Funeral arrangements announced following the passing of Fr Frank Fahey
An outpouring of tributes has been shared online since news of his passing and funeral arrangements was announced.
Funeral details have been announced following the passing of Fr Frank Fahey, of Ballintubber, Claremorris, and formerly of Lavallyroe, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo.
Fr Frank died peacefully, surrounded by his family and close friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Martin and May, and his brothers, Fr. Des and Jarlath.
Ordained in 1973, Fr Fahey devoted more than four decades of priestly ministry to Ballintubber Abbey before retiring in 2020. During his time there, he became one of the driving forces behind the Abbey's revival and restoration, leaving a lasting legacy that has touched both the local community and the thousands of pilgrims and visitors who have passed through its doors.
Fr Fahey was also very well known in GAA circles. He won two Connacht Championships and one All-Ireland title as a minor for Mayo in the 1953/54 season, and he deeply enjoyed seeing his adopted home village of Ballintubber win five Mayo senior county titles during the years 2010 to 2019.
An outpouring of tributes has been shared online since news of his passing and funeral arrangements was announced.
Joe Kearney, a colleague and fellow priest of the Archdiocese of Tuam, expressed his sympathy to all those mourning Fr Fahey's death.
“May the Lord reward him, as he rests from his labours in God's vineyard. My deepest sympathy to all who mourn him, his wider family and his present and former parishioners,” he wrote.
Kevin Giblin of Moylough National School, Sligo, formerly of Tibohine National School, Roscommon, also paid tribute to Fr Fahey.
“Fr Frank made the Confirmation retreats so special for the children who visited Ballintubber. He was a great storyteller and full of fun. Fr Frank has left a great legacy, but it will be a huge loss to all who knew him. May Fr Frank Rest in Peace,” he wrote
Fr Frank will be deeply regretted and sadly missed by his nieces, Áine and Caitríona; his nephews, Donal and Frank; his sister-in-law, Ita; his grandnieces and grandnephews; Archbishop Francis Duffy; Archbishop Emeritus Michael Neary; his many priest colleagues in the Archdiocese of Tuam; and the parishioners and wider community of Ballintubber, Carnacon and Killawalla, who will remember him with great affection.
Fr Frank will repose at Ballintubber Abbey on Sunday from 4pm to 7pm. His Funeral Mass will take place on Monday at 12 noon in Ballintubber Abbey, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. May his gentle soul rest in peace.