23.08.2021
Mothers’ Union celebrates legacy of Irish founder – refurbished grave redicated
Representatives of Mothers’ Union from all over Ireland gathered in Dublin on Saturday (August 21) to remember the founder of the first Irish branch of the organisation. The refurbished grave of Annabella Hayes was rededicated by Archbishop Michael Jackson in St Fintan’s Cemetery in Sutton. The rededication was followed by a memorial service in All Saints’ Church in Raheny, the parish in which she set up the first branch of MU in 1887.
The refurbishment has been completed by All Ireland Mothers’ Union, with grant aid from the Heritage Council and marks the centenary of the death of Annabella Hayes. Joining members of Mothers’ Union to honour the contribution she made were the Deputy Mayor of Fingal Daniel Whooley; the President of All Ireland Mothers’ Union, June Butler; Canon Robert Deane, All Ireland Chaplain; and Karen Nelson, Diocesan President of Dublin & Glendalough Mothers’ Union.
In rededicating the grave Archbishop Jackson expressed gratitude to all concerned for the completion of the work. “It is my pleasure this afternoon, at the invitation of the Mothers’ Union, to dedicate this work and to remember with you the personality, the dedication and the gift that Anabella Hayes has been to the Church of Ireland and to the Mothers’ Union, an organisation that in our time numbers four million people in its membership worldwide,” he said.
He prayed for the continuing witness and mission of Mothers’ Union in Ireland and across the world and gave thanks for the work the organisation does to bring dignity to women and girls in situations and in homes of danger, exploitation, abuse and trafficking.
Speaking at the graveside, Cllr Whooley said it was important to acknowledge the work that had gone before and noted that her work was continued today throughout the organisation. He commended the work carried out by MU in the area of gender based violence.
The memorial service In the nearby All Saints’ Church, was led by Canon Leonard Ruddock, diocesan chaplain to MU in the presence of the Archbishop. Canon Robert Dean, All Ireland Chaplain and Canon Aisling Shine of Raheny parish. Sylvia Ayling of the Raheny Branch of MU, gave a detailed history of Annabella Hayes. Diocesan President, Karen Nelson, thanked all who had contributed to the refurbishment of the grave and to organising the day’s events. The day started with the Mums in May walk from Raheny to St Fintan’s. The walk formed part of All Ireland President, June Butler’s fundraising challenge to walk 21 kilometers in each dioceses this year. The service is available to watch here: https://youtu.be/uLEdf7Yj-C4
Annabella Hayes was married to the Revd Francis Carlisle Hayes who was appointed Rector of Raheny in 1873. In 1887 Annabella Hayes set up the first branch of the Mothers’ Union in Raheny, inspired by what Mary Sumner had done in England 11 years before. Little did either of them know that in the 21st century world–wide membership of Mothers Union would have grown to over four million. Sylvia Ayling reported that Mary Sumner had visited Ireland many times and visited Annabella in Raheny.
Canon Hayes retired in 1918 and he and Annabella moved to 12 Northbrook Road. Annabella survived a bad bout of ‘flu shortly after they moved, but was taken ill again about a year later. She was diagnosed with liver cancer and died at home on February 7 1921 aged 74.
Annabella is buried in St Fintan’s Cemetery in Sutton and her headstone (and that of Francis) stands at the highest point of the Cemetery. It is made of teak and despite its having stood there for 100 years there was absolutely no sign of decay in the timber. The cross had suffered some weathering, the plinth that supported it was cracked and the grave itself needed some repair.
No family members could be located and Mothers’ Union’s application to the National Heritage Council for a grant towards repairs was supported by the Heritage Council under the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2021. This covered the marjority of repair costs.
