Fr Frank's legacy is etched in Mayo's ancient abbey
Fr Frank Fahey took on the challenge of restoring the Tóchar Phádraig pilgrim path in the 1980s.
It is with deep and sincere sorrow that we record the passing of a very special priest and a deeply spiritual pastor with a distinct warm personality who was wholly dedicated to the well-being of his flock. The late Fr Frank Fahey, of Ballintubber Abbey, was such a man – a man of God.
A native of Lavallyroe, Ballyhaunis, Fr Frank Fahey passed away on Thursday last surrounded by his family and close friends. Predeceased by his parents, Martin and May, and his brothers, Fr Des and Jarlath, Fr Frank is deeply regretted by his nieces, Áine and Caitríona; nephews, Donal and Frank; sister-in-law, Ita; 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, to whom profound condolences are extended.
Fr Frank was ordained to the priesthood in 1973. He returned to his native county after spending a period in Los Angeles. He served in Ballintubber from 1986 until his official retirement in 2020. But Fr Frank did not retire. He was a conscientious community activist still deeply immersed in the promotion of his beloved Ballintubber Abbey, particularly the development and advancement of the Cultural and Heritage Visitor Centre Project.
We rejoice that he lived to witness the sanction and commencement of the worthy venture that was so dear to his heart and a fitting culmination of his life’s work.
Fr Frank left a lasting imprint on the Mayo landscape he loved so well. Through his work and research he was one of the architects in the re-establishment of the ancient Tóchar Phádraig pilgrim path. It was an achievement that took major diplomacy in achieving the co-operation of the many landholders from Lufferton to Murrisk.
He also initiated development and restoration works on the grounds of the Abbey with magnificent stone manifestations of the passion of Christ and a unique underground Crib that attracts many visitors especially at Christmas.
He also undertook reconstruction developments on the ancient pagan and Christian settlement of Church Island on Lough Carra and he built an attractive interpretive centre with necessary offices, the Scioból and the Celtic Furrow in Ballintubber. The Chapter House and Dorter Room in the Abbey were also restored under his guidance in 1997.
His all-encompassing ministry knew no bounds as he organised multiple spiritual retreats for students from national and secondary schools from around the county and beyond. The Abbey Choir, with which he has been hugely associated with and supportive of, operate at the highest standard with frequent concert performances and video productions.
Few communities would embark on staging a passion play annually at Easter but Fr Frank and his host of willing helpers have done just that for the past 44 years since 1982. The drama titled 'The Triumph of Easter' is staged in the Abbey grounds each year. Unbelievably it has a cast in excess of ninety and the production is of the highest standard, reflecting the varied organisational skills Fr Frank possessed.
Fr Frank did of course receive many prestigious personal awards for his incredible work and achievements. In 1984 he was named Mayo Person of the Year by the Mayo Association in Dublin for his extensive community work and his efforts to restore the ancient Tóchar Phádraig pilgrim path to Croagh Patrick. At a gala 24th annual community awards banquet in Breaffy House in November 2016, Fr Frank received the prestigious Hall of Fame Award.
Fr Frank accepted those awards modestly but they were never a part of his focus or intent. His constant reassuring presence, wise counsel to those who suffered bereavement or those in pain from the various social problems that plague our society were far more important to him. His homilies too were captivating often laced with a characteristic humour that was part and parcel of the man. Few know that he was an exceptionally talented mimic!
Fr Frank also had a great love for Knock Shrine and a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, having served as a curate in Knock at the time of the building of the Basilica in the mid-1970s.
He gave trojan service and did countless quiet acts of kindness. He also established the Family Centre in Knock which provides confidential counselling, bereavement support and personal development programmes. It also offers a dedicated space for mental health and family support.
Ballintubber Abbey was packed to capacity on Friday, June 5th, 2026, as multitudes gathered to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi and honour a very special occasion for Fr Frank, his 90th birthday, which fell in February last. His landmark birthday culminated in a joyous few months of celebration and he received multiple best wishes and greetings from Mayo, Ireland and many friends overseas. The love and respect showered on him was truly merited.
Mayo meet Kerry next Sunday in the All-Ireland Final in Croke Park. Fr Frank was always a man in a hurry to achieve. Perhaps he was in a hurry on this occasion also in order to make strong representations to St Patrick and his superiors up yonder for a Mayo success on Sunday next. And why not – Fr Frank enjoyed an illustrious Gaelic football career at club, college and county level.
His Gaelic football achievements though not widely known were considerable. Having played underage with Ballyhaunis, he won a Mayo Minor Championship in 1951. He won Connacht Colleges medals at junior level in 1952 and 1953 with St Jarlath's College, Tuam. He also won a Connacht Colleges Senior Championship in 1953.
He won Connacht Minor Championship medals with Mayo in 1953 and 1954 and a deserved All-Ireland Minor Championship medal in 1953. From 1955 to 1957, he played club football at senior level with Erin’s Hope and the Civil Service clubs in Dublin. During this period he also wore the Green above the Red of Mayo. In 1958, he went to England and thus ended an illustrious football career he rarely boasted about.
A highlight of the Ballintubber GAA year in times past was a special pre-Christmas Mass for deceased members in the clubrooms either at Ballintubber Centre or Clogher. The services were special intimate ceremonies conducted by Fr Frank, laden with real meaning and were poignant occasions treasured by the families of the bereaved.
For two score of years, the parish in its entirety and Ballintubber has benefited tremendously from his committed leadership, his immense dedication and the genuine love for the sacred place that is Ballintubber Abbey and the people in its environs. His legacy is now interwoven with the story of the ancient Abbey and also in the hearts of countless people In Mayo, Ireland and overseas, whose lives he touched with loving care and tenderness.
Fr Frank’s remains reposed at Ballintubber Abbey on last Sunday afternoon from 4pm to 7pm when multitudes of people sympathised with his family and filed past in reverence to his memory. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday at 12 noon in Ballintubber Abbey, followed by burial ceremonies in the adjoining cemetery.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
- S.H.
