Sorry to report the death of Pat Keane, a GAA legend around his beloved Cortown and much further beyond.

A native of famed Rosemount in Westmeath and a member of a large family, Pat, on arriving to work in Meath, first threw in his lot with the Drumbaragh club. 

Another local unit, Cortown were formed in 1969 and Pat Keane, now living in the Cookstown area of Kells, was there from the very start.

Safe to say that Pat went on to serve Cortown in every position possible and was club president at the time of his death.

His family were to become one of the very bedrocks upon which the club at first survived and later thrived. Sadly in April 2015, Pats wife and lifetime companion Bernie also passed on to pastures greener.

Son Liam, now associated with the Blackhall Gaels club after moving to reside in Batterstown, played well into his forties for Cortown. He was the first secretary of the Disputes Resolution Authority and at present is chairman of the Central Appeals Committee of the GAA.

That GAA gene is fairly embedded within the Keane clan. Nephew John Keane, that tight marking Westmeath defender for over a decade, has two All Stars to his name, in 2004 and again in 08.

John also played for both Leinster and Ireland in the Aussie Rules games. Another nephew of Pat's, Cathal Keane was a star full forward on the Westmeath team which clinched their only All Ireland minor title in 1995 while David Keane likewise wore the maroon of Westmeath with pride.

Pats brother George Keane was Westmeaths star attacker in the early and mid 1960's. He too represented Leinster at Railway Cup level.

Cortown will miss their official supreme, the delegate sticking up for his club at every tight corner during county board meetings, the quiet man on the sideline, the mentor with the pen in hand and that familiar jacket, always encouraging, never criticizing.

But the memories live on, so too the traditions set, the simple advice given to hundreds of young footballers over five decades. The word legend does not do Pat Keane justice.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

Cortown remember their official supreme

It is with the greatest sadness that tonight we have learned of the passing of club president Pat Keane. To say everyone associated with Cortown GFC is devastated would be somewhat of an understatement...Pat was a true legend and gentlemen to all who knew him. The work he has done for Cortown GFC defies description and he will go down as one of the all time greats. Pat will now be reunited with his wife Bernie who passed away last April, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Keane family and friends at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. David Rispin, Cortown GFC

Funeral Arrangements

Keane, Pat (Cookstown, Cortown, Kells, Co. Meath and formerly of Rosemount, Moate, Co. Westmeath). 11th January 2016, peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his beloved wife Bernie, son Padraic and infant brother Michael. Devoted father to Liam, Anne (Leacy), Marie (Falahee), Beatrice (McGinley); brother to Billy, Hughie, Joe, Tony, George, Johnny and Jimmy; granda to twelve grandchildren. Sadly missed by his family and many friends. Rest in Peace. Reposing at his home on Wednesday, 13th January, from 1pm and again on Thursday from 1pm. Removal on Thursday evening to the Church of Christ the King, Cortown, arriving at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Friday at 12 noon with burial immediately afterwards in Cortown Cemetery. Family flowers only.

 

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