The death of Mick Keogh has marked the end of an era in the O’Dempsey’s GAA club as the hugely popular local man made a huge contribution to the club over a long number of years.
He was heavily involved in O’Dempsey’s two senior championship successes – as chairman and selector in 1963 when they beat Portarlington in the final for their first senior triumph and then as trainer 17 years later when they stunned Graiguecullen in the decider.
“There can be no doubt that Mick was one of O’Dempsey’s greatest Gaels,” said the club in a statement. “He will forever be part of the history of the club club and will be sadly missed by us all.”
When O’Dempsey’s honoured that team of 1963 on the 50th anniversary in 2013, the club paid him a special tribute.
“Mick deserves special mention,” said Tom Davis in a piece written for the occasion.
“The Keoghs transferred from Kilbride to the Lake Road in 1954, the very year the O’Dempsey’s pitch was opened. From then on Mikck was a most enthusiastic worker for the club.
“He was one of those who was instrumental in the formation of both St Conleth’s hurling club and St Conleth’s cross-country club. He adopted, or some might say imposed, new methods of physical training in cross-country running and hurling, and this also rubbed off onto the football … he was never sparing with his time and effort.”
Formerly of The Lake Road, Ballybrittas, Mick passed away peacefully in the loving care of the staff of Oghill Nursing Home, Monasterevin.
He is deeply regretted by his loving wife Anne, sisters Carmel Fennelly and Phil Mason, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and friends.
His funeral mass took place on Sunday and he was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
SEE ALSO – County Final Memory: O’Dempsey’s stun Graiguecullen with late winner in 1980
