Slán Abhaile, Martin Fay!

In Loving Memory of

Martin Fay (1936-2012)

Born: Cabra, Dublin - (Fiddler and Bones Player)

Fiddler with The Chieftains

Years active: 1960-1969 with the Irish traditional band, Ceoltóirí Chualann; 1962-2001 with The Chieftains.

Albums: Martin Fay recorded more than 30 albums with the Chieftains until he stopped touring with the band in 2001.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Fay Family on the passing of their loving brother, husband, father and grandfather Martin Fay. Martin was inspired to take up music after seeing a movie about the life of the violinist Niccolò Paganini. Although his mother taught him to play the piano from an early age, by age 15, he had persuaded his father to buy him a violin. He was originally going to become a classically trained violinist and after leaving school at 18, worked in an office by day and in the evenings played in the Abbey Theatre orchestra, where he eventually met the theatre's musical director, Seán Ó Riada.   

Seán wanted to create a chamber orchestra that played arrangements of traditional folk music. Martin Fay's classical training, and a growing interest in Irish music, led him to join Ceoltóirí Chualann, Seán's new ensemble in 1960, with which he enjoyed some radio success. In 1962, Martin Fay was one of the original founding members of The Chieftains. The group's popularity soon extended beyond folk music enthusiasts and they had reached fame by 1975.

Martin passed away on Wednesday, November 14, 2012. He was 76 years old and had suffered through a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife, Gráinne, also known as Gertie; a son, Fergal, a daughter, Dearbhla Fay; as well as a sister and a grandson.

God rest your soul, Martin, the music world is a little dimmer for your passing!

Slán Abhaile, Martin!