SATURDAY
The late Michael Fahey
Roscommon is mourning the untimely passing of a distinguished son. Michael (‘Mick’) Fahey achieved so much in his life. As a teacher, he made a lasting and positive impact on the lives of thousands of people. A giant of the GAA, he leaves a significant legacy arising from his lifelong commitment to Gaelic games.
So much of his life was about service… and giving back. His contribution to the GAA encompassed playing, refereeing, coaching and administration. I knew him best through his various roles with Roscommon County Board. Of course, he also contributed hugely to Roscommon Gaels and to Roscommon CBS GAA teams.
When I think of the scale of his contribution to the GAA, it is further evidence that the maxim that ‘Nice guys finish last’ is not to be taken seriously. Mick achieved a huge amount on the GAA front, and he did it with dignity and a smile.
There have been numerous tributes over recent days to the influence Mick had as a teacher, including during his time as principal of Roscommon CBS.
Over 20 years ago, Mick, Eileen and their family moved to Kilteevan, where they contributed so positively to the development of this beautiful part of the county. Running into Mick was always a pleasure, a friendly greeting invariably accompanied by his distinctive warm smile. He had a most courteous, humble and affable nature.
Delivering a Reflection from the altar at a packed Sacred Heart Church today, his brother Ollie said: “Please leave here today with happy memories of a great man.”
I thought that was a really apt sentiment, and I know that this is how people will remember Mick.
May he rest in peace.
SATURDAY/SUNDAY
GAA musings
Nothing captures the rhythm of everyday life in rural Ireland quite like the ebb and flow of the GAA club championship season.
Locally, last weekend’s action did not disappoint. On the senior club front, two mouth-watering north-south semi-finals have emerged after intriguing quarter-final battles in which all eight teams gave everything in the pursuit of glory for their parishes and communities.
I’m wondering if Boyle could finally end their now-99-year famine? Last champions in 1927, they have come agonisingly close to returning to the summit in the current era. They suffered heartbreak in 2022, losing the final to Strokestown by a point. The following year, they returned to the final, only to endure more agony as St Brigid’s claimed the glory, again by the narrowest of margins.
I have a soft spot for Boyle, who accounted for Oran on Sunday. My late father was from that neck of the woods. Also, it’s a beautiful part of County Roscommon. Then there’s the romance at play here. Imagine the emotional outpouring if Boyle were to realise their dream after almost a century. There is also the fact that one of Roscommon’s outstanding players of the last half-century, Enda Smith – Boyle’s Gaelic Chieftain – is at the heart of their annual quest for the Fahey Cup. To see him collecting a county medal would be wonderful.
But then I also have a soft spot for Strokestown, who defeated Castlerea last weekend. Strokestown are marvellous mavericks of Roscommon club football. Every now and again they will emerge from the pack and grace a given championship with their unique combination of heart and flair (they do both). A long time ago, I lived in the town. Ever since, I’ve been keeping an eye on the GAA club’s fortunes!
Of course the other two semi-finalists will have much to say about what happens next. South Roscommon is the current powerhouse of Roscommon football. St Brigid’s, who overcame Roscommon Gaels on Sunday, will be favourites to retain the title. By now, defenders may well be having nightmares about the fleet-footed forays of Conor Hand and Ben O’Carroll. As for Pádraig Pearses, they had to work hard for their win over Michael Glaveys, but they are dripping with pedigree, and are very much in this race.
The IFC and JFC championships, with their own plots and sub-plots, are no less fascinating. This weekend, it’s over to the hurley and sliotar. A thrilling few weeks lie ahead.
MONDAY
Community events
The success of both the Ballyforan Fair and Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival last weekend was truly heartwarming.
People are feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis, yet crowds still came out to enjoy these wonderful events. They did so because community gatherings bring people together – they are part of the fabric of our towns and villages.
In our next issue, we’ll feature photographic spreads on both events. In the meantime, congratulations to the organisers on two great community occasions!
TUESDAY
Royal rumpus
Charles Spencer’s new book on his sister, the late Princess Diana, is causing quite the stir across the water – and elsewhere around the world too.
For what it’s worth, I’m not aware of the latest royal storm even being mentioned in the stands at matches in Lisnamult, Woodmont, Ballyforan – or Boyle – last weekend.
Of course it may have been the hot topic at the Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival in Strokestown. But I digress.
In any event, the British media are having a field day. It’s Harry and Meghan I feel sorry for. The Sussexes are back living in the UK, but extracts from this new book have stolen their limelight.
Spencer’s memoir casts King Charles, Diana’s former husband, in a very poor light. Of course it’s anyone’s guess if Spencer is accurately portraying what happened, or if, as Buckingham Palace has rather pointedly suggested, his memory is flawed. Maybe his allegations are founded. Maybe they’re not. Is he just out to settle old scores with the royal family? We simply cannot know.
It seems to me that feverish debate about the book is pointless, which is not to say that it will stop. The claims are dramatic, and the royals still sell across the world.
For now, I’ll be popping down to Roscommon Mart to check the public mood on the renewal of hostilities between the Miffed Monarch and the Enraged Earl.
WEDNESDAY
The things they say!
Breaking news: ‘Reports of politicians losing their sense of self-importance have been greatly exaggerated’.
In a radio interview just now, Deputy Alan Kelly was being asked about today’s Oireachtas Committee meeting, to which representatives of social media companies were invited, amid legitimate concerns about a lack of controls.
Deputy Kelly is a fine operator, but he couldn’t help himself.
“This is a watershed day” he solemnly declared. “I think it’s the most important committee meeting I’ve ever chaired.”
He stated this as though the country is waiting for the Kelly Committee meeting-chairing era to be assessed by historians.
X (formerly Twitter) didn’t turn up. I switched the dial.
