Dunshaughlin & Royal Gaels paid tribute to the late Denis Kealy through their social media outlets.

With great sadness and shock we record the sudden, accidental death of Denis Kealy. As shocking and mind-numbing as the news is to all of us in the club, our sadness pales into insignificance when we think of the grief of his wife Charlene and their three young boys Ciarán, Daniel and Evan, his parents Ead and Patsy and his brothers and sisters. Coming within six months of the death of his sister Maria, his death is a devastating blow and we send our profound sympathy to the whole family.

Denis, like all the Kealys, was central to our club for many decades. As a player, as a builder and recently as a parent, he committed his time, his expertise and his enthusiasm to the Black and Amber. As an outstanding player he combined skill, determination, commitment and bravery in a stellar career that saw him win three Meath senior, one intermediate and one Under 21 championship as well as a Leinster senior. His leadership qualities were evident in winning the Under 21 title in 2000 and he was also club captain in 2009. He represented the Royal County at minor, Under 21 and senior level. Charlene also successfully wore the club colours with pride winning junior and intermediate titles with Royal Gaels, teams that featured Denis’s late sister, Maria.

The late Denis Kealy in action during the 2001 Meath SFC final against Skryne at Pairc Tailteann

Denis was versatile and skilful, featuring in attack in his youth before reverting to defence, where he was the epitome of determination and top-class defending. Always the go-to man to mark the opposition’s best player, he often had to stifle his own natural talent in the interest of the team. No one in the club will ever forget his tussles in Leinster with the Rathnew attack, tussles in which he invariably triumphed.  Off the field Denis was both a gentleman and a gentle man, quietly spoken, engaging and chatty who always made time for everyone.

He brought his determination, skill and single-mindedness to his business, Keamc Building Contractors, as all who engaged him will readily testify. He was always available to the club with his building expertise and played a major role in completing the upstairs section of the clubhouse and entrance to the club in the last two years. His company, also provided sponsorship and in recent years he was once again a regular in the club at weekends and evenings as his young boys became involved at underage level.

At the presentation of new club gear is Dunshaughlin Senior manager Anthony Moyles, Dunshaughlin Chairman Neil O'Dwyer, Denis Kealy Managing Director at Keamc Building Contractors and veteran midfielder Ray Maloney.

We remember Denis for his many achievements on the playing fields, but we remember him particularly for being a great partner to Charlene, a doting Dad to Ciarán, Daniel and Evan and a credit to his parents Ead and Patsy. To them all, and to his brothers and sisters Kevin, Orla, Pat, Dermot, Brendan, Aidan, Richie and Fiona, the extended Kealy and McAuley families we send our deepest sympathy at this heart-breaking loss.

Such a huge loss to so many. So many achievements in a short lifetime. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam cineálta, cróga uasal.

Funeral Details

Reposing at his home Ardveein House, Rathbeggan, Dunshaughlin, (A85RX98) on Thursday from 2 pm until 8 pm.

Funeral Mass at 11 am on Friday in SS Patrick and Seachnalls Church, Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath followed by burial in Derrockstown Cemetery.

Those unable to attend, can follow Denis’ Funeral Mass on the following church webcam link https://www.churchservices.tv/dunshaughlin

 

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