Jim was gifted in many ways and co-founded Shamrocks FC
THE death occurred on 3 December of Jim McKeever, only six months after the passing of his brother-in-law and close friend, Larry O’Rourke, with whom he founded the Castletown-based Shamrocks FC schoolboys and junior soccer clubs.
Contrasting personalities, they were two of the leading figures in the sport in Dundalk, who started up the club in 1961, after being involved in the formation of a schoolboys club of the same name when they lived and worked in London for a short spell.
Jim was a capable player and four of his sons, twins, Willie and Gerry, as well as Jim and John, played for Dundalk FC at different stages.
He also refereed, and had a lifelong association with Oriel Park. He helped out at games on the turnstiles, and remained passionate about soccer, supporting the Lilywhites, and keeping an interest in and attending games involving Shamrocks.
The family link with Oriel Park continues as Willie is groundsman there.
Jim was the eldest of 14 children, seven daughters and seven sons in the family of Bill and Susie McKeever, whose home was in Defender’s Row, before they moved to O’Hanlon Park.
He went to the De La Salle primary school, displaying an exceptional talent for art, but circumstances didn’t allow him pursue the career he was probably best suited to.
Nevertheless, the talent stayed with him and was apparent when he undertook painting courses in the latter phase of his life.
Jim was also gifted in other ways. There was nothing he couldn’t turn his hand to, evidence of which is in his home, which he extended.
He was very adept at repairing bicycles and his services were much in demand.
As might be gleaned, he was a man who was very active until a couple of years ago. He was very proud of his work, and was employed for 27 years with the urban council.
He occupied much of his spare time in his work shed. A bicycle was his mode of transport, and for exercise he loved going for spins on it or walking.
Liza Sullivan lived across the road from his family home in O’Hanlon Park, and the couple struck up a relationship which resulted in their marriage at an early age.
They resided for a time in O’Hanlon Park, and went off to London.
On their return, Jim and Liza moved into the newly-built Fatima Estate. They had nine children, but, sadly, their son, Richard died at a young age.
The family was very much a part of the fabric in the Castletown community, and held in high esteem.
Jim was a strict, but caring and proud father, who loved children, and idolised his grandchildren and great-grandchildren when they entered his life.
He was a man with a strong religious conviction, who regularly attended Mass until his health would no longer allow.
When he relaxed, he liked to watch football on the television. He enjoyed John Wayne films, and loved listening to music on his stereo and was a big fan of Johnny Cash.
Jim was in failing health for the past two years and died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was predeceased by his wife, Liza; and son, Richard; and six of his siblings, along with his sonin-law, Peter; and grandchildren, Charlotte and Darren.
He is sadly missed by his sons, Willie, Gerry, Jim and John; daughters, Kathleen, Ann, Dolores and Sharon; brother, Willie; sisters, Margie Fox, Bernie Broadhurst, Maura Grimes (England), Sheila O’Rourke, Kathleen Doyle and Dolores Cassidy (England); sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers- and sister-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family relatives, wonderful neighbours and friends.
After reposing at his home, Jim was brought to his local church of Saint Joseph’s. Mass was celebrated by Father Tom Griffin PP, assisted by Father Michael Cusack CSsR.
Family members and friends took part in the Mass. The music was provided by singer, David Martin and organist, Brendan McCourt.
Burial followed in Brid-a- Chrin Cemetery.
Month’s Mind Mass is on Saturday, January 7 at 6pm in Saint Joseph’s Church, Castletown.