RIP: Passing of Mayo native sparks fond memories in Manchester and at home

THE death took place recently of Patrick Keane, Keelogues, Ballyvary, and formerly of Cloonlavish, Knock.

Like so many of his generation in the 1960s, Patrick left for England some years after finishing in Cuiltybo NS and made his home in Manchester.

He settled well in a city that was home to so many young Irish people in those times.

Patrick was a man who worked hard over the years and was involved in the construction business and other related activities.

There was a blossoming music scene in Manchester in those times and during the 1970s with many hundreds flocking to the Irish dance venues for performances by the big names from the showband and country music scene in that era.

He had an easy rapport with people and delighted in later times in recounting some special memories from those years with his own warm sense of humour and wit.

Patrick returned to Mayo some years ago and settled in the Keelogues area where he quickly endeared himself to neighbours in the region.

One of his special interests was that of bee-keeping at which he became quite an authority.

PJ McHale from Ballyvary was among those joining in the tributes to Patrick. “I got to know Pat when he moved to Keelogues. He was a great storyteller of times in England. He became a beekeeper in the last few years and I was very grateful for the odd pot of his finest honey.”

Reposing was at Kilcoyne’s Funeral Home, Castlebar, and he was laid to rest in Keelogues Cemetery following the funeral Mass in St Joseph’s Church, Keelogues, on Monday.

Patrick, who was predeceased by his brother John, will be sadly missed by his sons, Paul, Brendan, Christopher and Kevin, their spouses and partners, his ten grandchildren, his brother Joe (Manchester), his sisters Margaret (Jennings, Rookfield, Knock) and Virginia (England), nephews, nieces, cousins relatives and friends.