Deep sadness at passing of inspirational Mayo priest
THE guiding light at Ballintubber Abbey, Fr. Frank Fahey, has died.
A much loved figure, Fr. Fahey, who celebrated his 90th birthday earlier this year, gave over four decades of service to the abbey and Ballintubber parish community.
He was a man of vision, guiding the restoration of the 800-year-old abbey and being a driving force behind the new visitor centre, which is now in development.
Poignantly, Fr. Frank passed on the day that work started on the ground for the new centre, which was a dream he had long worked on to see realised.
Ballintubber Abbey, in an announcement, said that it was with 'heavy hearts' that they shared the news that beloved Fr. Fahey passed away peacefully on Thursday, surrounded by his loving and heartbroken family.
Paying tribute, the abbey statement said: “Just months after celebrating his 90th birthday in February, and marking 40 years of service to Ballintubber, he left us on the very day that work commenced on-site for the new Cultural and Heritage Visitor Centre, the ambitious dream he held so close to his heart for Ballintubber Abbey's future.
“His work here is done. His legacy will live on in every stone of what comes next, and his love for Ballintubber and this Abbey will never be forgotten.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Fr. Fahey marked the golden jubilee of his ordination in 2023, when the community came together to celebrate their beloved cleric whose leadership was one of kindness and care. He served as Parish Priest of Ballintubber from 1986 to 2020.
His legacy for Ballintubber as a place of prayer and pilgrimage is immense, having re-established the ancient Tóchar Phádraig Pilgrim Path in the 1980s and undertaking major restoration and development projects around Ballintubber Abbey. His energy and enthusiam was unmatched and his legacy will be forever remembered in his beloved abbey and parish.
Tributes have been pouring in for Fr. Fahey to Ballintubber Abbey's social media.
“He dedicated his life firstly to his faith and for the last part of his ministry to developing Ballintubber Abbey. On one hand, he was a man of vision and drive, in getting projects done, and on the other hand, a priest who gave amazing spiritual guidance and support to his congregation.
“Fr. Frank was loved by so many and we pray, he now enjoying his new Heavenly home this day,” said one.
Another recalled: “A wonderful man that put his life and soul into his work and community. You have left a wonderful legacy.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.