Vincent Keane

Parks, Carnacon

July 2014 we will always associate with its clear skies, its radiant sunshine and balmy bright days. Sadly, July 2014 will also be remembered in Parks and Carnacon and its environs, for the passing of Vincent Keane, RIP, a man loved and respected in the community - and a man who often drove us to distraction with his razor sharp wit, devilment, humour and vibrant personality.

On Monday July 21, 2014, Vincent passed away in the care of his loving family - Sally, his wife of almost 50 years; his daughters, Hilary, Collette, Joan; sons, Enda and Vinnie, his sister Mary, in-laws, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.

The people of Parks, Carnacon, Clogher and Ballyglass lost a great neighbour – a real personality that touched the lives of everyone. Ballintubber GAA Club lost a legendary figure, the unchallenged holder of the title ‘the strongest man that ever played for Ballintubber’ and a former team manager from underage up to U-21 level.

He served as Ballintubber Club Chairman from 1987 to the early 1990s and he had a deep knowledge of Gaelic football gleaned from hard and the often bitter experience of defeat in Intermediate finals in the 1960s. His playing career was distinguished with over a decade of service to Ballintubber Club and he also wore the Green above the Red at minor and senior level with Mayo. He won a West Mayo Minor medal with St Patrick’s (amalgamated side) in 1959 and a Mayo senior league medal with Abbeyside in 1966. He was also the holder of a Mayo Minor Medal from 1961 and Gael Linn Competitions medals with Mayo seniors in the early sixties.

Also in the early 1960s as a young man, he was an iconic figure on his motorbike zooming around the narrow ribbon of roads in the Parish. When we look at Vincent’s many achievements on the path of life, it is indeed awesome. If there is any land reclamation work currently being carried out in heaven then Vincent is the man for the job. His record in turning the ‘barren to the bountiful’ on many Mayo farms down the decades proves that. If they are short a few extra mansions in our father’s house – then Vincent will ensure they are constructed to a high standard in extra quick time. If animal husbandry skills and the rearing and nurturing of livestock are required in the pastures of paradise, then Vincent will jump over the fence and ensure the calves are suckling.

Also, as a former publican, if things are quiet up yonder in the ‘Angels Lounge’, Vincent will surely source a pack of cards and arrange six or a nine for a game of 25! It can be assumed that the card players will be allotted some remote alcove as it’s sure to be a fairly loud session with the customary lumping of trumps and dubious tricks being claimed!

Vincent was waked in the family home in the traditional manner for two nights. There was a huge attendance at his funeral in Carnacon Community Centre and also in St Mary’s Church for Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Michael Farragher, PP. On both funeral days, Ballintubber GAA Club and many members of the community formed Guards of Honour. When he was laid to rest the strains of ‘Caledonia’ created a most poignant moment in Burriscarra Cemetery. Sadly we said ‘SlΡn’ to one that was loved, a warm, emotional, caring, generous, humorous and wonderful friend and neighbour. Our days and social nights will surely be a little quieter – a little less colourful perhaps!

But what a perpetual hamper of great memories he has left us. When we meet socially or sit by the fireside we will often muse on the life of a man who left an indelible mark on family, on children, on community, and on club.

“Feel no guilt in laughter; he’d know how much you care...

Feel no sorrow in a smile that he is not here to share.

You cannot grieve forever; he would not want you to.

He’d hope that you could carry on - the way you always do.

So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared,

The days you spent together- all the happiness you shared.

Let memories surround you- a word someone may say

Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day,

That brings him back as clearly as though he were still here,

and fills you with the feeling- that he is always near.

For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart

And he will live forever - locked safely within your heart.”