POPULAR Offaly man Peter Hynes - who made a “remarkable” impact on the Irish in Britain - has died, his family confirmed today.
The 81-year-old community leader, who had battled asbestosis for the past two years, passed away at noon yesterday (April 10) at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
After leaving his hometown of Belmont in Co. Offaly for Britain in 1953, he first arrived in Northampton – where he spent 30 years before moving to London.
A specialist painter and decorator by trade, Mr Hynes was well known among the Irish community nationwide, taking leading roles within the Council of Irish Counties Association and the Offaly Association in London as well as remaining a keen supporter of the GAA over the years.
“He was a remarkable man,” temporary Offaly Association Secretary Noel Lehane told The Irish Post today.
“He was known across the country and his death now leaves a huge gap in the community,” he added.
“Throughout his life he never failed to be proud of his roots, he loved being Irish and he loved celebrating that. Even recently, when he was unwell, he still went back to Ireland to follow the hurling games. He was a true GAA man.”
Maura Eivers, Peter’s partner of 20 years, claimed he battled his illness right to the very end.
“He was a hard worker and a man who was always proud of his roots,” she told The Irish Post.
“He came to Britain on March 19, 1953 and spent 30 years in Northampton before coming to London, where he got involved with the Offaly Association.
“Although he remained in contact with the GAA in Northampton, Warwickshire and all over the country for the rest of his life,” she added.
“He never even retired from his work either, as he only stopped when he got ill in 2014.”
Peter, who lived in Hendon, North London and previously held the position of secretary and PRO for the Offaly Association, was made a Life President in March of this year.
He leaves behind a daughter and a son in Northampton, a son in Canada and three grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be made - check back here for details.
Did you know Peter Hynes? Please send your memories and tributes to [email protected] or call 0208 9004329
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