Funeral of Fr Frank Fahey takes place at his beloved Ballintubber Abbey
Large crowds attend funeral of priest who oversaw the redevelopment of 'the abbey that refused to die'
The community of Ballintubber, together with many people who travelled from across the county and beyond, gathered in large numbers on Monday afternoon to mourn the passing of Fr Frank Fahey of Ballintubber, Claremorris, and formerly of Lavalleyroe, Ballyhaunis.
Fr Frank passed away peacefully last Thursday, July 16, surrounded by his family and close friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Martin and May, and his brothers, Fr Des and Jarlath. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday.
Following his passing, an abundance of messages were posted online, expressing their sympathies to his family and also sharing kind words in his memory.
Among them was Ballintubber native and Minister Alan Dillon, TD, who shared his sadness at learning of Fr Frank's passing earlier last week.
“Fr Frank was a remarkable figure. A priest, historian, guardian of heritage, and above all, a man of profound faith and imagination. His life’s work was inseparable from Ballintubber Abbey,” he said.
He further spoke of his work surrounding the restoration of Ballintubber Abbey, the establishment of the Passion Play, as well as the renewal of Tochar Phádraig.
Minister Dara Calleary also paid tribute, expressing his condolences to Fr Fahey’s family, parishioners, and friends.
“His kindness, compassion, and unwavering faith touched so many lives, and his devotion to the Ballintubber Abbey Project was inspirational. It leaves a legacy that will last forever,
“May his legacy of service and commitment continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those he served so diligently,” said Minister Calleary.
Respect
The large crowds who came to offer their sympathies at the Funeral Mass to Fr Frank's family and friends reflected the deep affection and respect in which he was held throughout his life and ministry.
At the beginning of the Funeral Mass, celebrant Fr Michael Farragher, Parish Priest, welcomed everyone in attendance, acknowledging both members of the local community and those who had travelled long distances to pay their respects.
"We ask God to reward him for his life of priestly service, for his kindness and understanding to the many lives he touched during his 53 years as a priest," he said.
He then invited Lisa to speak about the symbols representing Fr Frank's priestly life.
Oran, Áine, and Darragh brought forward Fr Frank's rosary beads, paten, and chalice, treasured symbols of a life devoted to God.
"Everything Fr Frank did, every action, every encounter, and every word was inspired by his desire to reflect Christ. His deep love for Jesus in the Holy Eucharist was the source and summit of his priestly life, expressed both in the reverent celebration of daily Mass and in the quiet prayer of Eucharistic adoration," Lisa said.
Following the First and Second Readings, Fr Farragher reflected on Fr Frank's life and ministry, recalling special moments he and many others had shared with him over the years.
He described Fr Frank as "a dignified, courteous, humble and kind man," before tracing his journey to the priesthood and recalling his lifelong passion for Gaelic football.
"He was a member of the Mayo minor team that defeated Clare in the 1953 All-Ireland Final, and lining out for Clare that day was the late Fr John Drury, who served in the Archdiocese for a number of years in the early 2000s," he said.
Deep connection
The homily also reflected on Fr Frank's deep connection with Ballintubber.
"Home for Fr Frank was Ballintubber, and the people here became his second family. They have known and cherished him for over 40 years," he said.
"To some, he was a father figure; to others, a grandfather figure. You cared for him in so many ways. You welcomed him into your homes, looked after him when he was unwell or recovering from operations, drove him to the Abbey, to hospital appointments, doctors' visits, meetings, and funerals. And, on more than one occasion, you even rescued his computer after he accidentally pressed the wrong button and deleted everything."
He further spoke of the hospitality shown to all those who came to visit Ballintubber Abbey.
“He was always very hospitable towards priests coming to do weddings and to teachers and pupils who came on retreats and tours,” he told those attending the Funeral Mass.
He concluded by expressing hope that Fr Frank is now sharing in the eternal life of heaven with God and that the hope that he had in his heart will be fulfilled, and that his memories will continue to support and comfort us all in the time ahead.
Following communion, Caitríona, a niece of Fr Frank Fahey, shared a eulogy for her uncle. She told those at the Mass she shared wonderful memories of Fr Frank as her uncle. She also spoke of his relationship with Ballintubber.
“The love and care he’s received from the community here over the past years as his health has declined has been incredible and has been a huge source of comfort to us as a family,” she told the mass.
She further expressed thanks on behalf of the family for the love and support given to her uncle.
Fr Paddy Mooney also paid tribute to Fr Frank Fahey and spoke about the years of friendship they had shared.
He spoke of their time working together in Knock and his education in counselling at UCD.
“He was one of the first to take a course in counselling at UCD. So many people came to him - he was a great listening ear,” he said.
Following the funeral mass, Fr Frank was buried in the adjoining cemetery. Fr Frank was predeceased by his parents, Martin and May, and his brothers, Fr Des and Jarlath. 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, and 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.
May he rest in peace.