The Late Ned Keane The parish of Monagea was stunned into a state of shock with the news of the sudden death of Edward Keane. Affectionately known as Ned, he was a man who lived life to the full and was always out among the people. He had great time for the young people and would always praise and encourage them. His two favourite pastimes were greyhounds and the GAA. There was a great tradition of both within the family. His late father, owned some superb dogs and, indeed, Ned himself had a few outstanding dogs some years back. His oldest brother Jerome played minor hurling with Limerick and senior hurling with both Limerick and Dublin. On the GAA field, Ned started his career with Monagea. He led Monagea to an U14 West Final in 1958. He played minor hurling with Newcastle West and in 1962 made his debut for the Monagea Junior hurlers. His blonde head would attract attention on any field but it was his skill and determination that hit the headlines. In 1966 he was part of the St. Ita's team who took St. Patrick's to three epic games in the County Senior hurling championship. One of the St. Patrick's mentors, the late Fr. Jer McNamee, spoke of Ned after those games, saying "He would put his head where another man would not put his hurley". His most memorable hour must surely be the winning of the West Junior A hurling championship of 1973. His dedication was shown when he returned home early from his honeymoon to play in the final. When work started on the GAA field, Ned was the FAS Supervisor and he maintained a close interest ever since. He was a selector when Monagea won the County hurling championship in 1997 and was President of the club at the time of his death. Ned was above all, a family man and it was very seldom that his wife Mollie and himself would not be found together. His popularity could be seen clearly from the many parishes that were represented at his removal from Reidy's Funeral Parlour to Monagea and at his funeral Mass and burial. It was a fitting tribute to his work for Monagea GAA the famous green and gold number 6 was placed on his coffin. He leaves his wife Mollie, sons William and David, daughter Angela, brothers Jerome, Jim and Joe, sister Ita and his other relatives. Courtesy of the Limerick Leader September 2002 Tweet

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