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Limerick remembers ‘True Limerick Gentleman’ artist Billy Hayes
Limerick remembers ‘True Limerick Gentleman’ artist Billy Hayes
Limerick remembers ‘True Limerick Gentleman’, artist Billy Hayes many remembering his “amazing work” and how “free-spirited” he was
The people of Limerick have been paying tributes to the talented Limerick artist and photographer, Billy Hayes, who passed away peacefully on June 9 at Milford Care Hospice.
Billy Hayes was a renowned artist, photographer, and graphic designer, whose work is instantly recognisable throughout Limerick, and the people of Limerick are grateful for his art, including his work in the early years of I Love Limerick.
His black and white portrait of actor, Richard Harris is an iconic piece that all of Limerick is proud of and admires.
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Many people have taken to social media to pay their respects to the artist, with many remembering his “amazing work” and how “free-spirited” he was.
One friend of the artist said, “It’s been a pleasure knowing you, friend. see you on the other side Bill, Rest easy,” and another saying, “So sad to hear this news, what a gentleman he was. RIP Billy.”
Billy’s personality and his talent left a mark on Limerick and all of those who knew him, with some commenting on one of his self-portraits, “Billy, you brought so much fun and divilment . What a character and a talent.”
In a post on Facebook, the Red Hen Bar, O’Connell Street posted an image of the artist’s Richard Harris which proudly hangs in their premises, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Billy Hayes, a true Limerick gentleman. He was a great friend and colleague to so many of us, and we learned so much from him.
“This beautiful print of his pencil drawing of Richard Harris, will serve as a reminder of his exceptional creativity. His friendly face will be greatly missed by all of us at The Red Hen and The White House Bar. We send our deepest condolences to his family at this time. Rest in Peace.”
Richard Lynch of I Love Limerick remembered Billy’s kindness, talent, and generosity, saying, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of incredible Limerick artist Billy Hayes. Billy did so much amazing work, including his work in the early days of I Love Limerick. He was loved by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
The son of the late Helen and Bill, Billy is survived by his siblings, Paul, Carolyn, and Stephen, as well as his sisters-in-law Anne and Sinead, brother-in-law Mike, and his nieces and nephews.
He also leaves behind many close friends. Reposing took place at Thompson’s Funeral Home on Thomas Street, with the funeral arriving at St. John’s Cathedral on Cathedral Place for Requiem Mass at 12noon on June 13th, followed by burial in Mount St. Lawrence {Extension} Cemetery. Donations to the Milford Care Centre were requested in lieu of flowers.
Read more about Billy Hayes here.
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