Rosemount GAA pay tribute to "valued member of local community"

The close knit community of Rosemount is united in shock and sadness this week following the untimely passing of Declan Keane.

The devoted husband and father of four girls died in the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday.

Married to Anita (nee Nally), Declan was a cherished father to Sarah, Orla, Niamh and Denise.

In a warm tribute, Rosemount GAA, said Declan played an integral playing and coaching role with the club "from his earliest years".

"Throughout his playing career with Rosemount, Declan lined out in senior, intermediate and junior finals, giving everything to the black and amber jersey. He was an integral member of the junior team in 2007, lining out at midfield in the county final and helping the club regain its intermediate status.

"Declan’s footballing achievements extended beyond the club as he also won an All-Ireland title with Multyfarnham College, an honour he carried with great pride, while he also represented Westmeath with distinction, being part of the county minor panel in 1992 and the U21 panel in 1995, both of which reached Leinster finals.

"Declan retired from playing football in 2011 at the age of 37. Retirement only strengthened his commitment to coaching. He coached the U16 and minor boys and became a driving force within Cill Óige LGFA, coaching at many age levels. Declan spent two years coaching the Cill Óige U14s, helping to guide them to a Division 2 title in his very first year, an achievement of which he was incredibly proud.

"Declan never missed a Rosemount game at any level. Following in his father Joe’s footsteps - whether as a coach on the sideline, encouraging younger players, or simply supporting from the stand, Declan’s passion for Rosemount football was evident in everything he did".

The club equated his passion for GAA to that which was replicated in a lifelong dedication to farming.

"Farming was not just his work but a vocation, one that shaped him deeply and brought him great contentment. His connection to the land reflected the same dedication, patience, and pride he brought to coaching, to playing, and to every aspect of his life. Farming grounded him, fulfilled him, and was an integral part of who he was".

His greatest joy however, the club said were "his beloved wife Anita and their daughters Sarah, Orla, Niamh, and Denise".

"They were his greatest joy, his proudest achievement, and the centre of everything he did.

"Declan’s dedication, warmth, and unwavering commitment made him a valued member of our GAA community. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled".

Ballynacargy GAA also paid tribute to Declan, describing the Rosemount native as "a talented footballer who lined out against the club on several occasions over the years".

"He was a tough but fair opponent on the field and a true gentleman off it, who always had time for a friendly chat about football and farming".

"In recent years we had the pleasure of meeting Declan on several occasions at our Matt Slevin underage tournament where Declan was proudly coaching young Cill Óige/Rosemount teams".

"We offer sincere condolences to Declan’s wife Anita, his daughters Sarah, Orla, Niamh and Denise and the extended Keane family".

Declan is sadly missed by his wife Anita, daughters Sarah, Orla, Niamh and Denise, parents Joe and Mary, brothers Paul and Colum and sister Maireád, mother-in-law Bridie, brother-in-law Tom and Francis, sisters-in-law Claire and Pauline , niece Ciara, nephew Ronán, aunts, uncles, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Declan will repose at St Thomas Church, Rosemount today (Wednesday) from 4pm to 7pm.

His funeral mass will take place on Thursday at 12 noon with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.