Gaels throughout Meath have been shocked and deeply saddened with the news of the death, following an accident, of former Dunshaughlin star Denis Kealy.
Denis was an outstanding footballer and was a key figure throughout his club’s ‘Golden Era’ during which they won the Intermediate, 3 successive Senior, and a Leinster Club title.
He also played for Meath at Minor and Under-21 level and was a member of the Senior panel for a time.
He was one of the younger brigade on the team that beat Duleek in the 1997 Intermediate final. It was only his 2nd year on the team and, lining out in attack, he scored 1-1 in Dunshaughlin’s breakthrough victory. He was subsequently switched to defence and became one of the best wing backs in the county.
O’Byrne Cup 8/1/2006
Meath
Denis Kealy
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Tom Honan
He played in 4 successive Senior finals, losing the first to Skryne in 1999. but his ability and determination were significant factors in the Keegan Cup victories over Kilmainhamwood (2000), Skryne (2001) and Trim (2002).
The team that won the club’s first Keegan Cup included 5 Kealy brothers in the starting fifteen, Denis, Aidan, Dermot, Brendan and Richie while Kevin was introduced as a substitute.
The 2002 success was followed by a memorable Leinster Club campaign which ended with Dunshaughlin as provincial champions following victory over Mattock Rangers at Pairc Tailteann.
Denis also captained the club to victory in the Under-21 ‘A’ Championship in 2000 when Ballivor were beaten in the final.
He was pre-deceased by his sister Maria only 6 months ago.
Coiste na Mí extends it’s deepest sympathy to his wife Charlene and children Ciaran, Daniel and Evan and to his parents Patsy and Ead and to his brothers and sisters Kevin, Orla, Pat, Dermot, Brendan, Aidan, Richie and Fiona, the extended Kealy and McAuley
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
By Meath GAA Mon 26th Jun
