Maurice Hayes archive to open at NUI Galway

Maurice Hayes archive to open at NUI Galway

27 February 2019

AN archive covering the life of Dr Maurice Hayes will be officially opened next month.

Dr Hayes, who was born in Killough and spent most of his life in the Downpatrick area, died in December 2017 at the age of 90.

A eminent public servant, he played a vital role in the search for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

The Maurice Hayes Archive, which will be unveiled at the National University of Ireland Galway, on Tuesday, March 11,  includes speeches, correspondence, records and papers detailing his involvement in many organisations over a long and distinguished career.

It will be opened by Lord Patten of Barnes, the former Conservative politician who from 1998 to 1999 chaired the Independent Commission for Policing in Northern Ireland, of which Dr Hayes was a member.

NUI Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said the university was honoured to hold the papers of a “great Irishman and great European.”

He continued: “A scholar, a public servant, a peace-maker, Maurice was respected by all communities across the island of Ireland and his papers offer researchers and students a unique perspective on Ireland at a time of great social and political change.

“I look forward to welcoming his family to our campus for this occasion which will be marked by a perspective on Maurice’s extensive legacy in a memorial lecture by his friend, Lord Patten of Barnes.”

Among his many other roles, Dr Hayes was chairman of the Community Relations Commission from 1969 until 1972; Assistant Secretary to the Northern Ireland Power-Sharing Executive, 1973-74; a member of the Secretariat of the Northern Ireland Constitutional Convention, 1975; Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, 1987-1991; an Irish Senator and chairman of the Ireland Funds.

He published widely, including a three-volume autobiography, had a strong commitment to the Irish language and was also a vital figure in Down’s GAA successes in the 1960s.

Dr Hayes had a particular ability to work with and engage people and parties of all persuasions. In addition to his achievements in Northern Ireland, he took a keen interest in Europe throughout his career. 

Niall Ó Dochartaigh, Professor of Political Science and Sociology at NUI Galway, said: “Maurice Hayes played an enormously important role in public life in Ireland, North and South, over several decades.

“His contributions ranged widely but perhaps the most important were to community relations, allied to his genius for maintaining strong relationships with political and social forces across the political spectrum at a time of intense violent conflict in Northern Ireland.

“His archive will allow a new generation of researchers to explore the extent and significance of his influence and provide a new window into political and social developments in Ireland, North and South.”

John Cox, University Librarian at NUI Galway, said: “It was a real privilege to get to know Maurice Hayes and to develop an understanding of his unique contribution to so many aspects of life in Northern Ireland and far beyond.

“The opening of his papers for research, teaching and general consultation means that his lasting legacy will be fully appreciated by all who make use of this important archive.”