By Matt Keane
The soccer community of Ireland and especially Waterford were deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of Michael Hayes, the FAI Operations Manager which occurred on Sunday, September 27th at 5.45pm in the Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin.
A native of St John's Park, Michael devoted his entire life to the beautiful game and from an early age he simply lived for football and his knowledge of the game was simply unequalled by any person on this island.
His incredible collection of statistics stretches back to the formation of the League of Ireland and when he was contacted by journalists from every single publication or radio station he would have their query answered in double quick time. He was "the go to man'' for any question on any player or club who have played in the League of Ireland.
On a personal level I have known Michael since we were little toddlers who used to go to Kilcohan Park on Sunday afternoons to watch our beloved Blues. We served together on the Waterford Supporters Club for many years and for over a decade during the 70's we compiled the match programmes for the club.
It was a labour of love for the two of us and to this day I can fondly remember spending hours and hours in his room in St John's Park researching and writing the programmes. We would wait on a Friday evening like two excited children on a Christmas morning to see the finished and printed programme when they came off The Munster Express printing machines.
The Late Dr Tony O'Neill was well aware of Michael's exceptional talent and it came as no surprise when he played a major role in getting him appointed to the FAI. He began compiling the LOI fixtures in the mid 80's and he was appointed full time in 2002.
In 2004 he was elected Acting General Manager of the Eircom League of Ireland.In his role as the Operations Manager he was totally responsible for compiling the fixtures for the Premier League and the First Division, a job he carried out superbly for the past 15 years or so.
During a conversation with him a short few weeks ago he admitted that the Covid-19 situation was extremely taxing and difficult when it came to reorganising fixtures but he came through with flying colours. Michael was a very close friend of the late Johnny Matthews and both of them used to shoot the breeze for hours on an almost daily basis. They are now together up in Heaven.
He was also a long time pal of the late Milo Corcoran and of course they worked together with the FAI after both of them had cut their teeth serving on the Waterford United Supporters Club many decades ago.
Michael was also highly regarded on the European stage and he travelled to various places in Europe where fixtures involving the Irish team and especially League of Ireland clubs who qualified for European competitions had to organised.
Michael was a proud Waterford and despite his lofty and prestigious position in Abbotstown his real love was Waterford FC although due to the important position he held he dealt with the Blues just the same as any of the other clubs who play in the League of Ireland.
That was the kind of man he was.
Fair to all without fear or favour.
He was compiling and resetting fixtures right up to Thursday, just four days before he departed this world. What appeared to be a routine health test was to prove fatal.
During his twenties and into his early 30's he was a brilliant Pitch and Putt player and he won numerous Irish titles and provincial titles and he served the St Otteran's Pitch and Club (which was just a nine iron from his St John's Park home) with style and grace as secretary, treasurer and chairman.
Aged only 62 years , he celebrated his birthday on July 6th last. He was the son of Peggy and Michael Hayes.
He is survived by his heartbroken sisters Mary and Paula and brother Terry.
At the time of writing hundreds of tributes have been pouring in from the soccer family of Ireland including high ranking FAI officials, both past and present and from every club who play in the League of Ireland.
One of the greatest ever administrators has left this world way to soon and his vast knowledge of encyclopedia like facts and figures will never be replaced within the halls of the FAI.
May God's soil rest easily on his kind and gentle soul.
Goodbye for now my lovely friend.
