Johnjoe Keenan, a greyhound man

There was widespread shock and sadness at the unexpected death of John (Johnjoe) Keenan, Hopestown, Ballinea, and late of The Bacon Store, Dominick Street, Mullingar. He died peacefully at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, on November 1.

Johnjoe was a popular member of the Mullingar business community for many years and was also well-known in greyhound racing circles. He worked for 35 years in McHugh’s supermarket, where McDonald’s is now, and many of his former colleagues and customers have paid tribute to him and recounted found memories of his time there.

John then opened his own business, The Bacon Store, on Dominick Street, where he served his loyal customers with top class produce for more than 15 years, until he retired in 2012. Always an early riser, up by 5am daily, Johnjoe’s shop would be open for business from 7am and it drew many of the early morning Mass-goers on their way to or from the Cathedral.

There was often an early morning queue outside his shop. John’s customers loved his welcome and friendly chat and his superior goods and service, and he loved serving them.

Greyhound racing was his passion and he adored his dogs. John would buy greyhound pups and train them for the course. One of his last wins was in Mullingar Greyhound Stadium earlier this year and the trophy he won was among the gifts carried to the altar at his funeral. His annual holiday was to the coursing in Clonmel every February. He was devastated when his health failed and he had to let his beloved dogs go a short time ago.

In his earlier days, John was an outstanding darts player and was selected to play on the Irish team, but never one for the limelight, he rejected the offer. One of his former darts opponents recalled how John won nine turkeys in Gallagher’s pub one Christmas and gave them all to people who needed them.

John was also a great footballer and played on the first Shandonagh team, in 1968. At that time, the home grounds were near Shandonagh bridge, before they moved to their current location in Ballinea. John’s funeral cortège left his home at Hopestown on Thursday of last week for funeral Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar, where he attended Mass regularly. The celebrant was Very Rev Phil Gaffney, assisted by Rev Norman Allred.

Donal Fagan, Derek Keenan, Trevor Hanrahan, Mark Gorman, Gavin Keenan and Aidan Gorman carried his coffin. Carol Hanrahan and Donal Fagan brought up gifts of the Sporting Press (John’s bible), a dog lead and the trophy he recently won. Stephen Tighe, godson of Johnjoe and Adrienne, read the lessons.

Prayers of the Faithful were recited by Orla Hanrahan, Anthony Glennon, Victoria Keenan, Derek Keenan, Adah Cuffe and Mark Gorman. Hymns and responses were sung by Valerie Moore, whose glorious voice added to the occasion. John’s burial took place in Castletown Geoghegan cemetery, where his cherished parents, Paddy and Mary Frances (née Daly), are interred.

Johnjoe is survived by his beloved partner and best friend Adrienne Hanrahan, sister Nancy Cuffe, brothers Christy and Eugene (Mouse), brother-in-law Tom, sisters-in-law Maura and Catherine, the Hanrahan family, Pamela, Mary, Carol and Trevor, nieces, nephews, relatives, good neighbours and many friends. The family thanked the doctors and nurses who looked after Johnjoe in hospital.