The death has taken place of Michael Keyes, who rendered outstanding service to the Cork Constitution rugby club for over 40 years, initially as an accomplished player and subsequently at administrative level. He celebrated his 63rd birthday a fortnight ago. Struck down by a serious and debilitating illness a decade go, Michael revealed tremendous resolution through the years in coming to terms with that and never wavered in his dedication and contribution to Cork Constitution.
He was president of the club in 1980-81, served as a selector and, in recent years, he was the club's PRO. In that capacity the rugby writers had reason to appreciate the help and co-operation he gave so unobtrusively.
He was always on hand to greet the visitor to Temple Hill and the warmth of his greeting immediately made one feel welcome.
A native of Bantry and son of the former Fianna Fail TD, the late Ralph, who was a member of the first Dail, Michael was educated at Mungret College and, while a student there, played for Munster schools.
He joined Cork Constitution after leaving school and was capped for Munster at junior level and helped the club to win the Munster Junior Cup in 1956. The following year he had the distinction of winning Munster Senior and Munster Junior Cup as well as Munster Senior League medals.
He helped the club to win the Munster Senior Cup again in 1961 and subsequently to further success in the senior league and Cork Charity Cup. He was capped for Munster at out-half in the Interprovincial Championship in 1959 and again in 1961.
While he did not gain the ultimate distinction of an international cap, he had the great joy of seeing his son, Ralph, play for Ireland at under-25, B and senior levels, and emulate his own achievements by winning Munster Senior Cup and League and Junior Cup medals with the club and then play a major role in helping Constitution to win the inaugural All-Ireland League title.
On a personal level, while writing the centenary history of the Constitution club at the outset of this decade, I had the great privilege of working closely with Michael and came to appreciate the outstanding qualities of a thorough gentleman and his dedication to the club.
Few have served Cork Constitution with greater dedication. An avid supporter of the Bantry Gaelic football team, although far from well, he was present a few months ago to see Bantry win the Cork county championship. That gave him a great lift and immense pleasure.
Over the last 18 months failing health took its toll, yet he never complained and revealed tremendous courage in the struggle that he finally lost last Saturday.
He was fortified in those trying and difficult times by the unstinting support and love of his wife, Patsy, and Ralph. He will be greatly missed by them and by his grandchildren, daughter-in-law, brothers and sister, and by his many friends in the game and by all in Temple Hill.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Patsy, Ralph and the family.
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