Mayo councillors lead tributes paid to Paddy Keane, the ‘father’ of Westport Town Council staff

WEST Mayo councillors have paid tribute to a former member of staff in Westport Town Council who was described as ‘a father-figure’ to staff in the local office.

A minute’s silence was held at the monthly meeting of Westport/Belmullet Municipal District in memory of Kilmeena man Paddy Keane, a former foreman with Westport Town Council who passed away aged 89 on Friday.

Current Cathaoirleach of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District, Cllr Peter Flynn led the tributes to Mr Keane who said he worked with him during his time as a town councillor and had nothing but praise for his character.

“Cllr Mulroy and myself would have worked with Paddy during the old town council days and no nicer man could you meet. He was an absolute gentleman and I don’t think I ever saw him cross. I know as councillors we test the foremen at times and the people in this office but no matter what you said or asked him to do you could never make him cross. Once you did ask him something you did not need to ask him a second time. He was an absolute star to deal with.

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“I know within the council office here the staff had huge regard for Paddy and he was a great man to land in every week with a cake and buns for the office staff. He was seen as the father and grandfather of the team in Westport and he was hugely missed within this office and the Kilmeena. His family made a huge mark on the community,” he said.

Mark of respect

His comments were echoed by fellow Westport councillor Brendan Mulroy who seconded a proposal by Cllr Flynn for items on the meeting’s agenda to be adjourned as a mark of respect and proposed a minute silence in his memory.

Cllr Mulroy also said it was a tradition when a former member of the staff of Westport Town Council died that the town flag be presented to the family and asked for this to be done for the Keane family.

“He made a remarkable contribution to the Westport area,” commented Cllr Mulroy.

Mr Keane is survived by his wife Jennifer; daughter, Mary and his sons, Seán, Packie, Dominic and Noel, grandchildren and relatives and friends.

The Funeral Mass for Mr Keane is to take place this afternoon in St Brendan’s Church, Kilmeena at 12.30pm with burial afterwards in Myna cemetery.

Tribute

Kilmeena GAA also posted a tribute online: “Paddy played for the club at underage, following his move to London in the 1960’s he played with Parnells GAA club for 3 years. On his return to Kilmeena in 1967 he took the role of team manager. In 1968, he managed the team to a historic West Mayo Championship victory, defeating Westport in the final and bringing the Cusack Cup to Kilmeena for the very first time. That memorable team went on to contest a Club final against Ballaghaderreen in McHale Park, narrowly losing out on the day. Following their success, the team travelled on a tour of America in a fitting reward for a remarkable group. Only recently, the club had the honour of recognising members of this team and remembering Paddy’s invaluable contribution to one of the significant periods in the history of the club.Paddy also served as Club Chairman in 1972. Paddy’s commitment, leadership and lifelong dedication to Kilmeena GAA will never be forgotten. He leaves behind a proud legacy that will be remembered by all who knew him.”