The late Tipperary Co. Councillor John Fahey’s tireless work for his community is remembered at his funeral

Hundreds of mourners paid their last respects to the late Fine Gael Cllr John Fahey at his funeral Mass in Killenaule this morning where he was fondly remembered as a quiet, honourable gentleman and tireless worker on behalf of his community. 

Senior members of the Fine Gael party along with many of his Tipperary Co. Council colleagues past and present were among the large crowd that gathered in the town's St Mary's Church for the Requiem Mass celebrated by local parish priest Fr James O'Donnell. 

Taoiseach Leo Varadker was represented at the ceremony by his Aide-De-Camp Cmdt Caroline Burke and she was joined by Minister of State John Paul Phelan, Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly,  former Fine Gael TDs Tom Hayes and Noel Coonan and former FG Senator Maurice Cummins.

Tipperary Co. Council Chairman Cllr Mattie Ryan, Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Chairperson Cllr Louise McLoughlin and Co. Council CEO Joe MacGrath led the large contingent of county councillors and council staff at the Requiem Mass. Fianna Fail TD Jackie Cahill and Independent TD Michael Lowry were also among the mourners. 

Fr O'Donnell described John Fahey as a gentleman who helped so many people in his own quiet way during his life. He had been a great source of wisdom and advice to many people and  always commanded such great respect and friendship across all political parties, he added. 

He paid tribute to John for the "tireless work" he did on hehalf of his parish and the surrounding district during 20 years of public life. An example of that work was a new car park nearing completion that will be of great benefit to the church and parish.

 "Little did we think as a committee when we made the application and John was still in such great health, that he wouldn't be here to open it with us. But he has left us with many great legacies for which we will be always grateful."  

Cllr Fahey's brother Willie delivered a moving eulogy to his beloved brother at the end of the Mass. He remembered John as a quiet gentleman and unassuming person who appreciated the simple things in life and never sought the limelight. 

He spoke of John's deep love for his family, his passion for poetry, the Irish language, education and farming and how he "quietly and effectively accomplished much for his community" during his 20 years in local politics. 

Mr Fahey said it had been humbling to hear the genuine expressions of admiration and heartfelt sadness at John's passing particularly at the removal ceremony last night. John had touched so many people in so many ways. 

He said his brother was a honest and honourable person who was well loved and well respected by all who had the good fortune to know him. "He died as he lived - everyone's friend," he concluded with emotion. 

Cllr Fahey was buried in Crosscannon Cemetery following the Requiem Mass. He is survived by  his wife Anne, daughter Anna, sons Jack, Harry (his partner Jody) and Daniel, sisters Bríd (Bates) and Mary, brothers Denis, Martin and William; sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.