Community remembers 'noble gentleman'

Written by John Fallon

Wednesday, 18 November 2009

Prayers were offered at the funeral of retired Galway farmer Finbar Fahy for his grandson who is accused of murdering him. Parish priest Fr Richie Higgins told a packed congregation in St Teresa's Church in Labane that the death of the 78-year old 'noble gentlemen' had shocked and saddened the community.

Gardai stand guard outside Mr Finbar Fahy's house in Ardrahan. Photo: Boyd Challenger

And, he said, their thoughts were also with Gearoid Fahy, the 22-year old grandson who has been charged with the murder of Finbar Fahy last week.

Gearoid Fahy is due to appear in court in Ennis tomorrow having been remanded in custody when he appeared before a special court sitting in Ennis on Saturday night.

Fr Higgins told hundreds of mourners that the events of the past week had been 'traumatic' for the family and the community in south Galway.

"Today is a sad day for our community and parish. We will draw from our faith to support the family. We will draw from it the love and the forgiveness, the human concern to help Gearoid.

"He, too, is in our prayers and thoughts today. He has expressed sorrow for what he has done. He has expressed sorrow for the hurt that he has caused," said Fr Higgins, who was joined by Fr Frank Larkin, Fr Martin Whelan, Canon Joe Keogh and Fr Vincent Kavanagh in concelebrating the funeral mass.

Fr Higgins, who had known Finbar Fahy as a friend and neighbour, recounted a letter he had received on Monday from a stranger living in Limerick who did not know Mr Fahy but who recognised his house from TV coverage of the murder.

Mr Fahy had come to the person's aid 15 years ago when his car ran out of petrol and had helped him on his way 'without any fuss'. "That was the sort of generous man that Finbar was, and who we will miss," said Fr Higgins.

Gifts at the offertory included a book on birdlife in which he had a keen interest, as well as holy water, which he sprinkled on everyone who came inside his door.

Finbar Fahy was laid to rest at Labane Cemetery 12 years after his wife Ciss passed away suddenly. He is survived by his sons Gerard, Aidan and Noel, brothers Finian and Cuimin, sister Sr Ide, daughter-in-laws Mary and Bridget, grandchildren and a great grandchild.

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