Iconic Tipperary figure remembered as 'a man of the people' at commemoration mass

Canon John Martin Hayes, founder of Muintir na Tíre, and late Parish Priest of Bansha/Kilmoyler, was remembered at a special Mass in his memory at the Church of the Annunciation, Bansha, on Saturday May 31st. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Micheál Hickey, PP, and was attended by the National President of Muintir na Tíre, Jackie Meally, CEO of Muintir na Tíre, Rosie Palmer, Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District, Cllr John Crosse and by T.D.'s Mattie McGrath and Michael Murphy.

Speaking at the Mass, Fr. Hickey spoke about the great work of Canon Hayes, not just while he was PP in the parish but also nationally. Fr. Hickey spoke about the close relationship that Canon Hayes had with Archbishop Thomas Morris, who was indeed National Secretary of Muintir na Tíre for a period, and this allowed Canon Hayes to develop the organisation nationally. Fr. Hickey highlighted the many initiatives that Canon Hayes spearheaded including rural electrification, the "Parish Plan for Agriculture", and the setting up of small industries in rural areas in an attempt to stop emigration. He said that Canon Hayes was a 'man of the people' and that his legacy is remembered with great affection in Bansha/Kilmoyler. In remembering Canon Hayes and the deceased members of Muintir na Tíre, Fr. Hickey remembered the late Myles McNamara, who was married to a niece of Canon Hayes and was a former Board member of Muintir na Tíre and a regular attender at any ceremonies in Bansha. Myles passed away in February 2023.

Following Mass those in attendance went to the grave of Canon Hayes at the rear of the Church in Bansha cemetery. Former National President, Martin Quinn, spoke about Canon Hayes and his contribution to rural life in Ireland. He said that Canon Hayes should never be forgotten or the contribution that he made to the parish and on a national basis. He spoke about the work of Canon Hayes, travelling the four corners of the country and overseas, promoting Muintir na Tíre and the values of self-help, self-reliance and neighbourliness. Martin thanked Fr. Hickey for celebrating the Mass and for his analysis of the life of Canon Hayes. He then invited the National President to lay a wreath at the grave of Canon Hayes and proceedings concluded with a blessing of the grave, which was extended to all buried in the cemetery by Fr. Hickey.