TRIBUTES the breadth and width of Limerick have poured in across this week for a gifted artist, photographer, and designer who was a “slave to habitual creativity”.
Billy Hayes, of Keane Street, Killalee, County Limerick, passed away peacefully at Milford Care Centre on Friday June 9.
Mr Hayes was well known throughout Limerick as a talented and prolific artist, perhaps best known for his iconic black and white pencil drawing of Limerick-born actor Richard Harris.
Friends and admirers of the late Billy Hayes paid striking tribute to his talents and gentle demeanor following the news of his passing late last week.
“Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the fantastic Billy Hayes. I spent decades calling him my friend and we spent countless hours in conversation, constantly bounced concepts and ideas off each other,” one tribute read.
“He had a saying ‘Slave to Habitual Creativity’ and by Christ he lived by it. A cacophony of creativity. Sleep well you Rockstar. I’ll miss you.”
“Lots of heavy hearts in Limerick tonight. Another absolute gem and true legend has left us,” another wrote. “As a fan of Billy’s artwork, I was never anything less than stunned every time I saw a new piece. Billy was one of the most naturally gifted artists out there. If you’ve ever been out in Limerick, you’ve probably admired some of his work.”
Commending the talent and generosity of the late Limerick artist, one long time friend said that he had a “unique style like all great artists. You knew where Billy had applied his craft.”
“Billy was also commissioned to do many private pieces for friends and never took a bob except a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and a half pound of cheese.”
From sketches created while chatting with friends to commissioned work, Billy’s art can be found all over Limerick and beyond, in people’s homes and in public. He lent his gifted eye for detail to bars and hotels, The Outback in Nancy Blakes, Punches Bar, The Whitehouse, The Red Hen, and Tom Collins Bar to name just a few.
A gifted photographer, he created stunning portraits for friends and creatives in the city and multiple pieces of intriguing abstract imagery.
An exhibition to celebrate the artist’s work organised by his many friends is in the planning stages with details expected soon.
Mr Hayes was laid to rest on Tuesday (June 13) in Mount St Lawrence (Extension) Cemetery, after a Requiem Mass in St John’s Cathedral.
The beloved artist is deeply regretted by his father Bill, brother Paul, siblings Paul, Carolyn, and Stephen, siblings-in-law Anne, Sinead, and Mike, nephews and nieces, extended family, and a wide circle of close friends. He is predeceased by his late mother Helen.
Mr Hayes’ family have suggested donations to Milford Care Centre in Castletroy.
