Kehoe, Miley
November 23, 2010Myles (Miley) Kehoe, Orchard, Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, who was laid to rest recently in the local St Lazerian's cemetery, was grandnephew of the famous US Army hero Captain Myles Keogh, killed at the infamous Battle of the little bighorn at 'Custer's Last Stand'.
A stained-glass window to Myles Keogh's memory exists in St Joseph's Church, Tinryland. He is also commemorated in a limestone plaque at the Sculpture Park in Leighlinbridge.
Miley passed away unexpectedly on Saturday 13 November at Carlow District Hospital, where he was in respite care.
Myles Keogh was born in the same house at Orchard in which Miley Kehoe lived and where the famous soldier's direct descendants still reside.
Miley Kehoe (86) was a farmer and a prominent, popular figure within the Leighlinbridge community. Noted as a man of great integrity and decency, Miley was always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbours and friends.
A progressive farmer, he farmed at Orchard all his life. Fourteen years ago he suffered a stroke which led to his retirement.
A staunch member of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), Miley walked to Dublin during the NFA national rates protest of 1966.
A life-long Fine Gael party activist, Miley canvassed for the party in many general, local and European elections. The attendance at the removal of his remains included deputy Phil Hogan, the party's spokesman on the environment, heritage and local government. Also prevent were former deputy John Browne and local party councillor Michael Doran.
Miley was a dedicated GAA supporter, providing the local 'All Blacks' club with a playing pitch on his lands at Ballinaboley, until the club obtained its own playing grounds close by. He was a keen follower of Carlow county teams and a great admirer and supporter of the Kilkenny hurlers.
Fine Gael colleagues and Leighlinbridge GAA Club members formed guards of honour at the removal of the remains to St Lazerian's Church, Leighlinbridge, on Sunday night, where they were received by Fr Tom Lalor, PP.
Fr Lalor celebrated the Requiem mass, assisted by Fr Kehoe, a relative of Miley's, and Fr P Kehoe and Fr Moling Lennon. Burial took place immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Predeceased in 2005 by his wife, the former Grace O'Donnell from Clashwilliam, Gowran, Miley is survived by sons Blanch and Myles (both Orchard), daughters Angela (Sweden), Eleanor (London), Grainne (Dublin) and Denise (Fenagh), sister Frances Kehoe (Carlow). He is also mourned by his daughters-in-law Nuala and Mary, son-in-law Sibi, 15 grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and his many friends.
Miley's brother, Blanch, was killed in World War II when, as a lieutenant in the British Army, he died during the Allied invasion of Sicily. He is buried in Syracuse, Sicily.
Myles Walter Keogh was born on 25 March 1840 at Orchard House.
Courtesy of The Nationalist 23/11/10 Tweet
