Ki er an was a happy soul and devoted family man
THE sudden passing of Kieran Keating has occasioned great sadness within the community.
The son of the late Jack and Margaret Keating, Kieran grew up in Rathimney, alongside his siblings, Joan, Alice, Eamonn, Tommy, Bridget and the late Johnny.
He attended Gusserane NS but was always more interested in nature, be it growing carrots or enjoying his favourite outdoor pursuits: fishing and shooting.
He worked locally, including in Carrigbyrne at the cheese factory and later at Kieran Egan’s Acorn Fascia & Soffit business.
While working in Billy and Mary Donovan’s farm, he met Dorothy, who was teaching the children how to ride ponies. They were married in 1987 in Cushinstown church and settled into family life in Rathnageera.
A devoted father to Ciara, Edward and Damien, Kieran was always there for them, showing great interest in everything they did.
In his spare time he enjoyed shooting, fishing and playing cards with friends.
An outgoing, friendly, sociable man, he enjoyed a pint of Smithwicks at Alan Morrissey’s pub.
As Dorothy said: ‘He was full of fun and loved parties and family occasions.’
Kieran enjoyed listening to country music and was a regular attendee at the annual country music festival in Killag.
A great neighbour, he could often be seen on his tractor lawnmower cutting grass and was always willing to lend a hand to his family and friends.
In recent times he worked as caretaker at Gusserane NS, where he was popular with pupils and teachers alike.
Sadly, Kieran died on June 6 having taken ill at home. News of his death was greeted with shock and deep sadness within the community.
His fellow card players and his nephew and nieces stood as guards of honour as Kieran’s remains were brought to his local church.
At the family funeral service, his niece Amy spoke of a fun-loving uncle in a moving eulogy, describing Kieran as ‘amazing, funny and kind’.
She said: ‘Uncle Kieran was a man of great character; his energy and charisma was infectious and when he walked into a room, the energy automatically changed. Kieran did not care for worry or stress but for the craic and the term. By God, if Kieran had something on you, you’d never hear the end of it.
‘Kieran loved life. He lived a simple life, but a happy one. The small things made him the happiest, like a game of cards, a pint of Smithwick’s or a cup of tea. He lived for his family, his wonderful wife Dor, who he adored and would do anything for. He adored his wonderful daughter Ciara, his first and only daughter. Although they were over 18,000km apart, they were always together in heart. Just like Ciara, Kieran’s son Edward resided over 6,000km away in the USA, pursuing his career with horses. Kieran would speak fondly about how well Edward was doing and would have no better joy than keeping us all updated with race news and how well he was doing. Last but not least, his little shadow Damien. For as long as we all can remember, even to this day, wherever Kieran went, Damien was not too far behind.’
She recalled how Kieran lived for his animals, whether it was sheep, cattle, horses or pigs, She said the road from South East Veg to Rathnageera will never be the same again.
‘You would always know when Kieran had been on a carrot run: there would be a trail of carrots on either side, similar to a guard of honour, with many a pit stop along the way. Kieran delivered carrots to friends, family, neighbours and anyone in between. There was never a shortage of carrots when Kieran was around.’
She called on the congregation to raise a can of Smithwick’s (or whatever they liked) at 9.30 p.m. that night in Kieran’s memory.
Kieran is deeply missed by Dorothy; Ciara, Edward and Damien; his siblings: Joan, Alice, Eamonn, Tommy and Bridget, and sadly missed by his loving family, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and a large circle of friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Jack and Margaret and brother Johnny.
May he Rest in Peace.