Michael Keaveney
Michael Keaveney
Michael Keaveney (1949 - 2008).
Monday May 12th, 2008, was a very sad one for Ballyglass FC when news filtered through at 10.45 am that Michael Keaveney had passed away at the age of 58 years after a lengthy illness which he had borne with great dignity and courage.
Michael was the main driving force behind getting the Club up and running in 1975 and he had remained a key Committee Member for all 33 years since then. He held the dual roles of Secretary & Team Manager for the first 6 years and later served as Chairman for 3 years , for the past 10 years he has held the title of Club President. He also was a member of the Mayo Association Football League Management Committee for a long number of years during which he served as Registrar for 15 years and also the top role of Chairman from 1989 to 1991.
It was during his tenure as Chairman that Ballyglass were to take top honours for the first time when winning the Mayo Premier Division Title in 1991 and Michael was a very proud man as he presented the Cup to Ballyglass Captain James Prenty. Michael played a key role in the Club's major developments in the 1990's which seen them buy their own grounds and develop top class facilities.
The Club's Lotto was started up in 1995 and is now in its 14th year with Michael holding the number 1 spot for tickets sold during that term.
He was also a life long Arsenal supporter having lived beside Highbury for a number of years in his youth before returning to his home soil in the early 1970's.
Michael was a man of many talents - he was a poet, songwriter and musician. He also had a great love of history and the English language. He was a very witty man , well known for his classic one liners, great fun to be with and extremely popular with young and old alike.
Testimony to his popularity was evident from the huge crowds that turned out to attend his funeral. Everyone who knew Michael had the same opinion of him – a lovely and humble man who was indeed a true gentleman. He was much loved and will be deeply missed by his wife Bernadette , daughter Bridget, sons Martin & James , extended family , relatives and friends. His passing has left a huge sense of loss within the whole community but particularly for his many friends in Ballyglass Football Club.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.