Francis Xavier (FX,Frank) KEEGAN

FX was a force of nature. A whirling dervish of energy that he brought to everything he was involved with. Be it the Sea Cadets, Rugby, Teaching or his great love of Music, all came with huge energy and enthusiasm. My own great memory is how FX and his brother Mons. Keegan brought us to Manchester United in, I think, 1968 and we were allowed to hold the European Cup. His lasting legacy is the joy that he has brought to countless young minds who were better for knowing him. God bless you FX !

The heavenly choir is in for a shake up !

Condolences to Mr Keegan’s family and friends. He was my 5th-class teacher in 1978-79 - a legendary figure even then, and the teacher against whom all subsequent ones were measured. Too many memories to list, but I fondly remember Friday afternoons, when he eased us into the freedom of the weekend with a happy, celebratory atmosphere. He kept a disciplined classroom, but once in a while he’d quietly and gradually let the discipline slip, knowing that even in class kids needed to relax and fool around; discipline wasn’t everything. And he kept an eye out for everyone. Very sad to hear he’s gone.

To me Francis was 'Uncle Francis' even though officially he was my grand Uncle. That says a lot about my closeness to him and the time spent with him over the summers in Clonea or Christmas's in Youghal. He was always entertaining to chat to ("I've never tell anyone to shut up, only shut down") or on the piano playing to the family audience post Christmas dinner. He was kind, respectful and never had a bad word about anyone. He leave you with a positive and uplifted sense when he'd head home, which I'll carry with me through the years ahead.
Farewell FX. Thanks for the memories.

Condolences to the Keegan family . R I P Sir

Sad to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace, and may God have mercy on his soul.

My sympathy to FX's family on his passing. He led a full life with so much of it giving to others. I had him as a teacher in 4th class and the good memories are vivid; our school concerts in the Theatre Royal and my time in the Sea Cadets, which was formative giving us all lessons for life.
He also taught my brother Ray to swim in Ring. In adult life I kept in touch and enjoyed his company when we met and the beautiful music in St. Johns on Sundays. My love for 'Jerusalem' comes from been taught it by Mr. Keegan.
A true gentleman!

My sincere sympathy to the Sir Keegan family on the sad passing of Francis bed of heaven resting with Angels and Saints
Alway enjoy a chat when met in town
M Cunningham

I extend my sincere sympathy to the Keegan family on the sad passing of Francis. May he rest in peace.

Sir, Mr. Keegan or post school FX, was an example to us boys in junior school and senior college.

At a time when not many teachers like him existed, now a days it is the standard which education strives to attain, the balance of leader, supporter and imparter of knowledge he was one a kind and will be sadly missed. May he Rest in Peace.

A true gentleman. Sincere sympathy to Frank’s family, may he Rest in Peace.

Fond memories of FX from school and sea cadets. A gentleman, rest in peace.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Francis Xavier.
Sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
He was fantastic with the students in Waterpark and a gentleman to deal with.
May his kind and gentle soul rest in peace.

There are so many memories that were created by this man in his many manifestations. Teacher, Master, Commander of Sea Cadets , Musician and choir master of school and church . Visits to Salford Seamans mission during Easter holidays as a cadet can never be forgotten . Supervised on his own . Always a gentle man and always a good word. Rest in the peace of the just and well done to Brid(Niece) for the patience and care over many difficult years

Sincere condolences to Frank's family on his passing. His rapport with his students in Waterpark was legendary and his work with the Waterpark choir will be long remembered. May he rest in the peace he has earned.
Vernon Buckley.

Deepest Sympathy to
Frank family and friends
A wonderful gentleman
He gave outstanding
Service to St John's Church for so many
Years

Bríd and Kieran, sincere sympathies on the loss of Francis. Many fond memories of his wonderful piano playing in Gortroe. Rest in Peace.

Mr. Keegan may your gentle soul RIP I have great memories of the choir in St. John’s joining at the age of 6yrs wonderful memories over the years and of course along with Shep the dog Rest In Peace Mr. Keegan lovely mass today ❤️

Sincere sympathy to Brid and family on the death of your beloved Uncle Francis.
May he rest in peace.

I served on the Board of Management with Frank fo 6 years. His fundraising skills were legendary with his dog night. He was a pleasure to work with and a privilege to know. Waterpark and St John's were his life my sincere condolences to all of his family

Francis is was a pleasure to know you, thanks for all the lovely memories we had in St. Johns choir. May you rest in Peace.

Ned and Julia Flynn,
Dunmore East.

