Robbi McMillen

Eddie Keenan died at his home yesterday afternoon in Twinbrook, West Belfast. He was a well-known seanchaí (story teller), singer and historian of the conflict in Ireland’s north eastern counties. By his friends, extended family and acquaintances, Eddie 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 with an exceptional moral compass. Eddie Keenan’s wife, Mary died in October. Many countless hours I have spent with them at céilí’s in An Chultúrlann on Falls Road or at special events at Cumann Chluain Árd in Hawthorn Street, discussing 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 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 gems to this day, and will never cease to be.

My father 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 later, my father and his siblings managed to come out of the situation strong people. Eddie was imprisoned illegally, as where many others, by Westminster, dominated by the Tories for much of this time, and Labour didn’t help much. ‘Internment without trial’, they called it. But those locked away came out with the Irish language, a priceless thread that binds so much soul together.

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.

Thuas An Sciobairín!

Robert Óg Mac Maoláin

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