Ahern hails Muintir na Tíre founder as 'pioneer of community development’

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern last night described Muintir na Tíre founder John Canon Hayes as a man of vision and a pioneer of community development.

He was speaking in Bansha, Co Tipperary, at the start of a weekend of ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of Canon Hayes’s death.

Mr Ahern, who was greeted on arrival by a guard of honour provided by local school children and pipers playing Irish airs, unveiled a plaque and placed a wreath on Canon Hayes’ grave in the local church grounds.