Kiltegan saddened by death of Lucy aged 41
THE community of Kiltegan was deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of popular local woman Lucia (Lucy) Hayes née Niceforo.
A devoted wife and mother of four, Lucy worked as head chef at St Patrick’s Missionary Society in Kiltegan and ran a catering business with her husband Denis.
Lucy passed away at the age of 41 following a battle with ocular melanoma during which she was cared for by her loving family and supported by many friends and neighbours from Kiltegan and the wider community.
The daughter of Maria and Domenico Niceforo, Lucy was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, and first made her home in Ireland almost 18 years ago.
Lucy’s passion for food and cook- ing saw her train as a chef in her native Melbourne and over the years she worked in some top establishments including Donovans on St Kilda Beach.
When she moved to Ireland, Lucy worked in Humewood Castle.
While she returned to Melbourne with her husband Denis for a year, Lucy wanted to return to Ireland to raise their children.
She had always held a fondness for the country and was keen for her children to grow up in the countryside rather than in the city.
Despite the looming Irish recession, Lucy and Denis returned to Kiltegan and established a catering business before she secured her job in St Patrick’s.
Lucy felt very much at home in Kiltegan and after so many years living in County Wicklow knew as many people, if not more, than her native husband.
She was always busy and enjoyed making the most of each day. Lucy also loved to share her passion for cooking with others and hosted a number of workshops in Talbotstown National School and for adults in Dunlavin. As well as this, Lucy also wrote a column in the Africa Magazine and during her illness she received prayers and good wishes from all over the world.
Outside of home and work life, Lucy loved to run and her dedication for fitness saw her complete the Dublin City Marathon two years ago.
The esteem in which Lucy was held was evident from the warm tribute posted on the Kiltegan Camogie Club. The Hayes family has a long affinity with the local GAA club.
‘Words can never describe how we as a club and community feel for losing such an amazing person as Lucy Hayes on Tuesday. Lucy was a girl who loved life. Lucy loved people and gave everything she had for the love of others.
‘Lucy brought so much personality to everything she did, her love for GAA, camogie and community rested with kids and how she cared to ensure every child was special.
‘Lucy, you are loved to the moon and back and thank you always for your kindness,’ the tribute read.
Lucy was laid to rest at Tynaclash Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband Denis, children Noah, Lilly, Donnacha and Charlie, parents Maria and Domenico, siblings Guilia, Frances, Rosanna and Vince, mother-in-law Eileen, relatives and friends.
May Lucy rest in peace.