Keane, Denis & Mary
June 16, 2007
The late Denis and Mary Keane
The deaths within a week of each other, of Mary and Denis Keane of Toberadora Boherlahan removed one of the most devoted couples, model parents and dream neighbours in the island nation.
Their home had a warmth of welcome and an atmosphere of relaxation that was matchless in its quality. Mary was articulate caring considerate generous and so full of genuine friendship. Denis was the quiet man always prepared to extend the helping hand, to overlook the short comings of others and to support voluntary organisations, they both enjoyed Gaelic Games and loved Irish music and Irish dancing and were avid supporters of their beloved Boherlahan GAA Club and other parish organisations.
News of their deaths shocked me as I had not met Mary or Denis in recent times, I always considered them great neighbours and special friends, old stock and the salt of the earth as we rural folk say. They both through life contributed by deed and example a reservoir of goodness and goodwill that deserve the highest commendations God could confer on them as true Christians. They cherished the many rural traditions of Mid Tipperary and extended them to the visitor to their home including that lovely cup of tea, the drop of holy water on your departure and bestowed Gods blessing for a safe journey, customs not as prevalent in modern times.
Mary was steeped in the Gaelic tradition. Her grandfather was the late Johnny Connolly of the All Ireland winning Toberadora and Tipperary hurling teams of the late 1890s and the hurling famed Power family of Tipperary and Boherlahan All Ireland hurling fame were also her close cousins. Denis was an able hurler in his youth and was part of an Irish Army team that included the late great Mick Mackey in the 1940s. The great joy and pleasure that Mary and Denis had when their son Jim became a star player with Boherlahan and wore the county jersey with distinction. Emigrating to the USA cut short his promising hurling career for his parish and county.
As we pen our words of appreciation of two remarkable and exemplary neighbours who lived for each other, their family and local community, with a matchless devotion and commitment, the pain of their loss to their family hurts deeply. God in his Divine way had rewarded Mary and Denis for their great goodness on earth reuniting them in his Kingdom of Heaven so quickly. This fact will console the Keane family in their pain of loss as their departed parents enjoy the happiness of Heaven in the presence of God.
As we pass through Toberadora, while God spares us we will always remember the inseparable husband and wife Denis and Mary who have departed this life. As we offer our humble prayers for them.
The privilege of knowing Denis and Mary Keane was an uplifting experience. Their outlook on life was so Christian so practical and so neighbourly they were special to all who knew them. To their family and extended family sincere sympathy on their passing they are sadly missed too in their community and over a wide region.
May they both enjoy the bliss of heaven among their departed friends now and for ever and ever.
By John J Hassett
Courtesy of the Tipperary Star
16 June 2007
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