The Late John Hayes All who knew John Hayes of Haggard, Kells, were shocked by his untimely death. His family and the community of Dunnamaggin have lost a wonderful man. The reverence and solemnitude of such a large congregation of people bore testament to the high regard in which John was held, not only in the parish by throughout counties too. John's passing has left a well of sadness in the lives of many. "A gentleman, an advisor, a good neighbour, a good friend", were the terms of affection with which he is remembered. All deeds were done quietly, without fanfare. Once a commitment was made it was always followed through. That commitment was most evident in his work for the parishes of The Services, Manchester, and Dunnamaggin. In the Services parish he was a member of the Buy a Brick fund to build Our Lady of Dolours Church, Kersal Road, Manchester. An active member of the Servites where the Irish Community played a vital role in religious and fundraising activities, John never forgot his old friends and went back to some of the Kilkenny-Manchester Association dinner dances. In the parish of Dunnhamaggin John's commitment to the community in which he and his family lived was steadfast and awe-inspiring. He served on various parish committees for over 25 years. The fruits of his labour are visible around the parish, from fundraising to buying a new hurling pitch, re-roofing St Leonard's Church and levelling the play area for the old school site. A member of the school board and the parish finance committee, John was a leading light in many social initiatives within the parish. He was a communicator and this gift opened up a lot of doors for fundraising and obtaining help for the parish. His extrovert and gentle ways made him well known and this proved invaluable for the development of the new hurling field. John was devoted to Dunnamaggin hurling. He served as club chairman in the early 1980s and in more recent years as selector. John would step in and do anything that was asked of him. He rejoiced in the club's county championship title in 1997 and poured all his energy into helping the team in their subsequent campaigns. Nothing gave him greater pride than receiving Clubman of the Year in 1997. This refected his huge effort in fundraising and his effort in the layout and development of the pitch. Farming was John's livelihood but more importantly it was his life. Right up until his untimely death he was completely involved in farming. Progressive and hard working, John kept his finger on the pulse of latest developments by attending talks and farm walks. He would use these opportunities to talk, advise or lend a hand to neighbours. He was a member of the IFA and ICMSA. John was a devout and religious man and worked tirelessly to help charities in the parish and in the region. He had a special devotion to St Martin. John was especially concerned for those not as fortunate and those disadvantaged. His deeds were always done quietly, no praise needed. John passed on his faith to his children and grand children. He was so proud of them all and loved nothing better than a gathering to celebrate a family occasion. He gave his family everything and they loved and adored his in return. At the removal of the remains to St Leonard's Church, his brother Fr James Hayes spoke of what John meant to the community. Bishop Forristal, diocesan clergy and others were there, but it was the presence of the community and his friends in great numbers, that reminded all of the esteem in which John was held. It was emotional for all there that evening, on the following day too. Fr W. Dalton, Fr James Hayes and Seamus Martin gave moving sermons on what John meant to those who had been touched by his presence. He is survived by his wife Kathleen, son John Anthony, daughters Ann, Margaret and Catherine, brother Fr James Hayes and sister Sister Esther Hayes, sons-in-law John and Nabil, grandchildren Patrick, Seán, Catherine and Margaret Foley, brothers-in-law Thomas and Hurbert, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbours Ní bheidh a leitheid ann aris, Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís. Courtesy of the Kilkenny People 21st September 2003 Tweet

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