Loughrea mourns loss of true gentleman and astute businessman
Loughrea town and its surroundings is coming to terms with the loss of a man immersed in the local community through business and various groups. On Monday 27 December 2021, Martin Keary passed away peacefully at home at Gort Road, Loughrea, surrounded by his loving family.
A native of Clostoken (Keary’s Cross), Martin went to the De La Salle Brothers in Loughrea. In July 1981, Martin Keary Auctioneering and Insurances extended their business to their new premises on Main Street, Loughrea with the opening of the Loughrea office of the Irish Nationwide Building Society. He was a member of many sporting organisations and committees down through the years, showing a keen interest in the development and promotion of community life. He was a member of St Brendan’s Boys’ NS Board of Management for many years. Martin was Kilconieron Juvenile official in the 70’s and 80’s and later became chairman of the Loughrea Juvenile Committee and a good supporter of Loughrea juvenile hurling throughout the years. Martin played a vital role in getting Loughrea’s Main Street carpark underway. Giving their condolences to the Keary family, Loughrea Lions Club said:
‘Martin was a long standing member and Past President (1991) of Loughrea Lions Club. He was a valuable and much respected member and gave sterling service to a large variety of projects/fundraisers over the years. He will be sadly missed by all Lions Club members, past and present.’
At the annual dinner and social of the Loughrea branch of Macra na Feirme in Kinsella’s Hotel, Loughrea, Mr Dermot Ryan, chairman of the Loughrea Show Society, presents the Loughrea branch Macra na Feirme Cup to Mr John Healy, Greethill, Athenry, Co. Galway, who had the best group of sheep at Loughrea show last season. Also in the picture are (from left): Mr Martin Keary, chairman of the Loughrea branch; Mr Paddy Shaughnessy, secretary of the Show Society; Mr Pat Lynch, honorary secretary of the Loughrea branch, and Mr J. O’Rourke, president of the branch. [Irish Press, 29 January 1962.]
Photographed at the annual Dinner and Social of the Loughrea Branch of Macra na Feirme in Kinsella’s Hotel, Loughrea on Tuesday night. Seated (L to R(: Messrs. P. J. Smith, Vice Chairman of the Loughrea Show Society; J O’Rourke, President of Macra na Feirme (Loughrea Branch); Mr John Healy, Greethill, Athenry, winner of the new Cup which the Loughrea Branch of Macra na Feirme presented to the Loughrea Show Society for the best group of sheep at the Show; Mr Dermot Ryan, Chairman of Loughrea Show Society; Martin Keary, Chairman of Macra na Feirme (Loughrea Branch), and Mr Paddy Shaughnessy, Secretary of Loughrea Show Society, Standing (L to R)L Messrs. M. Forde, P. J. Duane, M. Barrett, A. Harty, J. Carney, B.Arg. Sc.; M. Nash, T. Callanan, J. Tarpey, L. Murray, P. Deeley and J. Mahoney. [Connacht Tribune, 27 January 1962.]
John Connolly cuts the tape and officially opens the new office of Martin Keary, Auctioneering, Insurance Broker and Loughrea District Office of the Irish Nationwide Building Society. In the picture are Tom Hussey, Dympna Keary, Martin Keary, John Connolly, Desmond Butler, Chairman, Irish Nationwide Building Society; Sean Kelly, Chairman, Loughrea Town Commissioners; Fr Iggy Clarke, C.C. and Ann Gaynor. [Connacht Tribune, 31 July 1981.]
View of outside of new office at Main Street, Loughrea [Connacht Tribune, 24 July 1981.]
Martin Keary, (left) Loughrea manager, Irish Nationwide and Niall Maloney, PRO present the Irish Nationwide trophy to Pat Scully, Laois winner of the Macra “Brain of Ireland” quiz organised by Co. Galway Macra and held in Loughrea. The Irish Nationwide Building Society sponsored the event. [Irish Farmers Journal, 28 April 1984.]
At the Loughrea Juvenile Hurling Committee presentation social held in O’Dea’s Hotel recently were from left: Gavin Keary (Schlegal Trophy), William Lawless, (Primary Schools 15A), David O’Loughlin (Primary Schools 15B), Mr Frank Burke N.T. (Coach), Cathal O’Reilly (Co Under-13), Patrick Kerrins (Co. Under-14)- The Joe Salmon Cup), Kevin Sweeney – The Joe Keller Cup – Young Hurler of the Year Award, Mr Matt Loughnane, M.C.C. Chairman, Loughrea Town Commissioners and Mr Martin Keary, Chairman Loughrea Juvenile Hurling Committee. [Connacht Tribune, 3 January 1992.]
Martin Keary of Loughrea (sponsor) presents the prize for Best Town Heifers with not more than two permanent teeth to Joe Callanan of Craughwell at Loughrea Mart’s recent Heifer Show and Sale. [Connacht Tribune, 8 November 1996.]
Mr Pat Lawlor who was awarded Golfer of the Year at Loughrea Golf Clubs annual dinner recently is presented with his award by Mr Martin Keary, Irish Nationwide Building Society, Loughrea (sponsor). Also in the picture is Mr Kevin Devin, Captain Loughrea Golf Club. [Connacht Tribune, 22 January 1988.]
Loughrea Seven Springs Festival Darts Competition: Winners – Forrest Inn, Carrabane; runners-up – Harp ‘B’, Loughrea. Forest Inn team: Front row (left to right) – Michael Moloney, Martin Keary, sponsor; P. J. Duane, capt., and Albert Hynes. Back row (left to right) – Dermot Carrey, Patsy Lally, John Galvin, Dan Shannon, Jimmy Connolly, and Noel Uniacke. Connacht Tribune, 16 July 1982.]
Pictured at the opening of Loughrea Handball Alley were (left to right): Gerry Scully, former All Ireland champion; Colm Moorhead, Club Secretary; Denis O’Connell, Manager AIB, Loughrea; Eamonn Rabbitte, Club Chairman; Rev Fr Edward Stankard, Administrator; Tommy O’Brien, Kilkenny, President I.H.C. and Martin Keary, Manager Irish Nationwide Building Society. [Connacht Tribune, 12 July 1985.]
Martin is predeceased by Granddaughter Leah, and recently deceased brother Denis. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife Dympna, sons; Declan, Kenneth, Robert and Paul, daughters in law; Catherine, Marie, Vanessa, Melissa, grandchildren; Siofra, Darragh, Ella, Cameron, Vivienne and Luke. Martin will be deeply mourned by his loving sisters Carmel and Sadie, his brother Pat, along with his many relatives, neighbours and his many friends.
‘Martin will lie in repose at Kilboy’s Funeral Home, Loughrea, Co. Galway (H62 KF63) on Thursday December 30th from 5pm to 7pm. Please note this will be a walk-through viewing, people are kindly asked to refrain from handshaking and to wear a facemask at all times.
Martin’s funeral cortège will leave from Gort Road, Loughrea at 11.45am, travel via Main Street to arrive at St. Brendan’s Cathedral Loughrea for Requiem Mass on Friday December 31st at 12.30pm. Burial will take place immediately afterwards in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Loughrea.
