Tributes paid following death of former Roscommon councillor
The late Ernie Keenan.
Tributes are being paid following the death earlier today, Sunday, of former Roscommon county councillor, Ernie Keenan.
Mr Keenan, Carrickmore, Boyle, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in the excellent care of Roscommon Hospice.
He served as a Fine Gael councillor for 11 years from 2003 to 2014.
He first became a member of the local authority in October 2003 when co-opted to fill the vacancy in the Boyle electoral area following the appointment of current Junior Minister Frank Feighan to the Seanad.
Mr Keenan was elected to the council in 2004 and retained his seat at the 2009 local elections before retiring in 2014. During his political career, he served as Leas Cathaoirleach.
A very well-known figure also in GAA and farming circles, he passed away just three weeks short of his 91st birthday.
Independent councillor Tom Crosby said he was deeply saddened to learn of the passing “of my good friend and former Roscommon County Council colleague, Ernie Keenan”.
Cllr Crosby said Mr Keenan, who was a lifelong Fine Gael activist, was “a dedicated councillor who served the Boyle area and County Roscommon with commitment and pride”.
“I particularly valued working with him during my time as chairman of the County Graveyard Committee, where he made a wonderful contribution.
"Alongside the late John Connor, who served as councillor, senator and TD, Tony Bambrick and the late Cyril McDermott along with other dedicated people, our collective work helped transform the care and upkeep of some 120 graveyards throughout County Roscommon. Ernie’s contribution to that work leaves a lasting legacy.
“He was a proud GAA man and above all a devoted family man. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends and the community of the greater Boyle area. May he rest in peace,” said Cllr Crosby.
Predeceased by his son, Ernán, he is is sadly missed by his beloved wife, Carmel, sons John and Karl, daughters Mary, Elizabeth, and Fiona. He will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren: Aisling, Cillian, Katie, Lucy, Ben, Dylan, Rebecca, Lorcan, Tadhg and Róisín, daughters-in-law Ann and Eadaoin, sons-in-law Garrett and Bennie, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours, and many friends.
He will repose in Mahon's Funeral Home, Boyle (F52ND23), on Tuesday, October 6th from 3.30 p.m. until 7.30 p.m..
Mass of the Resurrection will take place in St. Joseph’s Church, Boyle, on Wednesday, October 7th at 11 a.m., followed by burial in Caldra Cemetery.