He was such a popular teacher that it must sadden all his alumni to hear of his passing. He was my teacher at Waterpark in the early 60s and will remain a very significant contributor to my early life. The memories are many of the Ring Gaeltacht and swimming at Ballynagoul beach, the rugby and even the maths classes. Latterly Frank was even good fun to meet for a drink. My condolences to his family.

To Frank's family my deepest sympathy, I have many happy memories of time in the youth choir in St. John's. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé a anam dilís.

Deepest Sympathies to his family.
Many good memories of FX (Sir) from Waterpark as a student in the early 60's,and also as a Sea Cadet. He was the one who introduced me to rugby at a very early age and was a very big part of molding us, preparing us for life.

Thank you Sir and may you rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to Mr. Keegan’s family at this sad time. We met at many Waterpark College meetings where his kindness and interest in the development of Waterpark were always to the fore. May he rest in peace.

Sincere condolences on the passing of the FX what a lovely man & a great teacher many happy memories. May he RIP

RIP Uncle Francis, thanks for all the lovely fond memories - most especially the summers in Clonea, and the Christmases around the piano as you entertained us all with your fabulous piano playing skills. There’s no doubt you’ve gone straight to heaven, may you rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to Frank's family at this sad time. A true gentleman when you met him, a fabulous musician and always a pleasure to hear his choir. May his soul rest in peace.

SIR! What a lovely man FX really was! An inspirational teacher, and a true gentleman! He made you want to sing your very best in the St John's Choir, whilst leading the Sea Cadets on their annual Easter trip to Manchester which was truly a formative experience. I am saddened by his passing, may he rest in well deserved peace. Sincere condolences to his family.

Sir, you were simply the best. It is 50 years ago since I last had the pleasure of being your pupil, and I attained perhaps the lowest “weekly mark” you ever gave. It was justified, but it was forgotten come the following Monday. You gave of yourself totally, an inspiration as an educator, and always with a smile, even for the “confounded boobies”. The memories are many, you lived your vocation and it was to all of us who attended Waterpark College, during your very long tenure, our very good fortune to have had you FX as our teacher. Godspeed.

Condolences to FX's family and friends. Many happy memories of my time spent with him as a student at Waterpark, learning to swim under his patient guidance in Ring, as a chorister on the stage of the Theatre Royal and as a member of the Sea Cadets. He was ahead of his time and his generosity of spirit knew no bounds. May he rest in peace.

Sincere Sympathy to Mr. Keegan's relatives and Friends on his Passing. May His Gentle Soul Rest In Peace.

Have fond memories of meeting up and engaging in conversation with Frank in the City or at Waterpark College.

Sincere condolences I recall his kindness in the cathedral years ago. Rest in eternal peace.

So sorry to hear of Mr Keegan’s passing. As a member of the choir in St John’s for many years. I’m left with so many wonderful memories. Rest in peace FX. Dermot O Sullivan and family.

My condolences to the Keegan family. My ex-pupil memories of "Mr Keegan" include that of many years of a man very well dressed, proud and of good personal, professional an d religious standards. Having bumped into him a couple of times, after graduation, I was reminded of these attributes and also of a man who really cared about others, genuinely. A loss that will be felt by many, across many parts of the world. Rest in peace Mr Keegan.

Thank you to all the people who wrote lovely things about FX.
I’d love to have been able to read them to him last week….he would be so pleased to see them.

Rest in Peace Frank. 🙏🙏🙏 Deepest sympathy to the Keegan family

Sorry to hear of the sad passing of Francis Fx I remember Fx from the St. John's choir a wonderful organist, a great sense of humour and great hyms and harmonies rest in peace Francis, Fx.

Condolences to the Groeger and Coughlan familes, and to FX's extended family, friends and acquaintances. No doubt there's a choir somewhere singing you on your way. God speed Frank.

Requiescat in pace.

Sincere Sympathy to all of FX's Family. May he Rest In Peace. He was Musical Director for ACEC Tops Of The Town Group some years ago.

Deepest Sympathy to the Keegan family on the passing of Francis.It was a great blessing to have known him on a personal and professional level at Waterpark over many years.
His contribution and dedication to the Junior and Senior Colleges was unique and unmatched.Long prior to wellbeing attaining prominence, Francis placed student welfare at the centre of his mission, raising their spirits in the midst of their company.
His prayers brought comfort to so many, and none moreso than myself. He ordained that I should be in Lourdes at his passing, and in the company of many of his former students. We are confident that our prayers at the Grotto calling our Lady to shepherd him home have been heard.
Jesus Saviour Blest grant him endless light and rest.

