Tributes pour in for Galway GAA legend Tommy Keenan after sudden passing
TRIBUTES have been pouring in following the sudden passing of Galway GAA great Tommy Keenan earlier this week.
He was a key figure in
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Galway legend Tommy Keenan passed away suddenly earlier this week
Credit: GALWAY GAA
Mr Keenan was widely regarded as one of the 'Kings of the 60s' and also captained the county side to a Connacht final and an All-Ireland semi-final in 1970.
He was central to Dunmore MacHales' dominance at club-level during that era.
The icon helped them secure five Galway Senior Club Football Championships.
After his playing days, Mr Keenan remained deeply involved in the club.
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He took on a number of positions, including President, Secretary, and Treasurer over the years.
Galway GAA confirmed the sad news of his passing on social media.
A statement read: "Is údar mór brón do CLG na Gaillimhe an scéala go bhfuil ár n-iar imreoir Contae Tommy Keenan imithe ar shlí na firínne.
"The Dunmore MacHales club man tasted success with Galway, winning two All-Ireland Senior Football medals as part of the three in a row squad of 1960s.
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"In 1970, he captained Galway to a Connacht final victory before leading the team in the All-Ireland semi-final against Meath.
"Tommy was a key player with the Dunmore MacHales team that won five Galway Senior Club Football titles in the 1960s.
"He had a lifelong involvement in the GAA, serving as President, Secretary and Treasurer of his club Dunmore MacHales, as well as fulfilling many other roles in the club as both player and administrator over a long and distinguished career."
"On behalf of Galway GAA, we express our deepest sympathies to his wife Eileen, daughter Mary, sons Henry, Francis, Thomas and Brian, in-laws, grandchildren, his sisters Mary, Evelyn and Sheila, his brother John and extended family.
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"He will be sadly missed by his family, friends and the whole Galway GAA community. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."
According to his death notice, Mr Keenan was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
He was predeceased by his daughter Eibhlín, sister Peggy, and brother Martin.
He is survived by his wife Eileen, children, sons- and daughters-in-law, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, neighbours, and many friends.
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Dunmore MacHales GAA also shared a heartfelt message following his passing.
A post read: "There is a cloud of sadness in our Dunmore MacHales football community, when the shock news came on Tuesday night that one of our great and revered icons and Club President, Tommie Keenan had died suddenly, leaving a void, not only for his beautiful family but for all of us who knew and loved him in the town he lived in all his life.
"Everyone across Dunmore MacHales wish to express our heartfelt sympathies and support to the entire Keenan family at this sad time."
Mr Keenan will repose at Glynn's Funeral Home in Dunmore on Friday, May 2, from 6pm, with removal to his home afterwards. F
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The funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, May 3, at 12 noon in the Church of Our Lady & St Nicholas, Dunmore, followed by burial at Dunmore Cemetery.
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