Jimwasanavid DundalkFCfan

DUNDALK FC lost one of its greatest supporters with the passing of Jim Keating, Hyde Park, but more significantly, his family lost a wonderful Dad, grandad and brother.

Jim passed away suddenly, but peacefully, on 10 February, 2018, in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, surrounded by his loving family.

Aged 57, he was originally from Marian Park, a son of Matt and the late Delia Keating.

After attending the De La Salle primary school and the old ‘ Tech’, Jim worked for Crazy Prices at their stores in Dundalk, Balbriggan and Cork, advancing to the position of manager.

He subsequently had a shop in Park Street, the first ‘ pound shop’ in Dundalk.

Jim then worked for a couple of years in London, and after returning home, operated as a taxi driver, before taking up employment in Dundalk Lighting until his illness prevented him from doing so.

Football played a huge part in his life, as an ardent follower of Dundalk and Leeds United.

Jim watched the Lilywhites home and away from a young age.

In November he made his last trip to Elland Road to support Leeds, and following his death, the club included a tribute to Jim in a match programme.

He was very much involved in the local Leeds Utd supporters’ club, and with Motherwell FC in the former Dundalk Winter League.

Jim filled the role of player-manager, and his greatest achievement was the team winning the TJ Moore Cup.

He was a talented snooker player and took part in local leagues with different teams.

He looked forward to holidays away in the sun with his daughter Ciara and his friends.

However, above all else, Jim was a great family man. He adored Ciara, and was delighted at the arrival of grandchildren, Ellie and Darcie, who were his pride and joy. Jim’s life revolved around the girls.

He was always there for the whole family, a great Dad, brother and grandfather.

Jim was very popular among his many friends, and the regard in which he was held, was reflected in the large numbers at the funeral.

He never complained about his illness, maintaining a positive outlook all the time.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Ciara; grand-daughters, Ellie and Darcie; father, Matt; sisters, Carol and Sandra; brother, Gerry; brother-in-law, James; aunt, Rose; nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

After reposing at his sister, Carol’s house in McSwiney Street, Jim’s remains were removed to St Nicholas Church, where the funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Brendan Callanan.

Readings were given by niece Amanda Bradley Stewart and Shannon Casey; and the prayers of the faithful were led by Ciarán Bond, nephew Luí Duffy, nephew Brian Bradley, niece Cara Duffy, cousin Patricia Byrne and Naoíse Casey.

Niece Molly Duffy and nephew Luí Duffy participated in the offertory procession.

Gifts symbolising Jim’s life, a trophy from the TJ Moore Cup win, and a number of family photographs, were brought up to the altar by grand-daughter Ellie Gartlan and niece Cara Duffy respectively.

Ciarán Bond gave a fitting eulogy at the end of the service.

Music was provided by singer, Margaret Brennan. Burial took place afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Dowdallshill.