So sorry to hear of Frank's death always Mr Keegan to me. I remember him from Waterpark and from summer holidays in Ring where we failed to learn Irish and his blue vw beetle. I will always remember our conversations. May the Lord bless and keep him safe.

Many good memories of FX (Sir) from Waterpark as a student in the early 70's,and also as a Sea Cadet. He was a very big part of molding us, preparing us for life. Thank you FX and may you rest in peace.Deepest Sympathies to his family.

What can I say that hasn't already been said . My sincere condolences to you Brid and all Frank's extended family and friends . He was an absolute gentleman and inspiration to all who knew him . I joined the choir as a 10 year old and over the years left and rejoined and glad to say I'm still there . FX taught us so much over the year's, his harmony arrangements will never be forgotten, so much so we still sing them today . What a legacy . He made that organ and pipes his own and Christmas Eve was outstanding with his spectacular piece Tho Holy City , rhe highlight of the night . So many memories. St Patrick's day mass , I can't imagine any church ending with A Naion Once Again but we did year after year . FX was one of a kind. It was a pleasure to have known him for so many years,. His wit his kindness and his gentle way and smile .
Rest easy FX , you deserve your place in heaven . God bless.
Dorothea

Dear Brid. Sending heartfelt sympathy and prayers for you all. We have so many happy memories of your dear U. Francis R.I.P. May he rest in eternal peace.

Francis Xavier was a wonderful colleague and friend of Waterpark College. He was a remarkable man; one in a generation whom we were so lucky to have as part of our school community. Mr. Keegan was respectful, kind and courteous to all the pupils he nurtured along the way. He has left a profound legacy in the school and his acts of good will and kindness will have a lasting impact on so many, for a long time to come. Rest in Peace Frank and thank you for all you did for the Waterpark College Community.

Sincere sympathies to Brid , Kieran and the Groeger families. To Laurence and the Coughlan families on Francis passing RIP

Sad to hear of the passing of FX. Many happy memories of him as a teacher and leader of the Waterpark Sea Cadets. Condolences to his family who have much to be proud of.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Keegan. Great memories of Mr Keegan as I was part of the St John's Choir for many years. Mr Keegan also played at my wedding. May he rest in peace x

To the family of Mr Keegan my deepest sympathy for your loss was in the choir at st John's in the seventies a gentlemen may he rest in peace 🕊️

Sincere sympathy to Brid on the death of Uncle Francis. Have happy memories playing the piano at the nursing home.

Saddened to hear of Francis Xaviers passing. Great memories of a choir master, Sea Cadet leader and not least, a teacher. I'm reminded of him every time someone compliments me on my neat handwriting.

My condolences to his surviving family. A life lived long and well.

Sincere Sympathy to the Keegan family on the death of Frank R.I.P.
A student back in the 1950's I have some great memories of Frank when he took over the Waterpark Sea Cadets as 1st Officer.

Rest in Peace Mr Keegan. It was lovely to be part of his choir in St John's for many many years.

Sincere condolences to Sir’s family. In Waterpark we were all his family. Have great memories of our Gaeltacht holidays in Ring swimming off the pier and playing rounders in the field. FX was never without his beloved Shep. He actually played the organ at my wedding 42years ago. Rest easy my friend

May Francis rest in peace. Good memories of him as our teacher in Waterpark Junior school as far back as the late 50’s early 60’s.

Sir Keegan taught us for three years 1968 to 70 in Waterpark. Kindness and fun personified. Music, song, poetry and rugby the hallmarks of a memorable few years. Quick witted and creative in the classroom. Caring and interested in his pupils always. Condolences to family and friends. RIP.

A gentleman Sir Keegan who we all knew for many decades we had him for 1st 2nd & 3rd class in the early 70s out In Bishopscourt he loved life & was very kind to us I was lucky to have known him in the later years my condolences to his niece and family my you rest in peace FX

I am sorry to learn of the passing of Francis Xavier.

As students in the 1980’s we felt very grateful to be attending Waterpark Senior College and while many of our teachers were memorable for every good reason there was none more than FX.
His sense of fun, ability to connect to young people, his impeccable sense of fashion and proper etiquette mixed in with his amazing sense of humour made the years in school truly enjoyable and the years after knowing FX as an adult made him a significant person.

The loveliest, kindest and most gentle of people who gave so much in his life to modern education, young people, the church and to numerous others, may he rest in the peace of his new eternal home.

Our deepest sympathy to Brid, Kieran and the groeger and Coughlan families on the death of their beloved uncle Francis. May he rest in peace

Deepest sympathy to Brid and family and to the Coughlan family on the death of Uncle
Francis.