The Late Billy Fahy A North Galway community was left in deep shock at the weekend following the tragic death of an elderly man in a freak farm accident. Pensioner Billy Fahy from Peak, Barnaderg died when he accidentally fell into a slurry pit on his farm on Saturday evening. He was discovered missing by family members a short time later and it was then revealed that he had fallen to his death through an open manhole. It is understood that a process of agitating the slurry tank was being carried out at the time and this had generated a foam which covered the lloor of the cattle shed. 76 years old Mr. Fahy was going about his normal farm duties and accidentally tell into the pit. The emergency services were alerted once it was ascertained that the pensioner had fallen into the pit and members of Tuam Fire Brigade arrived on the scene and recovered the body. He was taken by ambulance to University College Hospital in Galway where a post mortem was carried out. The Health and Safety Authority are to carry out an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the hugely popular farmer. As a mark of respect to his untimely death, the Patrick's Day parade planned for Barnaderg on Monday was called off. Organisers and those who had prepared floats met on Sunday morning and agreed that it should not he held this year out respect for the deceased man and his family. Ironically, thc parade in Barnaderg traditionally started from close to Billy Fahy's home which is located close to the local church. As word of his death spread throughout the parish of Killererin, it was greeted with shock and dismay as Mr. Fahy was well known and highly respected within the community. He was a fanatical GAA man and was looking forward to watching the All-lreland club finals on Monday. Such was his genuine love of the game that he gave over part of his land to Killererin GAA Club many years ago for a pitch. Naturally, it was known locally as Fahy's Field. He would regularly engage in conversations about all aspects of hurling and foothall and was particularly proud of the achievements of local hero Padraic Joyce. Indeed Billy Fahy was a staunch Killererin fan and also follow the fortunes of neighbouring Abbeyknockmoy. In fact he liked alot of sport and spoke knowledgeably ahout horse racing and hoxing among others. His neighbours will remember him as someone they could always turn to in an hour of need and some described him as one of the best and tidiest farmers around. Billy Fahy was predeceased by his wife Phil a number of years ago and is survived by his sons Sean, Tommy, Liam, Gabriel and Aidan and daughters Attracta and Murgeal. It was fitting that Killererin GAA Club provided a guard of honour at his funeral. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune 21 March 2008 Tweet

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