Episode Details

A Clare native has been remembered as a “man of determination” whose perseverance had a positive impact on the lives of many. A ceremony has taken place in St Patrick’s Hall in Corofin to celebrate the life and contribution of Clare Leader Forum co-founder Dermot Hayes. The celebration of life of one of Corofin’s proudest sons opened with the voice of Luka Bloom singing the words “don’t be afraid of the light that shines within you”. The following hour would be filled with tributes from family members and loved ones, each of whom benefitted from the light Dermot beamed into their lives. The native of Kells in Corofin, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 71, was a towering figure in activism in Clare, co-founding the Clare Leader Forum in 1992, serving as chair of the Clare branch of the Irish Kidney Association, and playing a key role in countless campaign across the last five decades. Humanist celebrant Pat Clarke-Browne says he championed the cause of countless people in Clare and beyond. Among the gifts presented to offer a representation of the person Dermot was were family photos, a slew of awards, local newspapers, a phone which he used to listen religiously to listen to his favourite music as well as Clare FM, and a copy of the W.B. Yeats poem ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’. His sister Andrea, who referred to him as ‘Dynamo Dermot’, says that despite the odds, his life was one well-lived. The over 200 attendees heard that in his private life, Dermot has a devoted husband and father who loved nothing more than being a Dad and told his children everyday how proud of them he was. His wife Marian told the congregation that looking after her father inspired his daughter Aimee to become a nurse. Aimee says he was a “legend” of his time and the best dad she could’ve wished for. Dermot is survived by his wife Marian, daughters Marese and Aimee and wide circle of family and friends. May he rest in peace.