Ahern hails Muintir na Tíre founder as '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.
Canon Hayes, a native of Murroe, Co Limerick, was parish priest of Bansha and Kilmoyler when he died in 1957.
The Taoiseach said the activities of Muintir, which Canon Hayes founded in 1937, helped to make a real difference to the physical environment of rural Ireland.
It was responsible for the building of countless community halls as well as improving water supplies and ensuring the provision of telephone kiosks for remote rural parishes.
Muintir has 1,500 active units spread across every county and through activities such as Community Alert, is still making an important contribution to local and community development.
“In many ways Canon Hayes was a man with ideas very close to my own heart.
‘‘His encouragement of community participation or active citizenship has been a rich legacy.
“I am very concerned that we do not lose this kind of community spirit and that is why I took the step of establishing the Task Force on Active Citizenship,” he said.
Archbishop Dermot Clifford of Cashel and Emly, Muintir national president Margaret O’Doherty and relatives of Canon Hayes were among those present at the ceremonies, organised by a local committee headed by Martin Quinn, chairman, and Fr Enda Brady, CC.
There will be a commemoration Mass in the local church today at 11.30am, with Archbishop Clifford as chief celebrant and tomorrow Bansha Kilmoyler parish priest Fr Dan Dwyer will rededicate a grotto that Canon Hayes had erected on the Tipperary Road after 11.30am Mass.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
