Barney Hayden defied all the odds
Bernard Anthony ( Barney) Hayden was born in Greystones on May 18, 1948, the sixth of seven children of Anne ( Annie) and James ( Jim) Hayden.
Barney had Down’s Syndrome and was very fragile at birth, not expected to live beyond a year. Beating all expectations, he was honoured with a letter from President Higgins on his 70th birthday.
Just a few weeks prior to his passing he celebrated his 72nd birthday in Watford, where he had lived since his family brought him to England in 1957.
Barney had a special relationship with his Aunty Eileen, and sister Elaine. Aunty Eileen was sister to Jim ( deceased) and Bernard Hayden all originally from Delgany.
He is predeceased by father Jim, mother Annie, aunty Eileen, sister Elaine and brother John. He will be sorely missed by brothers Liam, Jago, Declan, sister- in- law Mary K Hayden, sister Catherine, Elaine’s daughter Catherine and the many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, around the world.
Barney died peacefully on May 31 in Watford General Hospital Hertfordshire and was buried with his beloved Auntie Eileen in Redford Cemetery, Greystones. The burial service took place on the afternoon of Thursday, June 18.
Barney was born in Nurse Lynch’s cottage in Redford and he grew up in Blacklion.
The home was the second of two which Barney lived in after his parents emigrated. Their emigration followed the sale of Mrs Hayden’s business, John McKenzie’s shop, in 1957.
In residential care in England, Barney had the security and comfort of his own bedroom in a purpose built bungalow for six residents in a quiet cul- de- sac only a few miles from where his parents lived out their lives.
During his recent birthday, his carers and fellow- residents joined in the celebration, and Barney received messages from at least three generations of nieces, nephews and cousins all over the world.
Barney’s parents and grandparents are also buried at Redford cemetery, as are his second eldest brother John and his sister Eileen. A grand uncle, Michael Reilly is also buried in that grave, and elsewhere there is a headstone to the memory of his father’s half brother Michael Hayden and his wife Sarah, together with their son Olly Hayden.
Barney has now been re- united with his most enduring carer, his Aunt Eileen Hayden, who lived with the family since 1948. Eileen lived into her 94th year.
His family are most thankful to all of his carers who loved him so well in England. So many people’s lives were touched by Barney, who brought joy to everyone who knew him.
President Michael D Higgins wrote to Barney to congratulate him on attaining his 70th birthday two years ago. He also sent a beautifully worded letter of condolence to Barney’s brother Jago, after Jago wrote recently to inform the president of Barney’s passing.
Although he lived a much longer life than doctors originally expected, there was deep sadness at Barney’s passing in May. His family take comfort in the fact that a son of Greystones has come home to his final resting place.