Fr John Alphonsus Fahey

Early Life

John Alphonsus Fahey was born in Ironmills, Cappanwhite Co Tipperary, Ireland. His early education was initially at the National School in Cappanwhite and then at Rockwell College in Cashel. His Ecclesiastical Studies were undertaken at St Patrick’s College in Thurles and he was ordained to the priesthood on June 13, 1914 in St Patrick’s Cathedral in Thurles, Ireland.

Life in Australia

Fr Fahey arrived in the Archdiocese of Adelaide on December 6, 1914. Soon after arrival he was appointed Assistant Priest at Glenelg on February 1, 1915.

He rose rather rapidly in the ranks as four years later he was appointed Parish Priest of Willunga where he stayed for five years. On February 1, 1924 he was appointed Parish Priest of Snowtown, which at that time was still in the Archdiocese of Adelaide.

Again after exactly five years he moved to Strathalbyn where he stayed for six years.

Time at Mount Gambier

On February 1, 1935 he was appointed Parish Priest of Mt Gambier – thus began the most significant phase of his life and ministry. He was later made the Vicar Forane for the South East with the title of Dean. In the Mount he was recognised as a ‘priestly and lovable character’ and as parish priest he had a style of his own and was gifted with more than ordinary wisdom in his handling of situations and people. He was not a ‘committee person’ but he did seek out people who were competent advisers.

These were difficult years with the outbreak of World War II. The Dean himself played an important role when he was appointed chaplain to the No.2 Air Observers School based at the Mount Gambier Aerodrome. He became counsellor and friend to many servicemen and their families.

In the parish he was remembered for his kindness in visiting the aged and infirm, in providing blankets and firewood for the needy and in visiting the local primary school where he would note children needing new footwear, which he attended to in his unobtrusive manner.

He was also a good administrator. With the help of a local committee an envelope system was introduced in 1936, beginning with 270 contributors. While this faded out in the War years it was reinstated in 1962.  

The Sisters of Mercy at this time operated two schools – St Joseph’s and St Paul’s schools, which unfortunately were seen to divide the ‘rich from the poor’. The amalgamation of these schools was something dear to his heart and was accomplished in 1952 to become Mater Christi College.

In these years there was extensive post war development in the South East district which would have an impact of church needs. The Dean wisely decided to make way for a younger man in the person of Mgr Redden, but he made provision for the future by purchasing a large block of land in the eastern section of the city which later made way for a new church and school.

While in the Mount Dean Davis had a number of assistants including Frs Thomas Horgan, William Kelly, Peter McCabe and Pierce Murphy.

In December 1951 Dean Fahey moved back to the city as Parish Priest of Goodwood. At the same time he was made a Diocesan Consultor. In January 1955 he was appointed a Prelate of Honour with the title of Monsignor. He remained at Goodwood until his death.

Dean Fahey died on February 4, 1959 in Calvary Hospital. Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral on February 6, and he was buried in the Centennial Park Cemetery.

May he rest in peace.