CELEBRATIONS were held for the golden jubilee of a beloved member of the Church community in Southill.
Fr Joe Hayes SJ was celebrated with a special Mass in the Holy Family Parish Church in Southill on Sunday last (September 21) marking his 50 years of service to the Church.
A former resident of Remington Park, North Circular Road, Fr Joe received his early education at An Modhscoil, O’Connell Avenue, and later attended Crescent College.
After completing his secondary education, he entered the Jesuit Society.
Fr Joe was ordained to the priesthood on June 20, 1975, and celebrated his first Mass the following day at the Holy Rosary Church on Limerick’s Ennis Road.
After his ordination, he travelled to the US to pursue further studies before taking up an assignment in Zambia.
Fr Joe served in Zambia for 34 years, mainly in education, and was appointed headmaster of a Jesuit college there.
Returning to Ireland in 2015, he became parish priest of Holy Family Parish in Southill.
In 2024, the beloved shepherd of the parish stepped down from his role but continues to serve as a priest in Southill. He is also chaplain to the Limerick Branch of the Knights of St Columbanus.
In his spare time, Fr Joe enjoys a game of golf.
Sunday’s celebration in Southill was concelebrated by Fr Joe himself alongside Fr John Walsh PP and Fr Jim Maher SJ.
Countless memebers of his flock attended the celebration, alongside the Limerick branch of the Knights of St Columbanus, Moyross parish priest Fr Pat Hogan, as well as the Good Shepherd Sisters and Mercy Sisters resident in the parish. Refreshments were provided for all following the Mass.
