwyer SC (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceHanway was sentenced to 12 years in prison by Judge Keenan Johnson (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe house was the home of Hanway's former partner Teresa Ryan (irishmirror.ie)
- otherHanway was 44 at the time of the offence (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 10 Jul2026Balaclava-clad attacker who stabbed man argues his rights were breached
Court of Appeal hearing where Hanway raises three grounds of appeal against his 2024 conviction and 12-year sentence; judgment reserved by Mr Justice John Edwards.
convicted, Gavin Hanway, 55, male, named, irish (judged from name)Gavin Hanwayvictim, Kevin Kenny, male, irish (judged from name)Kevin Kennyvictim, Teresa Ryan, female, irish (judged from name)Teresa Ryan