The death has taken place of life-long trade unionist, community and disability activist, Dermot Hayes.
The founder of the Clare Leader Forum and chair of the Clare Branch of the Irish Kidney Association passed away peacefully yesterday evening at the Mater Hospital in Dublin at the age of 71 surrounded by his family.
Originally from Kells, Corofin, in his 20s, while working in Ennis, had became involved in trade unionism fighting for rights for his fellow workers. He also ran in three location election campaigns in 1985, 2015 and 2019.
Known the country over for his dedication to helping other people, Dermot was only recently honoured with a lifetime achievement award at a Clare Leader Forum event in Ennis.
Dermot’s activism spans more than three decades and includes founding the Disabled People of Clare in 1992; reigniting the movement with the Clare Leader Forum in 2014 and contributed to ‘We Are Human Too’.
He wrote his autobiography ‘The Road That Rises’, running for election and standing consistently for justice at both local and international levels. His recent participation in Saturday vigils highlighting the genocide of Palestinian people is also well known.
The ‘People Power: Disabled Activism and Allyship in Driving Change, Inclusion, Equality and Combating Ableism’ event was host in the Great Hall at the Templegate Hotel in December.
Dermot is survived by his wife Marian and daughters Aimee and Marese.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Tributes have been pouring in since news of Dermot’s death became known on Saturday evening.
Clare Leader Forum – “We are heartbroken to share that our incredible founder, Dermot Hayes, passed away peacefully at 6:10pm on the 3rd of January, surrounded by his adoring wife and daughters.
There are no words to fully describe how shattered and how deeply grateful we are for the extraordinary human being Dermot was. His compassion, integrity, humour, and unwavering commitment to justice shaped this forum and each of us in ways that will endure.
For now, we will take a pause, to reflect, grieve, and to hold Dermot’s family gently in our hearts.”
Clare Traveller Community Development Project – “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dermot Hayes.
Dermot was a man of integrity, decency and a strong moral compass, with a lifelong commitment to inclusion and social justice. He was a strong advocate and ally for Travellers in County Clare, and he will be deeply missed by the many communities he campaigned so tirelessly for.
Our thoughts are with his wife Marian and his daughters Aimee and Marese at this very sad time.”
Clare Volunteer Centre – “Dermot has been a strong supporter of the Clare Volunteer Centre since we opened our doors in 2008, recognising the invaluable role that volunteers play in our communities and leading by example in the tireless advocacy and campaigning on behalf of so many in our communities that shaped his life and made a difference in the lives of so many. Dermot Hayes was recently honoured in the Faces of our Community project where he shared his experience of his own volunteering journey which has been driven by a lifelong commitment to challenging inequality and injustice.
We will miss his humour, his energy, his honesty and his smile. Sending our sincere sympathies to Marian, Aimee and Marese and all who loved Dermot. Rest in peace comrade.”
Primary Healthcare Project Clare – “Dermot Hayes will be remembered with deep respect and affection by all who knew him. He was a person of kindness, integrity, and quiet strength, whose presence brought comfort and warmth to those around him. Dermot’s life was marked by his care for others, his dedication to what mattered most to him, and the meaningful connections he built with family, friends, and colleagues. Though his passing leaves a profound sense of loss, his memory lives on in the lives he touched and the legacy of compassion and character he leaves behind.”