| Anniversary ceremony of inspirational
Irish priest AN Irish priest who worked in Liverpool has been
commemorated by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
The 50th anniversary of the death of Canon John Hayes was marked in Bansha,
Co. Tipperary where he served as parish priest from 1947 until his death
in 1957.
He inspired communities around Ireland by establishing Muintir na Tire
which has 1,220 active branches across Ireland.
Mr Ahern laid a wreath at Canon Hayes’s grave in Bansha graveyard
during a constituency tour.
Event spokesman Martin Quinn said: “Canon Hayes inspired communities
to pursue their own local social, economic, environmental and cultural
development. He promoted a form of patriotism based on self-reliance,
neighbourliness and community spirit in serving the common good.
“He challenged people of local communities to put aside their apathy
and become involved in local activities aimed at improving the quality
of life for all.
“In Bansha he led many initiatives including rural electrification,
the parish plan for agriculture and the setting up of small industries
like the Bansha jam factory.”
Canon Hayes was born in a Land League hut in Murroe, Co. Limerick in 1887.
Five of his siblings died of malnutrition and disease before he turned
seven.
He was educated at the Jesuit College in Limerick and began studying for
the priesthood in St. Patrick’s College, Thurles.
In 1907 he went to the Irish College in Paris where he was ordained in
1913. From 1915 to 1924 Fr Hayes worked in Liverpool before returning
home.
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