It is hard to give a full measure of the positive force that was Canon Hayes, not just for the parish of Bansha, but for all rural communites and for our national development as a whole. Today, I am honoured to be here with you at his graveside to pay tribute to him and his work and to officially launch the commemoration ceremonies for the 50th anniversary of his death.
This man of vision came from humble beginnings but from the early days, his intelligence and creativity was evident. He distinguished himself by winning a scholarship to the Irish College in Paris to study for the priesthood; an experience which was to have a lasting effect on his outlook and personal philosophy. After his ordination, Canon Hayes spent eight years in Liverpool where he worked with countless Irish who had left these shores in the hope of finding a better life elsewhere.
These early experiences left Canon Hayes determined to do something to alleviate the deprivation and lack of opportunity that was endemic in the Ireland of the times. And, like all the best innovators, he knew that in looking for a remedy, he should look to ideas and solutions from abroad as well as at home.
After his return to Ireland in 1925 and inspired by the Flemish Belgian Farmers Organisation in 1937, he established the community movement Muintir na Tire. As a pioneer of community development, the Canon's main objective was to help the people of rural Ireland to help themselves. In doing so, he was truly an inspiration. As Martin Quinn, the chairman of your commemoration committee has put it: "He was filled with optimism at a time when hope seemed to have gone out of fashion".
Those that knew the man spoke of his charm and his great gift for oratory. It was said of him that: "there was music in his words, power in his hand and determination in his jaw."
With Canon Hayes at the helm, Muintir na Tire expanded rapidly and by 1947, there were 90 parish guilds around the country. The body was soon recognised as a progressive campaigning organisation that was led by a powerful force.
Of course, Bansha is the place that we most associate with the Canon. After his appointment to the parish in 1946 he wasted no time in taking action to improve things locally. After renovating the local churches and the local hall, he set up woodwork and cookery classes as well as running a series of dances, shows and pantomimes.
In line with the Muintir na Tire objective to create small industry, Canon Hayes and the community opened Bansha Jam factory, providing valuable employment to over 20 local people over many years. The selection of Bansha as a 'model parish' for the parish plans that were developed by Muintir na Tire was also a significant boost for the area. Canon Hayes was also the founder of the Bansha Agricultural Show which is still a major annual event.
I know that all of you here in Bansha are immensely proud of your association with Canon Hayes and the commemoration committee has put a lot of work into a range of events to mark the fiftieth anniversary of his death.
After the ceremonies here, I am looking forward to viewing the exhibition of projects on the life and work of Canon Hayes which have been prepared by pupils at the local primary schools. Tomorrow, there will be an anniversary mass in honour of the Canon. One of the grottoes built by Canon Hayes in Bansha will also be re-dedicated to him. Later in the year, you can also look forward to the publication of a photographic collection that will give a window onto the history of Bansha.
Of course, one of the major early successes for Muintir was its successful promotion of the Rural Electrification Scheme. Bansha had the distinction of becoming the first rural parish to receive electricity. Canon Hayes was the man to flick the switch on that occasion with the words: 'In God's name, here goes'.
And in so many other ways, the activities of Muintir na Tire helped to make a real difference to the physical environment of rural Ireland. The organisation was responsible for the building of countless community halls throughout the country as well as improving water supplies and ensuring the provision of telephone kiosks for remote rural parishes.
These days, Muintir na Tire has 1,500 active units spread in every county in Ireland. Through activities such as Community Alert, the organisation still makes an important contribution to local and community development.
This Government is fully committed to ensuring that local and community development in this country continues to be supported in an appropriate way into the future. There is significant work underway to improve the streamlining of local and community development structures as well as the delivery of services and I look forward to continued improvement in these areas. We are delighted to provide financial support to many community based organisations, including Muintir na Tire, with funding under the White Paper for Supporting Voluntary Activity.
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.
The Taskforce has worked vigorously to find out people's views through a major consultation process. I know that Muintir na Tire was well represented at their consultation events and has played an active part in the debate. I look forward to receiving the Taskforce's findings and recommendations in the coming weeks.
It is a great honour for me to join with you in remembering Canon Hayes and I would particularly like to welcome the Canon's nieces and nephew who are here with us today.
Thanks to Martin Quinn for inviting me to Bansha - I wish you all every success with the rest of the Canon Hayes Commemoration Ceremonies this year.
Thank you.
ENDS