The death has occurred, following an illness, of Frank Hayes, the hugely popular former Kerry Group global head of corporate affairs. He was 66.
A native of Loughrea, Co Galway, he lived in Tralee during his career with Kerry Group, which lasted for three decades from 1991 until he retired in 2020.
Frank was super-efficient and very skillful at his job and his affable approach and warm personality ensured he was universally liked and highly respected. He was Kerry Group’s go-to contact for the media and he carried out his duties with the utmost professionalism; always available, forever practical, constantly helpful.
Frank also served on the board of Siamsa Tire and, later, Coillte and he was also on the board of the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork.
He was the public face of Kerry Group for 30 years and he built up strong links with the Kerry GAA, the Rose of Tralee festival, Listowel Writers’ Week and several community and agricultural events.
He was the key link between main sponsors Kerry Group and the Kerry GAA and he spearheaded negotiations that led to the creation of the most successful and enduring inter-county commercial partnerships in the country.
In a statement, the Kerry GAA said it was deeply saddened to hear Frank’s passing.
“Frank, in his capacity as Executive Director of Corporate Affairs with our main sponsor, Kerry Group, was a truly great friend of Kerry GAA.
“He was always honourable and courteous in our dealings with him and his meticulous planning of post All-Ireland functions was legendary,” the statement read.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to Frank’s wife Gráinne, to his children, and to all his family and friends at this very sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis”.
Frank was also a devoted charity champion and he undertook several major projects in support of great causes like the Kerry Hospice, University Hospital Kerry and the Children’s Health Foundation.
Frank, who lived at Oakpark in Tralee before returning to his native Galway following his retirement four years ago, passed away on Tuesday at University Hospital Galway, after an illness bravely borne.
Frank Hayes will be remembered not only as a great businessman but as a proud Galway man, an honorary Kerry man, a real community man, a devoted family man and one of life’s great gentlemen.
Predeceased by his parents, Tony and Una, his infant sister Elizabeth and his brother Eugene, he is mourned by his wife Gráinne and children Tony, Anna, John, Joseph, Conor and Emily.
He is further survived by Anna’s partner Rahul, John’s partner Emily, his sisters Evelyn, Breda and Una, his brothers John, Michael and Kevin, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and many other relatives and friends.
Reposing this Friday in St. Mary’s Funeral Home, Woodford, Galway (H62 YV04) from 4.00pm to 8p.00m with the funeral Mass on Sunday at 2.00pm in St Joseph’s Church, Ballinakill (H62 EK29).
Burial will take place afterwards in Curra Cemetery (H62 EH28).
Frank’s funeral Mass may be viewed live on https://churchmedia.tv/ballinakill. The family has asked for donations, if desired, to be made to Cancer Care West.
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