Rev John Hayes

Social reformer, priest and founder of the influential group, Muintir na Tire, Canon John Hayes died in 1957 and his loss was greatly lamented. But who was he and why was Muintir na Tire such a powerful social reform movement in the middle of the 20th century?

The Offaly Independent reported:

Big Loss to the Nation Death of Very Rev. Canon Hayes….In the years since 1937 the names of Canon Hayes and of Muintir na Tire have become known and respected far beyond Ireland. At home they have established themselves in a special way in Irish society….

Canon Hayes, who was 68, underwent a serious operation last Friday in a Tipperary private nursing home.

It is just 20 years since the official birth of Muintir na Tire at a rural week in Ardmore, Co. Waterford. In those years, under the good humoured and vigilant guidance of Canon Hayes, the organisation has spread and thrived. In some 400 districts rural guilds have been set up north and south of the border. The progress and development of Muintir na Tire has been followed in the United States, in Africa (there is a guild' in Tanganyika), in Chile and in the Philippines.

But undoubtedly the most important part of Canon Hayes’ work was done in this country. He encouraged the return of initiative to Irish rural life by stimulating interest by local people in their own local affairs, by asking that youth should be given a chance and by making people realise the. help they can give to themselves by helping others.

In February, 1955, speaking to a Dublin audience about Muintir na Tire, Canon Hayes said : " We want to remove the differences—and some bitterness — which seem to exist between city dwellers and people of the rural districts. We want them to get to know one another. They must not look at rural Ireland merely as productive ; it has its human side, too. Muintir na Tire is not, only a farmers' and farming party. It is a community and parish organisation which represents everyone in the parish."

For more information search the pages of the Irish Newspaper Archive (www.irishnewsarchive.com )