GAA community mourns loss of 'absolute gent' who 'was a true club man'

Irish Daily Mirror

15-07-2025

A GAA club in Co Tipperary has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of one of its most revered and respected personalities.
Philip Fahey, from Glenbreeeda in Borrisoleigh, passed away on Monday in the care of the staff in the Heart and Lung Transplant ward and CTHDU at the Mater Hospital Dublin.
The young man will be "sadly missed by his heartbroken parents Martin and Geraldine, sister Gráinne and her partner Keelan, uncles Richard, Seamus and Billy, aunts Mary, Margaret, Josephine, Sarah, Therese, Marian and Joan, grandaunts, uncles-in-law, aunts-in-law, relatives, neighbours, and a large circle of friends," according to a death notice posted on RIP.ie.
Philip was a hugely influential and popular figure in Borrisoleigh due to his links to the local GAA club Borris-Ileigh GAA.
Philip, who worked as a social media and website manager, played for the club during his youth before taking on the role of public relations officer and was later appointed Club Secretary in 2022.
Borris-Ileigh GAA have paid an emotional tribute to Philip, who they say was "the very embodiment of what it means to be a true club man".
"Borris-Ileigh GAA Club extends its deepest sympathies to the Fahey family on the sad passing of Philip Fahey," the club said in a statement shared on social media.
"Philip was the very embodiment of what it means to be a true club man. From his early days representing Borris-Ileigh at Juvenile level, to his dedicated service as PRO, and currently as Club Secretary, Philip gave tirelessly of his time and energy.
"His commitment, reliability, and attention to detail were second to none, always just a phone call away, always willing to do whatever was needed.
"While his official titles were significant, Philip's contribution went far beyond them. His fingerprints are evident in so many aspects of the club today, a legacy that will continue to benefit our players and our wider community for years to come.
"Philip will be remembered not just for his service, but for his warmth, his friendship, and his unwavering passion for Borris-Ileigh GAA.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved family Geraldine, Martin, Gráinne, Keelan and the extended Fahey family at this very difficult time."
Borris-Ileigh Camogie also paid tribute to Philip in a message shared online.
"The club awoke this morning to the sad news of the death of Philip Fahey, Glenbreeda," they said.
"Philip played an integral role in getting the camogie club's news onto social media in the initial years and helped in setting up the current platforms available to the club.
"Philip was very organised and always helpful to all in assisting with all issues IT related faced by the Camogie club.
"Philip took great pride in his role as secretary of the Borris Gaa club. An organised, diligent and true worker whenever needed, Philip will always be remembered by all in both GAA and Camogie clubs in Borris-Ileigh.
"Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his heart broken parents Martin and Geraldine, sister Gràinne, her partner Keelan and the extended Fahey families. May his gentle soul rest in peace."
Philip's death has sent shockwaves through the local community, with friends, neighbours and acquaintances remembering him as "a true gent" who "meant the world to so many people".
"Sincerest sympathies to the Fahey family on the loss of Philip, an endlessly pleasant fella, and an absolute gentleman. He will be huge loss to Borris-Ileigh hurling people. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," one person said.
Another mourner added: "So very sad to hear about the sudden death of Philip. Can't believe it. I was so often in contact with Phillip during the hurling season. Philip was always at the end of a phone. No task to big. Philip was Borris-Ileigh and Borris-Ileigh was Philip. Sincere sympathy to Martin, Geraldine and Grainne and the extended Fahy family. Sympathy also to Borris-Ileigh GAA."
While a third person said: "Sincere condolences to Martin, Geraldine, Grainne and extended families on the sad passing of Philip. What a warrior he was, he achieved so much in his short life . A friendly lovable young gentleman. May he rest in Peace. He'll be the 16th man from above on sunday doing the stats and driving Tipp on. Slàn àbhaile Philip."
Philip will lie in repose in Kennedy's Funeral Home, Borrisoleigh (E41 VX81) on Wednesday from 5pm to 7:30pm.
A cremation service for Philip will take place on Thursday in the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, Cork at 2pm. The service will be live streamed on https://www.islandcrematorium.ie/services/.
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