Ballintubber's beloved priest celebrates his 90th birthday

Ballintubber Abbey is marking a very special occasion today — the 90th birthday of Fr Frank Fahey.  

A statement from Ballintubber Abbey on social media said for more than forty years, Fr Fahey has been "a steadfast presence at the 800-year-old abbey, guiding its restoration, deepening its spiritual life."

Upon his retirement in 2020, the Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary spoke to The Mayo News of Fr Fahey’s ‘enthusiastic and generous’ ministry since his ordination in 1973, he observed: “In his ministry he very successfully highlighted the things that do not change and at the same time responded positively and constructively to things that change and need to change. Central to his priestly ministry was the whole idea of pilgrimage. He promoted very effectively the Tóchar PhΡdraig from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick."

Under his leadership, the abbey grounds were redeveloped in the 1980s, the Easter Passion Play — The Triumph of Easter — was established and has continued ever since, and the ancient Tóchar Phádraig pilgrimage route from Ballintubber to Croagh Patrick was revived, bringing pilgrims from across Ireland and beyond. The Chapter House and Dorter were also restored under his stewardship in 1997.

READ MORE: Retiring pilgrim priest leaves rich cultural legacy

For Fr Fahey, Ballintubber Abbey has always been a place whose people "dared to hope" — through war, famine and upheaval — and in doing so preserved something irreplaceable for future generations. That spirit of hopeful perseverance has defined his own ministry, too.

A former Mayo Man of the Year, Fr Fahey has long been regarded as a legend in the county, though he would be the first to deflect any such praise. In keeping with that characteristic modesty, he has asked for no fuss and no gifts to mark the occasion. For those wishing to honour him, he has gently suggested that a donation to Ballintubber Abbey — the cause to which he has devoted his life — would be most welcome and can be done here. Above all, he has asked for prayers and good wishes.