Former public rep and vintage enthusiast remembered

The late John Keenan, Drumberagh, Laragh, Castleblayney, who served on Monaghan Co Council from 2014-2019 as a Fine Gael representative and was a stalwart of the vintage scene, died in the early hours of St Patrick’s morning.

Carrickmacross St Patrick’s Day Parade was one of his favourite annual events and his favourite tractor, a red Massey Furguson 35, appeared as part of Lisdoonan Vintage and Heritage Club’s display last Tuesday.

Cathaoirleach of Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District Paul Gibbons paid tribute to the “massive contribution” John had made to the county during his time on the local authority and since.

John was the driving force behind of Lisdoonan Vintage and Heritage Club and on their social media page, his daughter Maria posted a tribute on behalf of her heartbroken family: “Daddy loved vintage and every weekend from now until October he had plans made for shows all around the country.”

In addition to serving as chair of his local club, John was President of the Irish Vintage Engine and Tractor Association (IVETA) who remembered him as “a great ambassador”. Lisdoonan Vintage Days always supported local charities. Laragh Heritage described him as “a true cornerstone” of their community.

Last Sunday, Lonergan’s Funeral Directors passed by Laragh Tin Church during his funeral procession, as John was integral to its restoration.

John’s beloved tractor led his funeral cortége, which featured several vintage vehicles. Every organisation with which John was involved throughout his life was represented including the ESB where he spent his professional career and Lisdoonan Group Water Scheme with which he volunteered.

A lone Aughnamullen piper, Paddy Callan played a lament from the community centre to St Mary’s Church Lisdoonan and from there to his graveside. Monaghan Co Council, led by Cathaoirleach PJ O’Hanlon, observed a cross-party guard of honour.

Philip Kelly, former chairperson of Fine Gael, said that John had been a lifelong supporter of the party, having attended his first meeting at the tender age of eight years. He remained a member until his death aged 75 years. The party walked John from the chapel to his final resting place in the adjoining cemetery. Tánaiste Simon Harris was unable to attend but was represented by his Aide-de-Camp.

Fr Michael Daly celebrated John’s Funeral Mass. John is sadly missed and remembered with love by his wife Mary and his daughters Angela, Helen, Maria, Maggie and Lorraine; sons-in-law and his adored grandchildren: Tommy, Jessie, Connell, Daniel, Dylan, Cillian, Abbie, Oisín, Adele, Jack, Luke, Lucy and Caoimhín; his brother Lorcan and his sisters Catherine Verhoeven and Dympna Corrigan, his in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives, many friends and neighbours.