‘One of the greats’: Tributes pour in for academic who died in University of Limerick fire

THE PROFESSOR who tragically died in a fire in Kilmurry Village on the University of Limerick campus has been named locally as Prof Michael Hayes.

The highly-regarded academic was found deceased inside a residence in the accommodation village on the college campus. 

Professor Shane Kilcommins, the provost and deputy president of the University of Limerick commented on RIP.ie: “A wonderful scholar, colleague and a gentle, kind man. Great champion of sport and students. Will be dearly missed in the University of Limerick.”

The fire broke out late into the night on Thursday, June 20, with Limerick Fire and Rescue Services battling the fire until 5am on Friday morning. 

Professor Hayes had been working in UL as part of the Carbolea Research Group, and it is understood that he had been living in Kilmurry Village for a number of years. Originally from Labasheeda and Kilmihil, Co. Clare, he had also worked in the University of Birmingham.

Alongside his academic pursuits, Professor Hayes, who was in his late 80s or early 90s at the time of passing, was massively involved in student athletics.  

UL Athletics Club said in a tribute on Facebook, “It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of one of the greats. Prof Michael Hayes had a great love of athletics and we were grateful for everything he did for us, especially the various events he organised alongside many top universities such as Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Brown & Birmingham. RIP Mike, you will be missed by all past and present athletes! You have left a great legacy behind”.

One mourner commented that, despite all of his “great achievements”, family came first for Professor Hayes as “the moments he relished most was when he was speaking about Katie and Danny”, his two children.

One condolence described Professor Hayes as “a highly-respected and brilliant academic with a huge publication list” who will be “remembered less for that than for his indefatigable energy, his devotion to his many students and to the athletes who he inspired and helped to great successes over many years”.

Another described him as “a force to be reckoned with who left a big impression on many of us”, with other mourners grieving the loss of “an inspiration, scholar and friend”.

Prof Michael Hilary Bermingham Hayes is deeply missed and fondly remembered by his wife Denise, children Dan and Katie, sister Mary, late brothers Paddy, Tommy, Danny and John, granddaughter Dorothea, sisters-in-law Maureen and Maura, son-in-law Finn, Dan’s partner Lalithia, nieces Marie and Mary, nephews John, Tom, Tom, Gerard, Joseph, Michael, grand nieces, grand nephews, extended family, wide circle of friends, colleagues, students, athletes and neighbours.

Funeral arrangements to follow.

May he rest in peace.