“A fiercely private person, we thank those of you who quietly looked out for Michael. We will miss him around the campus.”
Michael Byrne, affectionately known as “Old Man Belfield” by staff and students was a constant presence on UCD campus for over 30 years. When the University shared the sad news of his passing in 2021, thousands of messages poured in from students, alumni, staff, past and present, and the local community – each one sharing their deep affection for this kind and gentle soul who came to affect the lives of so many of us.
In choosing to make UCD’s Belfield campus his home, Michael touched people in ways he may not have known. His was a face in UCD that so many knew to see and he was someone around whom the UCD community gathered. Many members of our community supported Michael with basic needs including food and, during the worst of weather, shelter. The University was proud to host Michael’s funeral service and to share our grief and affection for him.
Through his gentle presence and quiet acceptance of support, Michael helped to build a community that understands the importance of caring for those in need. The UCD community has come together to remember Michael fondly by supporting student hardship scholarships to honour Michael’s memory and the impact he had on the UCD Community.
1: Installing a memorial bench in the Rose Garden at Belfield House so that those who come to sit and take their rest can fondly remember Michael.
2: Establishing the Michael Byrne Mile to cement Michael’s legacy at UCD.
- As part of the UCD Festival, this event brings together the UCD Community to celebrate and remember the deep impact Michael had on us all.
- It will help to raise funds to support UCD Cothrom na Féinne scholarhsips in Michael’s memory.
With the rising cost-of-living crisis, too many students from disadvantaged backgrounds are unable to take up their place in UCD. Cothrom na Féinne scholarships support deserving students in financial hardship, providing them with the life-changing opportunity of a university education.
The UCD Michael Byrne Mile
As part of the UCD Festival 2025 the Michael Byrne Mile will be returning on Saturday June 7th. The event will allow the UCD Community to come together to remember Michael in his home of UCD and to support UCD Cothrom na Féinne Scholarships in Michael’s memory. The event is open to all and we would like to invite the UCD Community to come to celebrate and remember the deep impact Michael had on us all. Join us for a mile run/walk on the UCD running track.
More details about the UCD Festival will be announced soon.
Make a gift in memory of Michael
We are are asking the UCD Community to come together to support student hardship scholarships. In this way, no matter their financial circumstances, a new generation of students will have the support they need to attend and thrive in UCD.
To donate in Michael’s memory, simply click below. Gifts from Irish taxpayers of €250 or more in a single year qualify for tax relief and are worth up to 45% m ore to the fund, making your support go even further. The communal outpouring of support for students in financail hardship highlights the deep affection held for Michael by those who remember him.
Your support will help to establish the lasting legacy of “Old Man Belfield”, keeping his memory alive to inspire and impact current and future generations. Michael Byrne will be deeply missed around campus.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Banner image: Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin