The assault led to the death of Kildare man Ryan Weir Gibbons, Kildare town. The convicted man, of Curragh Plains, Kildare, is a former underage Leinster Rugby player.
A 19-year-old former Leinster Rugby youth player has been sentenced to five years in prison for the manslaughter of Kildare man Ryan Weir Gibbons
The assault happened after an earlier incident over noise levels on a bus.
Ryan Murphy, of Curragh Plains, Kildare, had pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of the 29-year-old on October 26th last year.
Mr Weir Gibbons died in hospital a few days after hitting his head on the ground after being punched by Mr. Murphy on the Dublin Road in Kildare after a night out.
The family of Mr Weir Gibbons in a statement, said: "Every birthday, Christmas, family gathering and milestone will forever be overshadowed by his absence".
"He had the most infectious smile, was bubbly, full of life and had a way of lighting up every room he walked into ."
Ryan Weir Gibbon's father Edward, speaking outside the Court, said the five year sentence was "unduly lenient" and adds to the family's grief.
The incident had its origan when Ryan Murphy had been travelling home on a bus with friends after a night out and Ryan Weir Gibbons asked them to be quieter.
The court heard there was a verbal altercation between both men and the bus driver and other passengers intervened.
Mr Weir Gibbons got off at an earlier stop than Mr. Murphy, but made a comment to Murphy which, the judge said, seemed to aggravate him.
Murphy got off the bus a short time later, and they encountered each other again at 3.07am
Detective Sgt Dunne said there was a physical altercation in which a blow knocked Mr Weir Gibbons to the ground, from which his head struck the ground, which caused Mr. Weir Gibbon's death.
The assault was filmed on a mobile phone by a member of the group, which the Judge said was distressing for the family to watch.
In sentencing Ryan Murphy to five years in jail, Judge Duffy said she was taking into account his early guilty plea, his genuine remorse, a letter of apology to the Ryan Weir Gibbons family and Murphy’s young age.
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