With sorrow and deep regret the parish received the news of the death of Martin Hayes in Waterford Hospital where he had been receiving treatment for his grave illness.

Martin was the older son of the late Jim and Liz Hayes, Shopkeepers here. His dying, only in his late sixties was all the more poignant at this comparitively early age, Martin was always a fine robust and healthy man until he was struck with this illness almost two years ago. In his working years he spent some time in England when work in Ireland was rather hard to come by, however Martin was a home bird, returning to the Village after a short time away. He was a conscientious and dilligent worker, honourable and punctilious. He worked in the Sugar Factory before its closure, he also worked on the restoration of the Abbey, being a raconteur he loved his time in the Abbey and many a sceal he recounted from the past.

Martin's pastimes were varied and numerous, fishing, music, hurling and a keen interest in the equines were represented to the congregation through the use of symbolisms which were brought to the altar by family members before his Requiem Mass, his fishing rod, accordion, Galbertstown GAA, flag and his horse tackle were all symbolic of Martin's hours of leisure. He was a keen hurler, he captained a Junior Holycross team to victory in the seventies, whilst he also played with the celebrated Galbertstown GAA Club, his interest in the GAA never waned. Martin was a good friend, generous, kind and a gentleman who will be sadly missed not only by his family but also by his many friends. His remains were brought to the Abbey, members of the GAA flanking the hearse as it proceeded from his sister Mary's home in Galbertstown, his coffin draped in the Holycross colours. After mass his remains were borne to the Abbey Cemetery for burial, again GAA members formed a guard of honour at the burial ceremony. Peace to his kindly soul. Evident of Martin's popularity was the very large and representative congregation that attended his Mass and burial.

To his brothers Dinny, Mattie and Johnny, his sisters Biddy, Mary and Kay, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and many relatives we offer our sympathy.

- Courtesy of the Tipperary Star, 8th September 2011 Tweet

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