Tony Keane

The death took place peacefully at his residence of Tony Keane, Dugort East, Achill on October 7 following a lengthy illness.

Tony was born on November 26th 1952, the youngest  of three to parents Marty and Bridget. He was predeceased by his eldest sister Mary in 2002. His remaining sister Anne currently resides in London.

Tony like many others of his era left Achill to seek employment in England in his teenage years. There he worked in construction but always looked forward to his holidays at home where he enjoyed a social drink and a singsong with the rest of the family. It was during these  holiday nights spent in the Slivemore Hotel that he met Rose  and they were later to be married in London in 1975.

Tony worked hard while in England in construction and acquired lots of skills that would prove invaluable to him in later life. During his holidays home he also managed to fit in some cattle dealing and this would become his main passion once he returned home permanently.

Tony and Rose were blessed with their first child, Catherine whilst living in Peterborough. Their remaining children, Tony, Martin and Mary were born after they returned  home to live in his native Dugort.

Tony as a young lad had a great love for the outdoors and often spoke of the long, enjoyable  days spent helping neighbours with the hay and the bog. He often spoke fondly of the warm community spirit in those times and felt that regretfully it was something that had been lost in recent years.

It was his love of the land and the stock that led him to earn a living dealing cattle. And as such he spent the best part of thirty years on the road buying and selling cattle and sheep. And indeed, there  weren’t too many Saturdays in Balla mart that he missed. Sadly  now there is an empty space at the ring where he once stood for so many years.

He was well known and well respected among the farming community and was often commended for his  helpful nature as highlighted by the amount of people that attended the wake and funeral. Tony was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need and accordingly was ever so grateful to anyone that helped him in return.

Tony enjoyed a social drink and lived for the singsong and the craic. A gentleman and a jovial character, he will be sadly missed in the community. GAA was another of his great passions in life and it’s truly a pity that he did not get to witness  Sam returning to Mayo during his lifetime.

Tony was the ultimate family man. A devoted husband,father and grandad. He liked nothing more than to have all his family home but especially his grand daughter Rosie Mae with whom he held such a special bond. His hard working, honest ethos was an inspiration to each of his four children in their chosen career paths.   

Sadly, in June 2011 Tony was diagnosed with cancer. But testament to his strong character he took this in his stride and battled it for just over two years. Tony was still actively involved in caring for the cattle up until very recently such was his remarkable drive and determination not to be defeated.

However, in the end he could battle no more and passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

It was always his wish to spend his last night at home and so a wake was held with removal to the church the following morning.  Funeral Mass was celebrated  by Fr Michael Gormally. Family members participated in the readings and offering of the gifts at the altar. The music was performed by Tony’s daughter-in-law Jen and her sister Laura as well as singing by Tony’s daughter Mary. Tony Junior read a beautiful eulogy also.

The respect and extent to which Tony was held in by so many people from all corners of the county and beyond was evident in the very large numbers in attendance at his wake. Following funeral Mass Tony was laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Tony will be sadly missed by his wife Rose, sons Tony and Martin, daughters Catherine and Mary, daughter-in-law Jen and granddaughter Rosie Mae, sister Anne, nieces,  nephews, friends and neighbours. May his gentle soul rest in peace.