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27/02/2009: Eddie Keenan: Irishman
Eddie Keenan died at his home yesterday afternoon in Twinbrook, West Belfast. He was a well-known seanchaí (story teller), singer and historian to his friends and extended family and will be sadly missed. Eddie was a man I had spent many hours with over the years, discussing history and politics, and indeed discussing the lives of my late grandfather Bob McMillen and late great-uncle Liam. Eddie was a true Irishman, a true rebel – in only the good senses of the word. Eddie Keenan’s wife, Mary died in October. Many countless hours I have spent with them at céilí’s in the Cultúrlann in Belfast or at special events at Cumann Chluain Árd in Hawthorn Street discussing the history prior to my birth.
His daughter, Máire, I have known since I was two years old. She was my dinner lady in primary school, educator during that same period and one of the strongest women I have ever met. I was also directly related to Eddie’s wife Mary, and to Eddie through her. I suppose we have to keep in mind that people pass on in the end… but that they will be sadly missed. Eddie and Mary are priceless to this day, and will never cease to be.
My dad told me just a few minutes ago of how when he was seven years old, he first visited his dad, my grandfather, in prison in Crumlin Road Gaol. He got out early from school. His teacher would ask, “Why is your daddy in prison?”. He would simply reply, “Because he’s an Irishman miss,” and then he’d meet my grandmother Ena, my uncle Terry and auntie Maura, to go to the prison to visit my grandfather – four years of this and my father and siblings managed to leave the situation strong people. Eddie was imprisoned himself illegaly by Westminster, led by the Torys at the time.
It was Eddie’s words that inspired the song ‘Banba’s Enemy’, which I recorded in 2004. Each time I as much as think about that song I will be reminded of that great man – the great seanchaí and singer, Eddie Keenan.
Roibeárd Óg Mac Maoláin
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