Picture: Eamonn Keogh
HE spent 42 years telling supporters in the Fitzgerald Stadium stands to sit down and supporters on the terraces to stand up and, today, the late Brendan Keogh’s great service as the public address announcer in the premier GAA stadium in the county was recalled at his Requiem Mass.
The congregation in St Mary’s Cathedral heard principal celebrant, Killarney Parish Administrator Fr Kieran O’Brien, reflect on the life and times of a passionate sports fan who loved the GAA and, during the course of his life, he contributed so much to the association, at both a club and county level.
He was the man with the microphone on big match days for over four decades plus and he will be fondly remembered by a whole generation of football supporters as the voice of Fitzgerald Stadium.
Brendan, who celebrated his 90th birthday last May, was treasurer and a trustee of the stadium committee for many years and, with his expertise as a civil engineer, he made a massive contribution to ongoing developments in ‘The Park’ as well as the playing fields of Dr Crokes in Lewis Road and Deerpark and several other clubs, all on a voluntary basis.
Fr O’Brien said it was wonderful that Brendan lived long enough to see his native Galway win the Liam McCarthy Cup and his beloved Dr Crokes clinch the Andy Merrigan Cup in the same year.
Brendan lived for most of his life in Killarney, setting up home on St Margaret’s Road, and he worked as a civil engineer with Kerry County Council for 40 years, 23 of which were served as area engineer for the greater Killorglin area.
Fr O’Brien reflected on Brendan’s great love for and knowledge of horseracing, how he enjoyed weekly card sessions and daily cryptic crosswords and he reflected on his deep religious faith.
He was a collector and counter in St Mary’s Cathedral for many years and he dedicated so much time and effort to the local St Vincent de Paul Society, demonstrating great empathy and respect for people in need in a non-judgemental and completely confidential manner.
“Everything he did in life he did it well. He gave it 100 per cent. When we think of him we’ll remember his good deeds,” Fr O’Brien said.
“He was always willing to help those in any kind of need. He was hardworking, he was gentle and he had a great appreciation of life,” he added.
Fr O’Brien said Brendan had a very happy family life and though he was never a man to boast, he was very proud of his children and his grandchildren and their many achievements.
Speaking at the close of the Mass, Brendan’s youngest son, Fergal, said his father had many great qualities, he was very sociable and he was blessed with a great memory and great knowledge.
He had great time for people and for the clubs and organisations he was involved in and Fergal said said he never heard his father raise his voice in anger.
There was laughter in the church when Fergal commented on how deeply religious his dad was and he shared what one mourner had said to him during the removal service on Sunday night: “If he doesn’t go to Heaven the rest of us are shagged”.
Predeceased by his wife Maureen, grandson Rory, brother Eamonn and his sisters Patricia, Eithne, Nuala and Maedbh, Brendan is survived by his daughters Mary and Nessa, sons Eamonn, Niall, Brendan and Fergal, daughters-in-law Marie, Helen, Sara and Paddie, grandchildren, brother Cyril, other relatives and a wide circle of friends.
He was laid to rest in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery this afternoon after the funeral cortege was led through the streets of the town he loved by guards of honour from the Fitzgerald Stadium Committee, Dr Crokes GAA Club and St Vincent de Paul.
KillarneyToday.com
