THE funeral Mass has taken place of retired garda Michael Keane of Meadowbank Park, Letterkenny.

Michael, who was originally from Mulranny, Co Mayo, passed peacefully at Letterkenny University Hospital on Thursday last, August 27.

At his funeral Mass in St Eunan’s Cathedral on Saturday, Fr Anthony Hartnett said Michael was, every sense of the word, a Christian. However, he would be remembered for many more things.

“A native of Mulranny in Mayo, Michael was the eldest of four children,” Fr Hartnett said.
“For all his time in Donegal, he never lost his accent.
“He took county Donegal to his heart.”

Fr Hartnett spoke of how Michael enjoyed swimming and cycling, and over many years, was involved in different events to raise money for charity.

Fr Hartnett added that as a member of An Garda Síochána, “Michael treated everyone with respect and fairness, in or out of uniform.

“He was a man of integrity, a great neighbour and a friend,” he said, adding that Michael served he youth of Letterkenny, and the communities of Lifford and Milford as a garda for over 30 years.”

Fr Hartnett said Michael was strengthened by the love of his family and wife Helen of 51 years, but also by the love that he gave and received as a regular attender of Mass in St Eunan’s Cathedral.

Members of the public have been sharing their memories of Michael online, including those who took part in charity cycles with him, as well as members of viarious clubs and committees that he was involved in.

Michel will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Helen, daughter, Teresa and son-in-law, Martin Lynch (Galdonagh Upper, Manorcunningham), grandchildren, Amy, Eoghan and Kayla, brother, Tommy (Cork), sisters, Kathleen Madden (Currane, Co Mayo) and Elizabeth Keane (Mulranny, Co Mayo), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and a wide circle of family, friends and neighbours.

Michael was buried in Conwal Cemetery, Letterkenny.