Tributes paid following the passing of former Mayor of Limerick Ger Fahy

Ger Fahy will be remembered as a person who “exemplified the spirit of Limerick”.

Tributes paid for late Gerard ‘Ger’ Fahy, who served as the 811th Mayor of Limerick who “exemplified the spirit of Limerick”

Limerick City and County Council led tributes, expressing profound sorrow at the passing of Gerard (Ger) Fahy, who served as the 811th Mayor of Limerick.

Ger was first elected to Limerick City Council in 1985. The Fine Gael Councillor retired from politics after almost three decades of dedicated service to the community in 2014.

Ger Fahy was born in Limerick on 24 October 1953 and was brought up in Marian Avenue, in the Janesboro area. He was educated in Janesboro National School and the CBS Sexton Street, the alma mater of so many mayors of Limerick over the past century. Since leaving school, Ger Fahy has spent all his working life in the hospitality industry. Between 1977 and 1994, he was involved in running the Mill Tavern (now known as Dolans) on the Dock Road and since then has worked for many years in the Spotted Dog public house in his native Janesboro.

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It was through his work in the bar trade that Ger Fahy first became interested in public life as he says that it gave him an insight into the minds of a wide cross-section of society over many years. A great admirer of Dr. Garret Fitzgerald, he was the first member of his family to get involved in politics and was asked to stand as a candidate for Fine Gael in the 1985 local elections, due to the resignation of former mayor Terry Kelly from politics. Ger Fahy was successful and served as a councillor for ward three (which included Janesboro) from 1985 to 1991. In the 1991 local elections, he increased his vote by 20% but still lost his seat as ward three was a particularly competitive one. Indeed the four candidates elected in ward three on that occasion– Joe Harrington, Jack Bourke, Frank Leddin and Jim Kemmy – served on the city council for a total of some 108 years and each of them occupied the mayoralty in the course of their careers. Unfortunately for Ger Fahy, the interval of eight years until the next local elections was the longest since that of 1934-42. However, he regained his seat on the council in ward three at the 1999 local elections and was re-elected in 2004 on the first count.  

On 25 June 2007, Ger Fahy was unanimously elected mayor of Limerick to serve until June 2008. He has stated that the great respect with which the mayoralty is regarded was brought home to him in a very moving fashion when he attending Mass in his local church Our Lady Queen of Peace the following Saturday and received a round of applause from the congregation. Mayor Fahy regards accessibility and openness to the community at large as being the main priority of the mayoralty. He believes that social inclusion is one of the major challenges faced by modern Limerick but is also optimistic about the city’s future. He believes that Limerick is the sporting capital of Ireland and that ‘we are not shouting loudly enough from the rooftops about the major transformation in our city. We should hold our heads held high’.

Ger Fahy’s mayoralty commenced with a unique event when the fourth Earl of Dunraven, the only person ever struck from Limerick’s roll of freedom was restored to it by unanimous vote of Limerick City Council on 2 July 2007. This was considered to be an appropriate action in view of the spectacular progress of the Northern Ireland peace process, and the notable contribution that had been made by Lord Dunraven to public life both locally and nationally.

Ger Fahy has been a member of Limerick Harbour Commissioners and is currently a member of the Mid-West Regional Authority. In December 1986, he became a founder member and continues to be a trustee of the Limerick Marine and Rescue Service, which provides a permanent professional rescue service for the city and its environs. In his youth Ger Fahy played hurling with Old Christians GAA Club and he has had a lifelong involvement with Janesboro FC soccer club, both as player and administrator.

At the time of writing, Ger Fahy is the incumbent mayor of Limerick, the latest in an almost unbroken series of first citizens dating back 811 years.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, expressed his condolences, saying, “Ger Fahy’s unwavering dedication to public service and his deep commitment to our community have left an indelible mark on Limerick. His leadership and passion will be deeply missed.”

Dr Pat Daly, Director General of Limerick City and County Council, commented, “Ger exemplified the spirit of Limerick through his tireless work and genuine care for its people. His support for local sports and community initiatives have greatly benefited Limerick.”

Príomh Comhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Dan McSweeney, added, “Ger Fahy’s legacy as a public servant is a testament to his devotion to Limerick. He often said that having the honour of serving as Mayor of Limerick was the highlight of his political career; it was a role that he served with honour and distinction. He remains an inspiration to us all.”

Cllr Daniel Butler posted to Twitter saying, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ger Fahy, former councillor & Mayor of Limerick. Ger was the embodiment of a true gentleman—a man whose integrity & warmth left a lasting impression on everyone he met. It is rare to meet someone so universally respected & admired.”

Reposing at Griffin’s Funeral Home, John’s Gate, on Friday, 3rd January from 5pm to 6:30pm. Funeral arriving at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Janesboro, on Saturday, 4th January for Requiem Mass at 10am. Burial afterwards in Mount St. Oliver Cemetery.

The Council extends its deepest condolences to Ger Fahy’s family and friends during this difficult time.