A new Walking Trail in Galbally is to be formally opened on Saturday morning by John Kiely, the manager of the Limerick Senior Hurling Team and a Galbally native.
The walk forms part of a the larger loop Moor Abbey Loop and will be named after Jim Fahey(1879 – 1958).
Jim Fahey, was born in Bansha and moved to live in Corderry, Galbally when he was 4 years of age.
He gained fame as a long jumper and represented Ireland and the United States in the Olympics.
In 1923 he set a record for the standing long jump that remains to this day as the event is no longer part of the Olympics.
The ‘Irish Kangaroo’, as Jim Fahey was called, was forty-four when he achieved his greatest jump. On 4 September 1923 at Chicago he covered the distance of 40 ft 3 in. (12.27 m) in the three standing jumps.
This was certified as an American, and incidentally a world record.
Jim Fahey died in Chicago in 1958. His wife Mary ‘Mae’ Fahey (née Delaney) was native of Garryard, Silvermines, County Tipperary.
Their only child, Fr Tom Fahey was a frequent visitor to Galbally prior to his death in 1993.
His wife Mary ‘Mae’ Fahey (née Delaney) was native of Garryard, Silvermines, County Tipperary.
Jim Fahey was due to travel on the Titanic in 1912 but missed his connection to the ill fated liner.
The ruins of the family home are visible from the new Walk which is over a mix of tarmacadam and new gravel paths that cross fields and pass by the Aherlow river.
Families, children with their bikes or tractors and dogs(must be kept on leash and please clean up after your dog) are welcome for the official opening at 11.30am – people are welcome to attend the roadway beside the Moor Abbey from 11am.
Refreshments will be served in the Galbally Centre after the participants have walked the new Jim Fahey Walk.
On Sunday at 11.30am a wreath will be laid at the Jim Fahey Memorial in Galbally to be followed by a Sports Day which will include a demonstration of the “standing jump”.
