The following is a revision … a reprint of a post from 2017. The “Fahey Cup” lives on. We will gather to celebrate our 20th “Fahey” next year at Essex County Club …

The first “Fahey Cup” took place in 2001 at Essex County Club outside Boston. A group of my fraternity brothers from our alma mater Trinity College came up with an idea … “Why don’t we invite all our old fraternity brothers to play golf and have dinner sometime.” One of them was an Episcopal priest. Fitting … as I think the Lord had a hand in birthing what has become a very special, unique experience.

Twenty or so of us gather every year at some of the premier golf destinations in the country. Pine Valley, The Country Club at Brookline, Chevy Chase CC (DC) to name a few. We play golf, mostly bad … no one cares. Began as an extension of our days at our fraternity, Alpha Delta Phi. Renewing old friendships, trading the old jokes and jabs we enjoyed while there. You get it.“Fahey “ was named for our infamous, irreverent frat cook, Edward Fahey. One of the grossest guys on earth. ”How bout a twatta, Bobby.” … “the Lincoln Tunnel with a fur collar.” (both inside jokes). Ed was a real character. Just one of the true lascivious guys who ever walked the earth. Who could have imagined how all the fun of “The Fahey” would evolve over the years honoring a guy like Ed. Such were those college days.

You see, we showed up in 2001, and took up right where we left off at graduation. All the jabs and jokes of course. But we would also share what had happened over the 40yrs we’d been apart. Fascinating. What amazed me though was how little self promotion, “look at me” big ego stuff took place. Turned out we were all “successful” in so many different and interesting ways. “Fahey” was rich with the counsel to Major League Baseball … Presidents, CEOs of this company and that … the 25 yr. coach of soccer and tennis at Yale University. Wall Street guys. Three Episcopal priests! On and on. Accomplished yet surprising to me? So little of the “mine’s bigger than yours” stuff I might have expected to hear.

We’ve had guest speakers. Tucker Carlson from Fox News. The legendary squash coach at our college, Paul Assaiante. And one year we were graced with one of our very own. “The Birdman” Whose hilarious remembrances of our years at Trinity have been signature. Last year we were at Yale University. Steve Griggs, the retired soccer coach organized this one for us. Highlighted by a magical concert delivered by the Whiffenpoofs. Yale’s legendary men’s singing group. Incredible. Each “Fahey” who has hosted us has brought us something new. Always something special to each event.

We’re known to one another by our nicknames. Get this. Chief, Sleepy, Moon, Puss, Satchy, Poor, Griggsy, Dumptruck, Derm, Straps, Houner, Stroke, Wighty, Tomato, Foxy, Chaps, Birdman, G&G, Wrecker, Cheezmo, Schweitz, Grundy, Dawser.

What has emerged from sixteen consecutive “Faheys?” Most importantly. Deep friendships. An intimacy among us that men rarely experience … that becomes more meaningful as we move on.

A number of our dear brothers have left us … passed away. In truth we are all on the “back nine.” George Andrews, our leader, told me at our first Fahey, “Bricks, someday Fahey may be a foursome.” A bit sad to think about maybe, but great motivation too for all of us to just be there … each and every year. For each Fahey.

Don’t know where we’ll be this year. But I always love seeing my great friends. More so each year. The “Fahey” lives on. Brothers. All on the “back nine”… locking arms with jabs, jokes and smiles. Hugs. Some tears along the way too. Let’s go. Let’s celebrate what our one a one of a kind “Fahey Cup” truly is.

I’ll end with our customary fraternity sign off, the Greek word for “goodbye” …

Xaire