The late Mick Hayes Former Waterford hurler, Mick Hayes of Butlerstown, who started at left half back in the county's All-Ireland winning team of 1948, passed away. He was also a regular on Munster teams throughout the 1940s, winning five Railway Cup medals with the province. He played in his first Munster senior hurling final in 1943 when Waterford lost to a great Cork side that featured the legendary Christy Ring and which won four All-Irelands in a row between 1941 and 1944. Mick Hayes rated Ring the greatest player he ever encountered, describing the Cloyne wizard as "a hurler without equal". Although his services were sought by several of the top senior clubs, he never left his beloved Butlerstown and had his reward when he won junior championship honours with them. He was also named in Waterford's hurling team of the century. Paying tribute to him, Waterford County Board chairman, Paddy Joe Ryan, said Mick Hayes would rank among the great defenders of his generation and most definitely one of the greatest hurlers Waterford ever produced. "On and off the field he was a gentleman and his passing truly marks the end of an era in our county" Mr Ryan added. Mick had many interests in life but none more so than ploughing and he held the position of Chairman of the National Ploughing Organisation for many years and was a leading committee member for many many more. Indeed one of his proudest moments was when the National Ploughing Championships were held in Waterford. As well as this he was also a leading light in the Waterford Show and a number of other shows around the Waterford area and was always a great farming and of course, a life long supporter of the GAA. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons, Eugene and Mike; his daughters Philomena; his sister, Annie, a wide circle of other relatives. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh a Anamh Dhilis. Courtesy of the Waterford News and Star August 2003 Tweet

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