High praise for retiring Jim Fahy

High praise for retiring Jim Fahy


Trevor Quinn

UachtarΡn na hÉireann, Michael D Higgins, paid tribute to RTÉ’s Western Editor, Jim Fahy, who retired on New Year’s Eve after almost 38 years’ service. Fahy was RTÉ’s longest-serving regional correspondent.
During a personal address on Saturday’s Six One News, President Higgins said Jim Fahy would be greatly missed. He paid tribute to the character of the renowned journalist, who cut his teeth as a print journalist at the Tuam Herald in 1965, where he worked for nine years before moving to RTÉ.
President Higgins said, “Every single thing which happened in the west of ireland, be it political, cultural, international, the first thing people would say to each other was, ‘Have you contacted Jim Fahy?’ He had a kind of seductive charm that made it inevitable you would talk to him. And at the same time, he was unrelenting in asking the tough questions.”
Jim Fahy’s colleagues at RTÉ were also keen to congratulate him on his retirement and wish him every happiness in the future.
“A recipient of over 40 awards during his distinguished career, Jim epitomised old-world courtesy, consummate hard work and a steely and dedicated professionalism,” an RTÉ spokesperson said, adding: “He has highlighted many significant stories and issues in the west of Ireland over many years.”