Lilter Seamus Fay passes away

The four time All-Ireland lilter winner passed away yesterday.

‘The Cavan Lilter’ from Drumconnick, Cavan Town, passed away yesterday at the age of 91 years.

Seamus Fay, famous Lilter and former Bus Éireann employee, passed peacefully in the loving care of his family and the staff at Cavan General Hospital.

Séamus’s remarkable talent was recognised at four All-Ireland Fleadhanna when he was crowned all-Ireland lilting champion in 1959, 1960, 1961 and 1969. Incidentally, these were the only competitions he ever entered, much to the relief of his challengers.

He picked up the art of lilting from listening to his mother and grandmother, both experts in the craft.

His grandmother, in particular, was much sought after to perform at weddings in the early 1930s.

Earlier this year, Seamus received a Lifetime Achievement Award from James McGovern of Cavan Town CCÉ.

Séamus is the beloved son of the late James and Kathleen Fay, Drumconnick, Cavan; much loved and adored brother of Rita Duggan, Ballyhaise; Donal, Drumconnick; Kitty Quinn, New York; Eileen Sheridan, Newtownbutler; Owen Fay, New York; brothers in law Sean, Tom and the late Martin Quinn; nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, cousins, his many, many friends in Comhaltas, throughout the Island of Ireland and overseas, his neighbours and his many friends.

May He Rest In Peace

Séamus will repose at the McMahon Funeral Home, Farnham Road, Cavan (H12C821), this evening (Thursday) from 6pm until 9pm and again on Friday evening from 6pm until 9pm. His Removal will take place on Saturday to the Cathedral of Ss Patrick & Felim, Cavan, arriving for Funeral Mass at 2pm, via Drumconnick.

Following Mass, the cortège will travel to St. Brigid’s Cemetery, Killygarry, for committal prayers and burial in the family plot, with his beloved parents.

The Funeral Mass for Seamus can be viewed live on www.cavantownparish.com/webcam.

No flowers please, donations in lieu would be appreciated by the family to The Restoration Fund, Cathedral of Ss Patrick & Felim, Cavan, c/o of any family member, McMahon Funeral Home or donation box in the Cathedral and Funeral Home. House Strictly Private, please.