UL-Bohemian RFC mourns the loss of 'dear friend and gentleman' John Keane

UL-BOHEMIAN RFC members and supporters, as well as the wider Limerick rugby community is mourning the loss of John Keane, who has been described as one of the clubs 'dear friends and a gentleman'.

John, of Monaleen Park, Castletroy, and formerly of Lansdowne Park, Ennis Road, passed away peacefully on February 3, under the wonderful care of the staff at University Hospital Limerick. 

Mr Keane will be remembered by children David, Geoffrey, Katherine and the late Douglas and sadly missed by his loving sister Ann (Fitzgibbon), son-in-law Jonathan, daughter-in-law Loreto, his adored grandchildren Rachel, Jack, Conor and Daisy, nephews and nieces.

John is predeceased by his wife Doris, brothers Frank and Joe, sisters Peggy and Maureen.

Mr Keane started out as a winger with the UL Bohs junior thirds team and took up many roles in the club’s administration section following his retirement from the game. 

Outside of rugby, John was a retired training advisor with FAS. He also served with the Reserve Forces, retiring after 42 years of service with the rank of Commandant.

With a passion for the development of women’s rugby, John has also served as the squad coordinator for the Bohs Senior Women’s team with duties including arranging transport, gear and match day photography.

John has worn many hats in the UL Bohs rugby club and as a former honorary secretary of the club he received the Munster Rugby Volunteer Recognition Award in 2014, while taking on the role as Club Registrar lending his support to in excess of 600 members at the time. 

This award was also in recognition of his volunteering with Bohs for over 50 years in various capacities.

Most recently John was in attendance at the Energia All-Ireland Women’s Cup final where his beloved UL Bohs women's side won their first national title since 2019. 

Countless condolence's have been posted since John's passing last Saturday with many of the UL Bohs senior women's team stating their disbelief and heartbreak. 

Senior player and Irish international Fiona Reidy took to Twitter stating "Hard to put into words John Keane’s impact on our team and of it’s culture. His introduction of the highly sought after player of the game “Red Robins” Mug is something we all will cherish. In the middle of our recent celebration - so glad he was there."

Head coach of the women's side and decorated former player Fiona Hayes simply said "Our hearts are broken RIP to the best."

Hard to put into words John Keane’s impact on our team and of it’s culture. His introduction of the highly sought after player of the game “Red Robins” Mug is something we all will cherish. In the middle of our recent celebration - so glad he was there RIP John we will miss you https://t.co/whGvw1zk9r pic.twitter.com/AochYuLODu

— Fiona Reidy (@fionareidy3) February 5, 2024

John will be reposing at Thompson's Funeral Home, Thomas Street, on Tuesday, February 6, from 5pm to 6.30pm. Arriving at Shannon Crematorium on Wednesday, February 7 for Funeral Service at 12 noon.