'A gentleman of the highest order' - Tributes paid following passing of ex Garda from Mayo

Tributes have poured in following the sad death of Patrick Keown, late of Ballyhaunis Road, Claremorris, Co. Mayo and formerly of Erne Street, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal.

Patrick, an ex Garda Síochána, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home following a short illness.

Patrick will be forever loved and sadly missed by his loving wife Frances, adored daughter Cathy, sons Desmond and Nigel, daughters-in-law Mary and Cecelia, son-in-law Brian, grandchildren Gillian, Andrew, Megan, Evan, Conor and Eva.

He will be sadly missed by his sister Mary, brothers-in-law Brendan, Michael and Freddie, sisters-in-law Carmel, Betty and Ann, wider family, friends, neighbours and former colleagues of An Garda Síochána.

Heartfelt condolences have been left on RIP.ie, from those who knew and fondly remembered Patrick, with one mourner writing, 

"So sorry to hear of the death of Pat. A gentleman of the highest order with whom I had the pleasure of serving in the Gardai in Mayo in the 60's. Our sincere sympathy is extended to his wife and family on their great loss. May Pat rest in eternal peace."

Another wrote,

"Sincere Sympathy to Frances, Cathy, Dessie, Nigel and the extended Keown family on the sad passing of Pat. A kind and gentle soul. May He have Eternal Peace in Heaven."

While another wrote,

"Very sorry to hear that Pat has died. He was always a man of utmost integrity, quiet spoken, kind and extremely compassionate. He always used the carrot rather than the stick and was greatly respected throughout the entire community. If Pat is shown half the compassion on judgement day, as he showed to others, while on or off duty, he will have no difficulty whatsoever. Our deepest sympathy to all of the family on your sad loss. May he Rest in Peace."

Funeral Arrangements

Reposing at Gilligan's Funeral Home, Market Square, Claremorris (F12YP74) this evening from 6pm to 8pm. Removal from his residence on Thursday, August 22, at 12 noon to Saint Colman's Church, Claremorris for funeral mass for the repose of his soul at 1pm. Burial afterwards in St Colman’s Cemetery.

Funeral Mass will be streamed live on YouTube “Claremorris Church Live” https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXznV-Kn2sVij_zi3fZun6w or listened to on local parish radio on 106f.m.