Local soccer stalwart hailed for 'tremendous work and unwavering commitment' to game he loved
The late Brendan Fahy served as Roscommon and District Football League Secretary between 1980 and 2004.
A former secretary of the Roscommon and District Football League, who passed away in recent days, has been described as a “legend” whose “tremendous work and unwavering commitment” allowed the game he loved to thrive in the region.
The late Brendan Fahy served as secretary of the RDFL between 1980 and 2004, making him the longest-serving secretary in the league’s history.
“Brendan was very professional in his work and set an example for future secretaries. He was known and liked by just about everyone involved in the game, both locally and at national level,” commented the RDFL.
Ballinasloe Town said that the late Mr Fahy was “a true soccer legend who dedicated over 50 years to promoting and developing the game.”
In the 1970s, Brendan Fahy was involved with Dubarry Apache, where he served in a variety of roles, including chairperson, secretary, treasurer, and PRO.
Following the amalgamation of Ballinasloe Town AFC and Dubarry Apache in 1988, he continued his tireless work, serving a term as joint chairperson. Over the years, he took on numerous responsibilities within the club, including the roles of secretary, assistant secretary, and treasurer.
“Brendan last served as a club officer during the 2022/23 season and, in recognition of his immense contribution, was honoured with life committee membership in recent years,” said Ballinasloe Town FC on social media.
Apart from serving as secretary of the RDFL for 24 years, he also served as fixtures secretary and registrar. He was also a prominent figure within the Connacht Football Association, serving as a league delegate from 1989 to 2004, and as a member of the FAI Junior Council from 1990 to 2004.
He also served as chairperson of the Connacht Referees Committee from 1997 to 2004, was a member of the FAI Referees Committee from 1993 to 2004, a Roscommon Youth League Committee member from 1997 to 2004, and Connacht Youth and Schoolboys FA Secretary from 2001 to 2004.
“It is no exaggeration to say that soccer in Ballinasloe, across the Roscommon League area, and throughout Connacht would not be the thriving sport it is today without the tremendous work and unwavering commitment of legends like Brendan “Skinner” Fahy,” concluded Ballinasloe Town AFC’s statement.
