John had a great interest in vintage cars
John (Johnny) Keenan, ‘Bay View’, Bellurgan Point, Dundalk, who died recently, was well-known for his keen interest in vintage cars.
He passed away peacefully on 30 November, 2017, in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Aged 74, Johnny was originally from The Bog Road, Mountpleasant, eldest son of the late Peter and Mary Keenan.
After attending Faughart National School, he worked at a number of jobs, and during his life, be it through earning a living, or as a hobby, cars and driving figured prominently.
He was employed in Dealgan Milk Products (DMP), and subsequently worked as a tour driver with Kavanagh Travel, Urlingford and then ‘Funtrek’, Crossan’s in Drogheda.
These jobs saw him travel throughout Ireland and Europe, something he loved.
Johnny also worked in
Kilsaran Concrete and operated his own taxi business.
In later years, during his retirement, he helped out in Rice & Roddy,
Dundalk.
Many years ago, he did stock-car racing in
Oriel Park.
Johnny was wellknown to many people as a vintage motor enthusiast, and was a long-standing member of the North-East Vintage Club, attending all of its events, and was popular with all in the classic car community.
He enjoyed attending vintage shows and auctions, and liked nothing better than taking his grandchildren for spins to shows and parades.
Indeed, he was a familiar figure on the roads in his red vintage Mercedes car, his pride and joy.
Johnny will be remembered as a great character, who enjoyed life to the full, and loved to travel.
He was well regarded in the locality, the family having moved to Bellurgan in 1973.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Catriona; and grandson, Dave Keenan.
He was also predeceased by his parents, brothers, Pat, Brendan (Barney) and Peadar, as well as two other brothers, both of whom died in infancy.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Julia; sons, David, Seán, Edward, Séamus, Niall and Philip; daughters, Fiona, Olivia and Julie; sister, Briege Mackin; 24 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, sonsin-law, daughters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
After reposing at home, his remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church, Ravensdale, where the funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Brian MacRaoís, assisted by parish priest, Fr. Pádraig Murphy.
Readings were given by niece, Siobhán Donner; and daughterin-law, Alison Keenan; while the prayers of the faithful were led by six of his grandchildren.
Daughters, Fiona, Olivia and Julie participated in the offertory procession.
Music was by Ravensdale Choir, and grandson, Matthew Keenan, played the accordion, while Johnny’s friend, Jim McKillop played the fiddle.
A guard of honour was formed by members of the North-East and North Louth vintage clubs, and burial took place in Calvary Cemetery.
The funeral cortege was led by Johnny’s red Mercedes, driven by his neighbours and friends, Maurice and Rose Roddy.
The Month’s Mind Mass takes place at 7.30pm on Friday, 29 December, 2017, in St. Mary’s Church, Ravensdale.