Gerard, chief of O’Keeffe clan, dies in Kanturk
A DELUGE of tributes were paid at Mallow District court this week to the recently deceased solicitor Gerard O’Keeffe.
Mr O’Keeffe was found dead at his home in Kanturk on Tuesday morning.
Leading the tributes, solicitor Charlie O’Connor told the court that Mr O’Keeffe had built up an extensive civil and criminal practice. He told Judge Brian Sheridan that Mr O’Keeffe had practised all over Munster and had a long and distinguished career, with connections to offices in Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Kanturk and Mallow.
“As well as being a distinguished solicitor, he was also the co-author on a book regarding dangerous driving,” said Mr O’Connor.
He said that Mr O’Keeffe also held the role as chieftain of the O’Keeffe clan.
Mr O’Keeffe also wrote a screen play, ‘Prison Conditions and Later Life of Oscar Wilde.’ Mr O’Keeffe was fascinated by the legal loopholes of the famous legal case which brought down the gay writer, Mr Wilde.
“He was a man of varied interests particularly in the Arts and was generous to many charities. He also sponsored many prizes and awards to students at the Patrician Academy,” said Mr O’Connor.
“Overall, he was a great character and he will be missed and may he rest in peace.”
Court registrar Paul Cosgrave also his sympathy to the family of the late Mr O’Keeffe as did Peter O’Flynn (BL) on behalf of the Cork Bar association, as did Insp Tony O’Sullivan.
Judge Sheridan said Mr O’Keeffe’s reputation was “well known” and he recalled him appearing before him on several occasions. He also conveyed his sympathy to Mr O’Keeffe’s family.