Fond tributes as former RTÉ correspondent Jim Fahy dies after short illness

The Galway native covered life in the west of Ireland for the national broadcaster as well as reporting on wars and famine internationally.

Mr Fahy, who had experienced a short illness before his death, retired from RTÉ in 2011 as the longest-serving regional correspondent after 37 years of service.

The Loughrea man began his journalistic career with the Tuam Herald in the 1960s before making the leap to broadcasting in the 1970s, joining RTÉ in 1974.

Veteran broadcaster Charlie Bird said: “Our hearts are broken at the passing of our great colleague Jim Fahy the former West of Ireland Correspondent for RTÉ.”

“Jim was the most remarkable journalist and broadcaster and he gave a real voice to the people of the west of Ireland,” Mr Bird wrote on Twitter. “Jim we will celebrate your life.”

President Michael D Higgins said the news would be greeted with sadness by viewers of RTÉ and the people of the west of Ireland.

“Jim was one of Ireland’s finest broadcasters, a fact attested to by the over forty national and international awards which he won over the course of his outstanding career,” the President said.

“What he brought to his work was a high standard of journalism crafted in Tuam in a newspaper atmosphere that was steeped in respect for history. He delivered his reports in a restrained courteous way that reflected all of this and so much more – a respect for narrative that saw no tension between accuracy and elegance of form. There were many long pieces he crafted, including an early beautiful piece on the evacuation of the island of Gola.”

President Higgins added: “On the occasion of Jim’s final day in RTÉ on 31 December 2011, I suggested that every single thing that happened in the west of Ireland - be it political, cultural or international – the first thing people would say to each other was ‘have you contacted Jim Fahy?’, thus as a politician serving the people of the west of Ireland I had the pleasure of a long association with him.”

The President recalled his work on a documentary about the links between Ireland and Monserrat and his interview with Mother Teresa in Calcutta in 1976, as well as his award-winning documentary Stories from the Twin Towers following the 2001 terrorist attack in New York.1 documentary at the 45th New York Festivals Television Programming Awards in 2002.

“It will be as RTÉ’s voice of the west of Ireland that Jim will be most fondly remembered,” the President said.

"He himself noted that the highlight of his broadcasting career was the more than 400 programmes he made for the ‘Looking West’ series between 1977 and 1984, featuring stories from those who had witnessed life in Ireland during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

"While he might not have been so bold as to say it himself, he has already done that work through an archive for the future generations who will look back at life in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with his reports providing a permanent record and testament of the people of the west of Ireland throughout those decades.

“On behalf of Sabina and myself, I would like to express my sympathies to Jim’s wife Christina, to his children and to all his wider circle of friends and family.”

Jon Williams, managing director of RTÉ also paid tribute to Mr Fahy, calling him a “giant of journalism”.

“All of us at RTÉ News are deeply saddened by Jim Fahy’s passing. A giant of journalism and RTÉ. As Western editor and correspondent, from Eamon Casey, to Don Tidey and Knock Airport, it was Jim who told Ireland, while his documentaries brought the world closer. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,” Mr Williams said.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin remembered Mr Fahy for his “distinct voice and eye for a story”.

"Very sad to hear of the passing of former RTÉ Western Editor Jim Fahy. His distinct voice and eye for a story uncovered every facet of life in the west of Ireland, as well as major international events like 9/11. My sympathies to his wife Christina, children, family and friends,” he said.

RTÉ journalist David McCullagh also paid tribute to Jim, calling him an “absolute gent and a total pro”.

Bryan Dobson said Mr Fahy was “an inspirational colleague”.

“It's very sad to hear this news. Jim was an outstanding reporter, a natural broadcaster and an inspirational colleague. My condolences to his wife Christina and his family,” he said.

Samantha Libreri said Jim “lived and loved his job”.

“When I worked overnight shifts in my early days in RTÉ, Jim Fahy would regularly call in at all hours, with stories from his region. He lived and loved his job. He was a giant of TV journalism. And kind and encouraging to all who came after him. Thinking of his family and friends,” she said.

Chernobyl Children International founder Adi Roche said she was devastated by the death of her friend, Mr Fahy.

“Jim Fahy was an ‘anam cara’/soul friend to CCI for many years,” Ms Roche said.

"He was a giant of a man who loved life, sailing, climbing mountains and having adventures who had a heart of gold which he shared generously with all those who knew and loved him. A committed family man who was devoted to his wife Christina and family but spread his generous heart far and wide to many just causes, Chernobyl being one of those who benefited.”

She said that over many years Mr Fahy became her mentor, adviser, teacher and friend.

"He helped to guide me through many difficult times and did so with kindness and care,” she said.

"Jim felt deeply about the ills of the world and had an instinctive response to injustice of any kind. His sharp, astute insight and wisdom were of profound value to me and many others.

"He quietly shared his knowledge, advice and expertise with many good causes in Africa, Haiti, Chernobyl as well as local and national organisations. He selflessly gave his time to all who needed it and never refused to help others.

“Jim was a compassionate, sincere and wise person and my life has been richer for knowing him and our organisation has been made stronger for his input and guidance. There will be a huge void in all of our lives and we deeply mourn his death.”

“Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”

Mr Fahy is survived by his wife Christina, children and grandchildren.