Mr John “Jackie” Fahey, of Lisfennel Close, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford and formerly of Lyreanearla, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, who for more than 25 years represented both South Tipperary and later Waterford has, alas, passed away at the age of 91 years.
Mr Fahey passed away while in the tender care of staff at CareChoice, Dungarvan.
Predeceased by his wife Maura; son P.J.; parents Jack and Nora; his passing is most deeply regretted by his wife Ita; sons Seán, Brian and Ciaran; daughters Deirdre, Sheila, Maeve and Gráinne; daughters-in-law; sons-in-law; stepsons Joseph, Laurence and Jackie; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; extended relatives and friends.
Mr Fahey was born in Clonmel, Co Tipperary in 1928 and was educated at the local C.B.S. He later became occupied as a farmer, an auctioneer and an insurance broker.
Mr Fahey first entered politics during his 22nd year (1950); becoming first elected to Waterford County Council and holding his seat on that authority right up until 1970, and later from 1974 to 1999.
He first but his name forward, unsuccessfully, for election to Dáil Éireann as a Fianna Fáil party member in the 1961 General Election, but was successfully selected in the 1965 election, to represent Tipperary South constituency, and from 1977 onwards was returned successfully for the constituency of Waterford.
During the late 1970’s, Mr Fahey grew disillusioned with the then leadership of Fianna Fáil; namely Mr Jack Lynch, becoming part of the “gang of five” with Mr Albert Reynolds, Mr Mark Killilea, Mr Tom McEllistrim and Mr Seán Doherty, helping to lobby the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party to elect Mr Charles Haughey to become leader, and despite it being only nine years after the “Arms Crisis” had nearly ended his political career; Mr Charles Haughey was duly elected the fourth leader of Fianna Fáil, instead of the widely expected Mr George Colley.
It was generally accepted that Mr Haughey rewarded Mr Fahey by appointing him ‘Minister of State at the Department of the Environment’, a post which he held from 1979 to 1981.
He would later, in 1989, contest unsuccessfully, the 1989 European Parliament elections for the Munster constituency. In the same year he openly voted, again unsuccessfully, against the proposed Fianna Fáil–Progressive Democrats coalition, which same latter action cost him the party whip. However, he re-applied for Party membership in the following year (1990) and was re-admitted to the fold. He lost his seat in the 1992 general election, but served out his council term on Waterford City Council; retiring from politics in 1999.
During his time, particularly as an elected representative, Mr Fahey was highly regarded by his colleagues, both those in his parliamentary party and those in opposition, as a soft spoken, frank, diligent and a truly committed public servant.
Funeral Arrangements
The earthly remains of Mr Fahey will lie in repose at Kiely’s Funeral Home, Fairlane, Dungarvan (X35 XN79) on Wednesday evening, March 20th, from 4.00pm, with removal at 6.30pm to St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan.
Requeim Mass will be held on Thursday morning, March 21st, at 11.00am. Interment will follow immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Note Please: Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
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