'Man for the people' - Sadness at death of retired Mayo garda

The death has occurred of Patrick Joseph Keown, better known as Pat, of Ballyhaunis Road, Claremorris.

Pat was an extremely popular retired garda who joined the force in 1963 and served in Ballycroy, Charlestown and Kilkelly, before being stationed in Claremorris in 1966. He retired 30 years later.

Pat was a man for the people and went about his work in a very caring, sympathetic and simple way, and was a great community man.

He was formerly of Erne Street, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal and died peacefully surrounded by his family on August 19th at his home, following a short illness.

Pat will be sadly missed by his wife Frances, adored daughter Cathy, sons Desmond (Castlebar,) and Nigel (Letterkenny), daughters-in-law Mary and Cecelia, son-in-law Brian and six grandchildren, his sister Mary, brothers-in-law Brendan, Michael and Freddie, sisters-in-law Carmel, Betty and Ann.

He will be missed too by wider family, friends, neighbours and former colleagues of An Garda Síochána, who formed a guard of honour on Pat’s journey to his final resting place, St Colman’s Cemetery.