'Truly one of a kind' -Glowing tributes paid to hugely popular Longford man Sonny Keenan

Glowing tributes have been paid to well-known, popular and highly respected county Longford businessman Sonny Keenan who passed away recently.

The father of two has been described as 'truly one of a kind, full of wit, stories, and good humour'.

The enterprising businessman transformed the Glenview Lounge and shop in Aughnacliffe into one of the popular and successful late night venues in the county and region and he was also a former funeral director

Sonny (Michael) Keenan of Keelogenasause, Edgeworthstown / Glenview Lounge, Aughnacliffe, died peacefully surrounded by his heartbroken family on Monday, August 25.

The affable and jovial businessman had a warm and engaging personality that endeared him to many people across county, the Midlands and around the country.

The Heatseizers MCC (Motorcycle Club) said it was with huge "sadness that [they] learned of the passing of one of their great friends Sonny (Michael) Keenan.

"Sonny owned and operated the Glenview Lounge where we held our meetings, rock nights and rallys around 30 years ago.
"He was always in good form and up for the craic, he was liked by everyone who met him.

"He later sold the Glenview and bought the Goldsmith inn where we often held meetings, Sonny would join us to reminess about old times.
"The club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Sonny's daughters, Sinead and Denise, sisters, grandchildren, extended family and many friends. A legend has passed but his legacy remains, rest in peace Sonny."

The Edgeworthstown Mostrim Traders said it was with great sadness they heard the news of the death of Sonny Keenan of the Goldsmith pub.

"Sonny was a well known publican in Edgeworthstown, his pub a stalwart business on our main street. He was a well respected member of our Traders Association and our community for many years.

"The Goldsmith and Sonny were part of hundreds of happy celebrations over the years and also some sad occasions, but at all times. Sonny had a warm welcome for everyone and usually a bit of sage advice too.

"He will be greatly missed by all who knew him but he leaves a legacy of countless conversations over the bar, pints pulled, stories told and laughs had. Our condolences to his daughters Sinead and Denise and to all Sonny's extended family.

"May he Rest in Peace."

The Mostrim Players also paid a warm tribute to their 'dear friend, sponsor and supporter' Sonny Keenan.

"Since our beginnings in 2013, Sonny has been a constant presence for Mostrim Players.

"He generously provided us with storage and meeting space, and always greeted us with a warm cup of tea or coffee, biscuits, and a chat.

"Beyond that, Sonny was a loyal supporter in the front row of every production, offering us honest and entertaining feedback that we enjoyed and always looked forward to.

"Sonny was truly one of a kind full of wit, stories, and good humour and his character will be sorely missed.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to our Treasurer Denise Flood, our Youth Facilitator Setanta, and to all the Keenan family.
May Sonny Rest in Peace.

"We are forever grateful for the unwavering support he gave to Mostrim Players, a group with no fixed abode, but always made to feel at home by Sonny Keenan."

Dromard GAA also paid tribute to the highly regarded county Longford man.

"Sonny was a fabulous business man in so many ways. He had the foresight, vision and bravery to set up a significant business from scratch on a "greenfield site" which included many facets from pub, to grocery, restaurant, hardware store, fuel, undertaker and several other services.

"Sonny sponsored the Dromard club and teams on many occasions over the years, something that we are very thankful to him and the Keenan family for, and many of our successful functions were held in his splendid premises over the years. "

Senator Joe Flaherty said he was saddened to learn of the death "of the famed Sonny Keenan, formerly of the Glenview Lounge, Aughnacliffe, and more recently, the Goldsmith Inn" in Edgeworthstown.

"He was arguably one of the great Longford business minds of all time, Sonny made money when it was hard to make but he never forgot to look after his community.

"Many a family in North Longford depended on his goodwill and charity to get them to the next pay day or mart cheque, and this was reflected in the huge numbers that attended his funeral this week

"Sonny knew how to make money when it was hard to do and it was perhaps fitting that his funeral [on Friday] coincided with the opening day of the Electric Picnic festival.

"For many year, the rear of the Glenview was a popular and regular spot for biker festivals. But Sonny was in his element whether it was in the midst of leather clad bikers or work weary farmers. Sonny loved people and they loved Sonny.

"A strong work ethic defined his life and what Sonny takes with him will unfortunately never be thought in business school.

"Rest in Peace young Sonny and at least now the bikers in heaven will have a spot to party in tonight," Senator Flaherty concluded.

Thomas Duffy also paid a poignant tribute to the popular local man.

"Sonny was my neighbour my employer, my mentor and most of all my very very good friend.

"I knew him all my life from a very young age he treated me like one of his own. He thought me everything about life and of course bar work his favourite subject .

"He had so much time and patience when I was young all that helped me through life and up to a week ago still supporting me through my health issues."

James Donnelly, Sinn Féin local election candidate who lives in Edgeworthstown, said he was very sorry to hear of the death of
his 'great neighbour and friend' Sonny Keenan.

"I was lucky to have Sonny as my next-door neighbour in Keelogenasause, Edgeworthstown for about 20 years growing up.

"He was the kind of neighbour everyone would wish for – generous, kind-hearted and always up for the chat.

"I’ll never forget when he heard I was having a marquee in the back garden for my 18th birthday – he came over with a card, some money, a huge box of maltesers and a heap of drink to make sure everyone had a good time.

Mr Donnelly said the very next night when they all went into his pub, he made sure the craic was had there too.

"When I moved away for a few years for college and work and returned home, he was one of the first to welcome me back – pulling in to offer a lift when I was walking to the shop for a catch-up.

"Only a few months ago when I called into the pub, he was as generous as ever, insisting I put my wallet away.

"He even came along to support me at a campaign launch in Co:Worx, offering words of encouragement and wisdom on dealing with the general public. That meant a lot."

Sonny was predeceased by his beloved wife Mary, son, Donal, brothers Desmond (Dessie) and TP, sister Philomena (Phyllis).

He is survived by his heartbroken family - daughters Sinead (Greene) and Denise (Flood), sons-in-law John and Dillon, his adored grandchildren Donal, Setanta, Dominic, Nathanial, Pearse and Shanaibh; his sisters, Frances (Kennedy) Drumlish, Anna (Reilly) Aughnacliffe and Bridie Quirke) Aughnacliffe, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours; his wide circle of friends and his many loyal customers throughout his 50 years in business.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

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