Ahern to attend commemoration in Co Tipperary

A priest who inspired local communities through his Muintir na Tíre organisation will be commemorated today by the Taoiseach.

The 50th anniversary of the death of Canon John Hayes will be marked in Bansha in Co Tipperary where he served as parish priest from 1947 until his death in 1957.

Muintir na Tíre now has 1,220 active branches across Ireland.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will today lay a wreath at Canon Hayes’ grave in Bansha graveyard during a constituency tour.

Event spokesman Martin Quinn said: “Canon Hayes inspired communities to pursue their own local social, economic, environmental and cultural development.

“He promoted a form of patriotism based on self-reliance, neighbourliness and community spirit in serving the common good.

“He challenged people of local communities to put aside their apathy and become involved in local activities aimed at improving the quality of life for all.

“In Bansha, he spearheaded many initiatives including Rural Electrification, the Parish Plan for Agriculture and the setting up of small industry like the Bansha Jam Factory.”

Canon Hayes was born in a Land League hut in Murroe, Co Limerick in 1887. Five of his brothers and sisters died of malnutrition and disease before he reached seven years of age.

He was educated at the Jesuit College in Limerick and began studying for the priesthood in St Patrick’s College, Thurles.

In 1907 he went to the Irish College in Paris where he was ordained in 1913.

From 1915 to 1924 Fr Hayes worked in Liverpool before returning home.