Cavan man died saving others
'He had such a love of life' - bereft family
A Cavan man, who drowned near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia on New Year’s Eve lost his life while trying to save others, authorities have confirmed to his devastated family.
Seán Keaney (35), from Derrin Lower, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, died after getting into difficulty in the waters at Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. His body was recovered at around 11am, just as New Year’s celebrations were beginning.
“What we’ve been told is that Seán was trying to help others when he got into difficulty himself,” his grieving family told The Anglo-Celt this week.
Seán is the son of Bridie and the late Charlie Keaney, and is survived by his siblings Cathriona, Fiona, Breda, Katie, Matt, Cathal and Thomas.
The Whitsundays, off the north-east coast of Queensland, are a popular destination, especially among backpackers and particularly those with an interest in sailing, diving and snorkelling.
His family say the tragedy has been “devastating for all of us - and for anyone who ever met Seán. Friends, family, teammates - everyone feels the same.”
In the wake of Seán’s death, an extraordinary outpouring of kindness and generosity has deeply moved the Keaney family. At the time of going to print, a fundraiser established in Seán’s memory has raised close to £112,000 for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, with donations continuing to pour in from across Ireland, Britain and beyond.
The GoFundMe page, set up by London-based GAA club, Tara GFC, shortly after Seán’s death, had an initial target of just £2,000. Within just hours of going live, the total had surpassed £70,000.
The funds will support the work of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which is assisting the Keaney family in bringing Seán’s remains home. The family have expressed particular gratitude for the trust’s compassion and support at such a difficult time.
“There are no words,” Séan's family have said. “The support has been unbelievable. The Kevin Bell Trust have been incredible - we honestly cannot thank them enough.”
Seán had been living in the Hanwell area of London for the past 11 years. In recent years, he and his brother Mattie established Keaney Brothers Limited, a specialist construction and civil engineering company based in west London.
Away from work, Seán carried his deep love of the GAA across the Irish Sea. After transferring from Crosserlough GFC, he spent four successful years with Tara GFC, helping the club secure back-to-back Intermediate Championship titles and All-Britain honours.
Paying tribute, Tara GFC said their “dearest friend” left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
“Seán joined Tara GFC after transferring from Crosserlough GFC in Cavan and spent four unforgettable years with us, leaving a lasting impact on everyone,” the club said. “He was the life of every celebration- always on the dance floor, with a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that warmed every heart. His absence leaves an unimaginable void.”
Tributes were also shared by London GAA, while Crosserlough GFC, where Seán played underage football, helped promote the fundraiser.
A passionate traveller, Seán spent Christmas 2024 travelling through Colombia.
“He had such a love of life,” Séan’s family told the Celt. “It’s just so hard to take in.”