The late Brendan Keegan The parish of Our Lady's Island/Tacumshane was saddened on hearing of the death of Brendan Keegan of St Martha's Broadway. Brendan died at Knockeen Nursing Home, after along illness borne with great courage and dignity. He was born 71 years ago in Wexford Town, where his late father Denis had a Butcher's shop. The youngest of 13 children Brendan and the family moved Dublin when he was 13 years old. In Dublin the was a noted hurler with Kilmacud Crokes team. In the early seventies he purchased the Broadway Taverns where he carried on a thriving business and was kind to everyone - helping many people in difficult times. He was a man of great leadership qualities, which he certainly put to use when he sis Trojan work for the Church Restoration Fund Committee, the parish Pilgrimage committee, Scoil Mhuire Board of Management, the parish Millennium Book publication, parish Tops group in helping them win two Tops of the Town titles. His greatest interest in the senior citizens, always ready to contribute a song at socials and outings. He had a keen interest in local politics and was Director of Elections for Leo Carthy for a number of years until his health failed. Brendan was a man of strong Christian faith, attending Mass daily and also a Reader in the Church. He played hurling with the Island team after coming to Broadway. On his retirement from business he managed the IFA farm Centre Bar in Enniscorthy where he made many friends. A pillar of strength with the Vintner's Federation of Ireland of which held the position of President some years ago and was also a Trustee of the National Association of the Vintner's Federation of Ireland. Mush sympathy is extended to his widow Reenie, sons Aidan, Jim and David, daughter Mary Clune, his brothers John, Jim, sisters Maureen, Nora, Dymphna, Rose, Rita, Ena, Sr. Bernadette and Vera in New Zealand. Two brothers Nick and Denis predeceased him. His remains were removed from his residence to the Church of the Assumption, Our Lady's Island where they were received by Rev. Colm C. Murphy. Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Rev. C. Murphy, Adm. and Rev. Jim Finn, PP Crossbeg, a family friend. The parish Church was packed to overflowing. Fr. Murphy, at the beginning of Mass extended the sympathy of the community to Reenie and the Keegan family and spoke of Brendan's great work for the Church, his association with many parish organisations and his strong Christian faith. The readings were taken by Aidan Keegan, son, Mary Clune daughter. Prayers of the Faithful by Jack, Eimear, Eilis and Mark Keegan, grandchildren. The gifts were presented by his son Jim and sister Dympna. Local ICA members sang appropriate hymns during Mass. Fr Jim Finn, family friend, in a very moving homily recalled the life of Brendan with great feeling. The large attendance included Deputy Liam Twoney, Cllr. Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Licensed Vitners members from all over Wexford and representatives of the IFA Farm Centre, Enniscorthy, also Mr Barney Murphy, former National President of the Vitners Association. The funeral, one of the largest seen in the parish for many years, bore testament to his popularity. Courtesy of the Wexford People 01 November 2006 Tweet

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