Laois GAA stunned by Liam's tragic death
January 23, 2018
The late Liam Kealy. Pic courtesy St. Josephs GAA Club
Laois GAA is struggling to come to terms with the tragic death of St Joseph's GAA club stalwart Liam Kealy over the weekend.
The former Laois footballer's body was recovered from the River Lee by Mallow Search and Rescue at around 10am on Sunday. He had been in Cork with friends for a stag weekend and was reported missing in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The 34-year-old plumber - who was married to Ashling, with a 13-year-old daughter, Shauna - represented the O'Moore County under Justin McNulty. He featured on the last St Joseph's team to win a championship in 2000 and had been an ever-present with the East Laois club ever since.
St Joseph's GAA Club paid an emotional tribute to their former colleague on Facebook: "The Saint Josephs Club are devastated to realise the loss of one of our most passionate, loyal and energetic members. Liam "Squeaks" Kealy has left a void that will be impossible to fill. From 4 years of age until today he has been the heartbeat of every dressing room he filled. An ability to recover (34 times) from career ending injuries marked him out as one of our clubs most resilient and stubborn performers.
"Any supporter who stood behind the fence in Kellyville, on the bank in Graiguecullen or sat in the seats in Portlaoise could never accuse him of lacking commitment to the yellow and blue jersey of his beloved St Joseph's. As a player and a coach, saying he gave 100% is an injustice to what he actually gave to his club on and off the field. He crossed the border to Ballylinan where his wife Ashling and daughter Shauna witnessed his devotion to St Joseph's.
"Our thoughts are now with Ashling, Shauna, his mother Margaret, father Tom, brother Denis his sister Liz the Doyle Family and extended relatives and friends.
"He'll be forever in our thoughts whenever a St Joseph's team takes to the field in the colours that he served so well.
"Squeaks #Legend
"Ar dheis De go raibh a anam."
TweetThe Saint Josephs Club are devastated to realise the loss of one of our most passionate, loyal and energetic... https://t.co/tQ74caJXQd
- St.Joseph's GAA (@Stjosephsgaa) January 22, 2018
