Tributes paid to beloved Derry woman and esteemed educator Christina (Tina) Keyes
A proud Derry Gael and former Thornhill College student, The Ulster University Gaelic Alumni and Mungret St. Paul’s GAA Club have both paid tribute
Tributes have been paid following the death of Christina (Tina) Keyes (née Herron) who passed away peacefully at her Limerick home on Thursday, October 16, surrounded by her loving family.
A proud Derry Gael and former Thornhill College student, The Ulster University Gaelic Alumni and Mungret St. Paul’s GAA Club have both paid tribute to Tina, highlighting her immense contribution to Gaelic games and her inspirational character.
Tina's journey from Ulster to Limerick left an indelible mark on both communities. She was a founding member of the camogie club at the the Ulster Polytechnic in 1974 and a double Purcell Cup winner.
Ulster University Gaelic Alumni described her as a 'stalwart driver of the game' at Ulster’s newest academic establishment of the time.
Her lifelong passion for Gaelic games led her to make the long trip from Limerick to Donegal in November 2023 to attend the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of Gaelic games at Ulster University, a testament to her enduring ties to her alma mater.
Upon her move to Limerick, Tina brought her formidable spirit to Mungret St. Paul’s GAA Club, where she made an immediate and lasting impact. The club described her as a 'handful for any defender that came her way' and an inspiration to her teammates.
Posting on Instagram, they said: “An accomplished sportsperson, Tina was part of the historic Mungret ladies football senior team that won the clubs first county league title in 1991. In 1992 she was a member of the team that brought the first County Senior Championship title to the club.
“To her team mates, her competitive edge, leadership and never give up attitude was inspirational whenever she took to the pitch.”
Beyond the playing field, Tina was a respected and beloved assistant principal at St. Endas Community School in Limerick, where she enriched the lives of countless students and colleagues. Her legacy of kindness and dedication will be remembered fondly by those she taught and worked alongside.
Her childhood neighbour and friend, Imelda and John from Derry, recalled Tina as a 'fantastic friend, kind, funny and very thoughtful', noting her "great 'get up and go' attitude" and unwavering pride in her family.
Tina was predeceased by her parents, Jim and Anna, and her brother, Jim. She is sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving husband Willie, daughters Anna and Eva, son Colm, sons-in-law Bjorn and Olly, daughter-in-law Dearbhla, adored grandchildren Oscar, Léo, Noah, Fiadh and Adam, sisters Una and Ann Marie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and friends.
The funeral Mass took place on Monday, October 20, 2025, at SS Peter & Paul's Church in Crecora, followed by burial in Crecora Cemetery.