A wonderful life, well lived by popular centenarian

The late Maureen Hayes, Redhills

A woman of her time with a deep faith and a passion for nature and the outdoors. That’s how those who knew Maureen Hayes would best describe the 103-year-old Cavan woman who departed this world on Friday, June 7, surrounded by her loving son Philip and daughters Margaret, Anna and Loré.

Born on May 31, 1921, the late Maureen Hayes grew up in what can only be described as turbulent times both in Ireland and across the world. Having lived through two world wars, Maureen was born before the foundation of the Republic of Ireland in the townland of Aughadrumgullion outside Butlersbridge.

She received her education, as was typical in those days, under the watchful eye of Master Ruddy in Culboyogue National School and did some casual work for a time before meeting her future husband Philip Hayes.

The couple married at Ballyhaise Church in 1953 and went on to have four children. At the time of her death, Maureen also left behind 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren - a testament to her love and adoration of her ever-expanding family.

Hard worker

After marrying, Maureen and Philip moved into his family home in Corcashel, Redhills, where together they farmed the land and milked the cows.

Maureen grew vegetables in abundance and often sold her produce along the road to passersby or by the sackful to McCaul’s Shop or Donohoes of Bridge Street in Cavan Town. She would also be seen walking the sow over the road to Treiner’s boar in the hope there’d be a good litter of pigs to sell to pigman Brady on his rounds.

Her main focus, however, throughout those years, was on her four children and their access to education. Maureen also helped her parents and her seven siblings, just two of whom married.

A woman of faith

She maintained a deep and strong faith, praying regularly, attending Mass every Sunday and availing of the First Friday visits from Fr Jason Murphy.

In her later years, Maureen was involved with the Redhills Senior Citizens and enjoyed her many trips around Ireland with the group.

Maureen’s courage and strength were admired by her family and neighbours alike. She had three hip replacements during her life and never let it hold her back making a full recovery every time. She never smoked or drove a car and, occasionally, treated herself to a half one. She maintained that it helped her to sleep.

A warm welcome

The late Maureen had a welcome for everyone; the kettle was always on the boil and a cup of tea offered to those who stopped by.

As her health deteriorated over the last two years, Maureen’s sons and daughters took over caring for their mother.

They were supported by the HSE’s district nurses and, over the last few months, by the local palliative care team. Maureen lived her life by nature and the seasons enjoying the sounds of the cuckoo and the appearance of the Corncrake during the summer months. She insisted on getting a copy of The Anglo-Celt every Wednesday and was also a regular reader of The Messenger.

Much loved Maureen died peacefully surrounded by her family in the home she had lived in for 71 years. The house, nestled in a rural setting, was alive with birdsong and summer sun as she went to meet her maker - testament, no doubt, to a wonderful life well lived.

Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a hAnam.