‘A fantastic footballer’ - Tributes to Galway GAA legend who was part of iconic three-in-a-row All-Ireland winning squad

A Galway GAA icon who passed away this week has been remembered as a “fantastic footballer” but also a gentle and unassuming man by the community who have been left “shocked” at the news.

Thomas (Tommy) Keenan passed away suddenly on Tuesday, April 29.

In a touching tribute on social media, Dunmore MacHales GAA said: “There is a cloud of sadness in our Dunmore MacHales football community, when the shock news came on Tuesday night that one of our great and revered icons and Club President, Tommy Keenan had died suddenly, leaving a void, not only for his beautiful family but for all of us who knew and loved him in the town he lived in all his life.”

Remembering their friend, the Galway club highlighted Mr Keenan’s long and successful sport career.

Mr Keenan was one of ‘The Kings of the Sixties'. His career started with a Hogan cup medal in 1961, and several club, Connacht and All-Ireland Final wins followed.

In 1970, he captained Galway to a Connacht final victory before leading the team in the All Ireland semi-final against Meath. In 1973, he was also a key player when Dunmore beat U.C.G. to win another senior title.

Mr Keenan won two All-Ireland Senior medals when part of the three-in-a-row squad and also won an All-Ireland Junior title throughout his inter-county footballing career.

As he stopped playing, his passion for the sport continued and he kept contributing to Dunmore MacHales club as secretary and treasurer. Mr Keenan was also part of the management team that won the 1986 All-Ireland Minor winning Galway team.

The club continued: “Tommy’s gentle manner and his gregarious nature endeared him to all who knew him.

“He was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. A magnificent synchronisation of his talents occurred on a famous trip to the Aran Islands in 1967. A rematch of the classic County Final of the previous year (which Dunmore won) took place on Inishmore. Tommy scored no less than four goals in the rematch and followed that feat in an all-night ballad session where he regaled his hosts (and a travelling party of 70from Dunmore!) with song after song from his extensive repertoire. That occasion is still fondly remembered by the senior citizens of the island.”

Off the field, Mr Keenan was also a family man, a noted golfer and actor, while as a long-serving principal teacher of Lavally N.S, Tommy is remembered for “his diligence, commitment and genial personality”.

Dunmore MacHales GAA said: “Outside of his football and professional life, Tommy was a devoted family man. He adored his wife Eileen and cherished his sons Henry, Francis, Thomas, Brian and his daughter Mary. His love for family extended to his dear brother John and sisters Mary, Sheila and Evelyn. In recent years Tommie also had the pleasure of enjoying his grandchildren.

“Everyone across Dunmore MacHales wish to express our heartfelt sympathies and support to the entire Keenan family at this sad time. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.”

Many others across social media have paid tributes to Mr Keenan, remembering him not only as a “fantastic footballer” but also as a gentleman and “a very unassuming man”.

One tribute reads: “Tommy was a legend and a dear friend. Winner of two All-Ireland senior football medals and countless others. A very unassuming man, great company and a gentleman. He was a fantastic footballer, accomplished golfer and a superb actor. His performance in The Black Stranger was one of the best seen in Dunmore. RIP Tommy.”

Another mourner wrote: “So very sad to hear of the unexpected loss of one of Dunmore's finest. Tommy was such a lovely man. Rest in peace Tommy. A full life, well lived. My deepest condolences to Eileen, Henry, Francis, Thomas, Brian, Mary and all the family. A heartbreaking loss.”

Dunmore Rugby Club shared: “It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Tommy Keenan. A true gentleman and a sporting legend. Our condolences to Eileen and his family. May he rest in peace.”

Funeral details are as follows: reposing at Glynn’s Funeral Home, Dunmore on Friday, May 2, from 6pm, with removal at 8pm to his home.

Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday at 12pm in The Church of Our Lady and St. Nicholas, Dunmore, followed by burial in Dunmore Cemetery.

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