Family, friends and the local community in Trim celebrated the life of the late Jimmy Fay at his funeral mass on Saturday. He will long be remembered by the Meath GAA. Jimmy Fay, a Centenary Cup and Leinster SFC winner was one of the founding players that helped start the great surge of Meath GAA in the mid 80’s that brought about the Royal County’s most successful era in its history to date.
When Sean Boylan took over as Meath manager he began to build his first great side from the back out and this signalled somewhat a reinvention of Fay’s role. A noted defender, he was a panelist on the team that won the first 80 minute Leinster final in 1970. A game that initially installed the fighting spirit in Meath GAA’s DNA. Something that became legendary in subsequent years.
Trailing by ten points at the interval Meath, inspired by brother Mickey’s pair of goals the Royals won by a point 2-22 to Offaly’s 5-12.
Boylan had plenty of defenders but was searching for a net minder and when word reached him of Fay’s soccer goalkeeping exploits with Trim Celtic, he was duly called in, and was between the posts for the 1984 Centenary Cup final win over Monaghan.
As a ‘keeper he was steady rather than spectacular and essentially for the era could kick the ball out quite a distance.
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and that proved to be the case as Jimmy’s son Darren won two Celtic crosses and established himself as one of footballs all time great full backs.
Jimmy Fay, Avondale, Trim, Co. Meath, died on 16th September 2025. Jimmy passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. Predeceased by his Baby Son Ryan, Parents Paddy & Peggy and Bother Pat. Beloved Husband of Angela, Cherished Father of Darren, Aaron, Jamie & Kylie, Adored Grandad to Emily, Eva, Rian, Charlie, Eli & Faye and his loving Brother Mickey, Sons & Daughters-In-Law and Aaron’s partner Ninke. Jimmy will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral Mass was held on Saturday at 11am in St. Patrick’s Church, Trim followed by Cremation in Mount Jerome.
May He Rest In Peace.
