Ballyhaunis tributes to ‘authentic humanity’ of Jarlath Fahey

Jarlath Fahey, Devlis, Ballyhaunis and formerly Lavallyroe, who died last week at the age of 86, was a former principal of Ballyhaunis Community School.

One of a family of three sons born to Martin and May Fahey in Lavallyroe, Jarlath (pictured) spent so much of his life in the education field and contributed hugely to the lives of so many people in this region of east Mayo and west Roscommon.

He had an abiding and life-long interest in GAA and sporting matters and rendered great service to the Ballyhaunis Club. His brother, Fr Frank, who has done so much for Ballintubber Abbey over many years, was a member of the Mayo minor team that won the All-Ireland back in 1953, while his late brother, Fr Des, was a renowned English teacher in St Colman’s College, Claremorris, before later doing pastoral work in various parishes in the Tuam Archdiocese.

Ballyhaunis Community School was among the many leading the tributes to Jarlath: “The whole school community was saddened when news filtered through of the passing of Jarlath Fahey. Jarlath was one of the founding fathers of the Community School, and its success over the years is due in no small part to the huge qualities of the man.

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“Jarlath served initially as a teacher, having been appointed in 1977 and was appointed Deputy Principal in 1984. He was appointed Principal in 1999 following the retirement of Eddie Thornton.

“In recent days, the school has heard many tributes to Jarlath as a kind and caring teacher who went that extra mile to help his students. All students were treated with the utmost respect, and all were encouraged to reach their potential.

“As a Principal and Deputy Principal, Jarlath’s organisational skills were to the fore, and the school ran smoothly under his watchful eye. Yet once again, it was his authentic humanity that truly shone through. All members of the school community were treated with fairness and respect, and the school thrived and flourished under his stewardship.

“Jarlath retired in 2004 drawing the curtain on an outstanding career. Although many years have passed since Jarlath walked these corridors the values he imbued in the school are still to be seen and this is indeed an outstanding legacy.”

Tommy Caulfield, in a statement issued on behalf of Ballyhaunis GAA Club, lauded the commitment and dedication of Jarlath to the club: “Jarlath was a former outstanding player, inspirational coach and a most efficient officer of Ballyhaunis GAA who maintained a lifelong interest in and support for his club and county.

“Jarlath won a County Senior Championship Football Medal playing at wing back with that great Ballyhaunis team of 1958. The historic team that defeated Ballina Stephenites 2-5 to 2-1 lined out as follows: Charlie Phillips, P.J. Moran (Capt.), ‘Doc’ Healy, Christy McGrath, Jarlath Fahey, Noel Waldron, Gregory Mulkeen, Paddy Moran, John Dillon, Johnny Biesty, Mick Ryan, Peter Waldron, Pado Moran, Tom Langan, Val Byrne. Sub: Bernard Lyons for John Dillon.

The five official subs on the Ballyhaunis team were listed as Jimmy Mulligan (Devlis), Paddy Waldron (Redford), Paddy Healy, Kieran Benson and Bernard Lyons.

“The village of Lavallyroe near the Roscommon border played a very significant part in the 1958 victory. Jarlath’s brother Fr. Frank Fahey was a member of Ballyhaunis County minor championship winning side of 1952 and played with the All-Ireland winning Mayo minor football team in 1953. Jarlath Fahey, Paddy Moran and the captain of the team P.J. Moran, all natives of Lavallyroe, were on the victorious Ballyhaunis 1958 side.

“When Jarlath retired from playing, he became involved in developing and looking after the underage structures in the club and continued as Chair of Bord na nÓg for many years. “In the school year 1963/64, Jarlath became the first lay teacher at St Patrick’s College on the Knock Road where he taught Geography, Irish, Maths, History and Religion and (for a short time) Science. He was also actively involved in promoting Gaelic Football and Athletics and training school teams at St Patrick’s and in Ballyhaunis Community School. He later served as a very fair and kind Principal of Ballyhaunis Community School. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

Reposing was at Donnellan’s Funeral Home on Friday evening. Fr Stephen Farragher, PP, was the chief celebrant at the Requiem Mass Funeral in St Patrick’s Church, Ballyhaunis, and he was joined by Fr Frank Fahey, Fr Brendan McGuinness, Fr Martin O’Connor, and Fr Des Walsh. Interment took place afterwards in the local cemetery.

Jarlath, who was predeceased by his brother Fr Des, and infant baby Kieran, will be greatly missed by his wife Ita (nee Ryan from Knock), sons Donal (Cratloe, Clare) and Frank (New Zealand), daughters Áine (Kilkenny) and Caitríona (Castlerea), eleven grandchildren, his brother Fr Frank (Ballintubber), sisters-in-law Ann and Mary, sons-in-law Kevin and Vincent, daughters-in law Bríd and Nikki, relatives and many friends.

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