Wexford Opera Festival chief Jerome Hynes dies aged 45

Published Wednesday 21 September 2005 at 11:50 by Anthony Garvey

Jerome Hynes, the chief executive of Wexford Opera Festival and vice-chairman of the Irish Arts Council, has died aged 45.

Hynes collapsed on Sunday night while addressing staff and performers at an event introducing the festival’s incoming director David Agler.

Irish arts minister John O’Donoghue said his loss would be deeply felt by the arts community nationally and internationally. He added: “He never stopped working for the arts. I was proud to know him.”

Galway-born Hynes, who would have celebrated his 46th birthday at the end of the month, began his career as an arts administrator in 1981. He then joined the Druid Theatre Company, which was founded by his sister Garry, and went on to become general manager. He left for Wexford in 1988 and extended the event from 12 to 18 days.

Festival chairman Paul Hennessey said: “We have lost a friend, a colleague and a champion. His commitment to Wexford was total. He provided the organisation with exemplary leadership over the past 18 years.”