On 26th October 2025, 29-year-old Ryan Weir Gibbons lost his life following a violent assault in Kildare Town. His death devastated his family, friends and the wider community.

The case was initially investigated by An Garda Síochána as a murder investigation. Following a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ryan Murphy was prosecuted for manslaughter and was subsequently convicted and was sentenced to 5 years. 

Ryan's death has highlighted growing public concern about Ireland's manslaughter laws and sentencing framework. Many families affected by unlawful killings believe the current system does not always provide sentences that reflect the seriousness of the loss of life, promote consistency in sentencing, or give victims' families confidence that justice has been fully served.

This petition calls on the Government of Ireland to undertake a comprehensive review of the law governing manslaughter, including sentencing guidelines and available penalties. The review should consider whether the current framework adequately reflects the gravity of cases involving fatal acts of violence, provides appropriate accountability, and better supports victims and their families.

We are not seeking to undermine judicial independence. We are asking our elected representatives to examine whether legislative reform is needed to ensure that Ireland's manslaughter laws are fair, transparent, consistent and fit for purpose.

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.