RIP: Longford mourns death of truly amazing man and All-Ireland Loy champion
The late Michael McKeon, Smear Hill, Aughnacliffe, Co Longford served as president of Longford and Colmcille Ploughing Associations
The death occurred peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, May 9 of Michael McKeon, Smear Hill, Aughnacliffe, Co Longford.
Michael, who was well known in ploughing circles and was an All-Ireland Loy digging champion, was predeceased by his parents James and Brigid, brother and by his sisters.
He will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his family, wife Rose, daughter Breege, son-in-law David Bohan, grandchildren Christopher and Róisín, sister-in-law Mai Reilly, nieces, nephews, relatives, close neighbours and friends.
The Longford Ploughing Association paid tribute to the late Michael and members formed a guard of honour at his Funeral Mass on Tuesday, May 12 at St Colmcille's Church, Aughnacliffe.
They posted on social media, “We are deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of Michael McKeon, Smear, Aughnacliffe.
“Michael was a four time All-Ireland Loy Champion in 1993,1994,1995 and 1997. When Michael retired from loy digging he still remained very involved in the Ploughing Association, judging the Loy and Horse competitions.
“Michael has been president of Longford and Colmcille Ploughing Associations in the last number of years,
“We offer our deepest sympathy to his wife Rose, daughter Breege and extended family and friends. May Michael Rest in Peace.”
Son of James and Brigid McKeon, he was born on June 8, 1940 and on the very same date, 26 years later, he married the love of his life, Rose Sexton.
Indeed, as Michael's granddaughter Róisín poignantly explained during her eulogy, the couple would have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on his 86th birthday this week.
Róisín said her grandfather was a truly amazing man. “He achieved so much in life and most definitely never lived a dull moment. He started competing in the ploughing winning four All Ireland titles in loy digging. His house is like an awards cabinet, and he later went from competing to judging at the National Ploughing championships. He thoroughly enjoyed what he did and was also immensely proud of what he achieved.”
While ploughing was a passion of Michael’s, he was also a great worker, whether at home or in the community, he could never sit still. There was always a job to do. He was an amazing stone mason and he always enjoyed farming, you could never get him away from the yard for his dinner.
Róisín reflected, “He was gifted three beautiful horses from the ploughing; Georgina, Bobsy and Masey. He had three lovely dogs Lassie, Flossie and Jackie which you would always see on the transport box of his 35.”
Michael’s flawless personality and character didn’t fade, even during his sickness, and Róisín said he was the best grandad anyone could ask for.
“He cherished his 35 tractor and you would never fail but see him doing something with it. You would never see my grandad without a top hat and a comb in his pocket, he took pride in his hair more than any woman would!
“As I said my grandfather always knew how to have a good time, he and grandmother would go up to Stags head every evening to the social dancing which they thoroughly enjoyed and in return also winning some trophies. So the house is like an awards cabinet between ploughing and dancing which my grandad was very proud of.”
The late Michael McKeon reposed at his residence on Monday, May 11 and Mass of the Resurrection took place in St Colmcille's Church, Aughnacliffe on Tuesday, followed by interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. May he Rest in Peace.