Dermot O'Reilly Hyland was born in London on June 9th 1918, the eldest son of Mr and Mrs H.J. Hyland. He was educated at Blackrock College and in 1948 married Dr Constance McGuigan, with whom he had seven children. His eldest son, Dermot Jnr, died in a tragic road accident in 1975. The loss, caused lasting grief to both parents and to the entire family. The sudden and unexpected death of Constance in 1990 inflicted another devastating blow to Dermot, which I believe he has carried with him on his final journey.
Dermot, a fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors was senior partner of the well-known practice of O'Reilly Hyland, Tierney and Associates, which he founded in 1947 and in which he was joined by his good friend Henry Tierney in 1949. It remains today one of the leading practices in Ireland.
He was a highly respected professional, a devoted and loving husband and father whose generosity knew no bounds. His good counsel and sound advice was at all times available to all the very many people who sought it and indeed there are very many practising surveyors today, in this country and throughout the world, whom he encouraged and supported in the early years of their training.
He had a smile that would brighten the darkest day and indeed it was his eyes that said it all - he was happy to be alive and always happy to help. His good nature touched many and he was universally liked. He was a keen sportsman with a special interest in horses. He loved hunting and rode to hounds with the South County Dublin Hunt, and his interest in equestrian sports was shared by all the members of his family. His late wife was for many years district commissioner of the South County Dublin Pony Club and the Wicklow Hunt Pony Club, which she founded in 1975.
Dermot was elected chairman of the Society of Chartered Surveyors in Ireland in 1958 and 1959. He was a board member of the National Maternity Hospital and a life governor of the Mater Hospital. He was a life member of the Royal Dublin Society, a member of the Royal Irish Automobile Club and the Royal George Yacht Club. He also served for two terms as chairman of the Stephen's Green Club. He was a patron member of the Dublin Grand Opera Society for many years and derived great pleasure from classical music.
He died at his home, Holywood House, Glenealy, Co. Wicklow last July 18th after a long period bravely coping with severe Parkinson's Disease. His life, which touched so many, will be an inspiration to all of us. He had the gift of length of years, the latter of which sadly proved very difficult for him to endure.
May he rest in eternal peace.
R.D.M.