The Gazette 1949-1952

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL A special meeting of the Council was held on Monday, 28th August, as a tribute of respect to the late Mr. William S. Hayes. T h e President addressing the meeting said :—

a break. In 1906-7 he served as President. It is indeed worthy o f remark that, although our Society was founded over a century ago, the list of its Presidents inscribed in the panel on the wall of our Council Chamber contains more names after his than before it. In 1944, his fellow solicitors throughout Ireland

“ I am sure that all the Members o f this Council and of our Society and indeed o f the legal profession in Ireland in both its branches, and on both sides of the Border, will approve of my action in convening this special meeting of the Council. Its purpose is to record in a very particular way our deep sorrow and grievous

presented to him by subscription, as a token of their esteem and affection, the striking portrait by Mr. Leo Whelan which now hangs upon the wall of the members’ hall. There I trust it will continue to hang as an inspiration to many future generations in our profession. This presentation marked the Golden Jubilee of his service as a member of our Council. ft is not neces­ sary for me to remind you of the distinguished part played by Mr. Hayes in our profession through his long and very active life. His worth was recognised alike by his countless clients,

sense of loss on the occasion o f the death o f our much loved friend, William Samuel Hayes, which occurred on 20th August, at the great age of 88 years. It is difficult indeed for any o f us to realise that we shall no longer hear his voice in this room. Mr. Hayes was the personal friend of every member o f this Council, and not only of us who are assembled here, but o f our predecessors for very many years past. He was indeed the Father of our Council, and of our Solicitors’ pro­ fession. Born in 1862, he was admitted as a solicitor in 1884, having gained as a student our

W ILL IAM S. H AYE S Admitted Trinity 1884. President 1906-7. Member of the Council 1892-1950.

highest distinction, the Findlater Scholarship. From 1884 till his death he practised without interruption as a member o f his father’s firm, to which he has added such great distinction. In 1892 he was first elected as a member of this Council. Year after year from then till now, he was re-elected by his fellow practitioner? without ?9

and by all his fellow practitioners. Every honour was gained by him which our profession could bestow. It is also unnecessary for me to remind you of his unceasing generosity and liberality. His many great benefactions to the Solicitors’ Benevolent Association were recognised by his nomination as its Patron of the Association,