Advertisement
UCD Students Lead Tributes For...

News & Sport

UCD Students Lead Tributes For "Campus Icon" 'Old Man Belfield'

Newsroom
Newsroom

01:35 12 Jan 2021


Share this article


An investigation has been launched after a homeless man was found dead in the campus of UCD.

The 71-year-old was known to use the grounds of the college for over 20 years.

Over that time he had became known to staff and students alike.

Students fondly referred to Mr Byrne 'Old Man Belfield'.

Today, many have described  himas a part of the fabric of University College Dublin.

Lecturer and Assistant Professor at UCD, Orla Hegarty described Mr Byrne as "a very gently soul".

"He never intruded on anybody and I think a lot of people will be remembering him fondly today."

There are calls for a mural or plaque to be erected in his memory.

Co Editor of the College Tribune, Luke Murphy says he's "a legend" around Belfield.

"When you come in as a first year and you hear the stories and you see him."

"He's almost etched into the folklore of UCD."

Meanwhile, Services Manager with Focus Ireland Adrian Quinn, says he knew Michael for many years.

Mr Quinn says more should be done "for the Michael's of this world."

"There should have been done a long time ago".

"Michael was at the end of a long life of not getting enough and not getting enough interventions ."

Gardaí say the results of a post mortem will determine the course of their investigation.

UCD Students Share Their Memories Of Mr Byrne On Social Media

Meanwhile, many past and present students of University College Dublin have taken to Twitter to share their memories of the much-loved character.

Many people remarked the peaceful nature of Mr Byrne.

One student remembered the support students gave to "a campus icon".


Share this article


Read more about

Homelessness Old Man Belfield UCD