The Simonstown Gaels community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paddy McKeown, an Honorary President of our club and a man whose dedication, generosity, and quiet leadership helped shape Simonstown into the club we know today.
Paddy held many roles within the club over the decades, but his most enduring legacy lies in his work alongside Mickey Clarke, John O’Hare, and others in the foundation and development of the juvenile section. Their vision and commitment created the pathway for generations of young players to wear the sky blue and navy with pride.
Originally from Ballivor, Paddy married Kitty Meleady — a first cousin of the Clarke family — and together they raised three sons, Seán, Brian, and Declan, all of whom played underage football with Simonstown. Paddy and Kitty were both deeply involved in club life: Paddy through his roles on executive committees, as a groundsman, and as a driving force behind the early Simonstown sports days; Kitty through her work on the ladies’ side of the club and her constant presence at club events, fundraisers, and community days.Paddy also sponsored the first ever Simonstown Player of the Year Award, proudly won by Jim Lane, reflecting his belief in recognising commitment and excellence within the club.
For many of our older members, Paddy’s name is inseparable from the original sports days — events that brought the community together and created memories still spoken of with great fondness. His work was never about recognition; it was about service, pride, and love for his club.In recent years, while ill health limited his involvement, Paddy remained close to Simonstown in spirit — always aware, always supportive, always part of our story.As a mark of respect, the club flag will fly at half‑mast in his honour.
To Kitty, Seán, Brian, Declan, and the extended McKeown family, we offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences.
Paddy’s legacy will live on in the fields he tended, the young players he supported, and the community he helped build.
May Paddy’s gentle soul rest in peace.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
For those wishing to sympathise
https://rip.ie/death-notice/patrick-paddy-mckeown-meath-navan-632316
Paddy held many roles within the club over the decades, but his most enduring legacy lies in his work alongside Mickey Clarke, John O’Hare, and others in the foundation and development of the juvenile section. Their vision and commitment created the pathway for generations of young players to wear the sky blue and navy with pride.
Originally from Ballivor, Paddy married Kitty Meleady — a first cousin of the Clarke family — and together they raised three sons, Seán, Brian, and Declan, all of whom played underage football with Simonstown. Paddy and Kitty were both deeply involved in club life: Paddy through his roles on executive committees, as a groundsman, and as a driving force behind the early Simonstown sports days; Kitty through her work on the ladies’ side of the club and her constant presence at club events, fundraisers, and community days.Paddy also sponsored the first ever Simonstown Player of the Year Award, proudly won by Jim Lane, reflecting his belief in recognising commitment and excellence within the club.
For many of our older members, Paddy’s name is inseparable from the original sports days — events that brought the community together and created memories still spoken of with great fondness. His work was never about recognition; it was about service, pride, and love for his club.In recent years, while ill health limited his involvement, Paddy remained close to Simonstown in spirit — always aware, always supportive, always part of our story.As a mark of respect, the club flag will fly at half‑mast in his honour.
To Kitty, Seán, Brian, Declan, and the extended McKeown family, we offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences.
Paddy’s legacy will live on in the fields he tended, the young players he supported, and the community he helped build.
May Paddy’s gentle soul rest in peace.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
For those wishing to sympathise
https://rip.ie/death-notice/patrick-paddy-mckeown-meath-navan-632316
