News

01 September 2019 / Club News

In Memory of Michael Hayes

Mountain Ash RFC offers its deepest sympathy to Mrs Rita Hayes and family on the passing of her husband, Michael, a former committee member of the club back in the 1960s. Michael's great friend, Stan Addicott, a former Mount player from this era and now President of Swansea RFC, has written the following obituary of Michael's life:

"It is sad to announce the passing of Michael Hayes who served on the committee of Mountain Ash RFC during the early 1960s. Michael (or ‘Gabby’ as he was affectionately known) was an enthusiastic supporter of the club’s activities and a regular touchjudge on match days. He was also a member of the rugby club choir.

Michael left Mountain Ash to live in Ireland in 1965 after meeting his future wife Rita while on a club outing to support Wales against Ireland in Dublin. He lived in Rathcoole (Co. Dublin) and worked as a civil engineer. With Rita he raised four children - Grainne, Rhonwen, Tara and Gareth, and was blessed with eight grandchildren. His son Gareth represented Irish Schools (U18s) against France at rugby in 2001.

Michael’s thoughts often turned to Wales and Mountain Ash. He had a lifelong love of rugby, made regular visits to Cardiff to watch international matches, and kept a keen eye on the fortunes of Mountain Ash RFC. Apart from being a loving family man he had wide interests that included reading, a love of cooking, fine wines, the famed ‘Irish beverage’ and music. He was a founder member of the Dublin Welsh Choir, serving them with dedication for over fifty years.

Michael died on 22nd August, aged seventy-eight, following a brave fight against illness. Requiem mass took place on the 26th August at Saggart where a large congregation included Rita, family, sister Marilyn, and a wide circle of friends. The Dublin Welsh Choir movingly sang a collection of Welsh hymns to ensure that his early life in Mountain Ash would not be forgotten."

Stan Addicott

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