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Chairman of Kerins O’Rahillys, Haulie Kerins, with son of Danno Keeffe, Donal and his father’s medal haul at the tribute to Danno Keeffe at Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE family of the most decorated footballer in Kerins O’Rahillys illustrious history gathered at the club on Friday night to see him honoured on the 50th anniversary of his death.
Danno Keeffe has an incredible roll of honour and some his achievements in his 18 seasons (1931-1948) playing for Kerry are unlikely to be equalled or surpassed.
Just look at what he achieved:
• 7 All Ireland senior medals
• 14 Munster senior titles
• Played in 13 All Ireland finals
• Oldest player to win an All Ireland senior medal at 39 in 1946
• Goalkeeper on the Team of the Century ( 1984) and Team of the Millennium ( 2000)
• 2 Senior County Championship medals
Chairman of Kerins O’Rahillys, Haulie Kerins, said it was only fitting that Danno be honoured.
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“He is the most decorated player we’ve ever had in the club and it is only right that on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his death that we honour him. We wanted the people who may not have been aware of that he had achieved, to become more familiar with him and to know about what he was like as a player and a man.
We’re delighted that his family are here, I know that Donal is very proud of him. Danno great grandson actually plays with our juveniles now so we are delighted the link is being maintained,” said Haulie.
His son Donal along with his extended family were present on the night for the tribute.
“It’s a very proud and important night to give him the recognition he deserves,” said Donal, who was actually a mascot in the 1946 All-Ireland final. “I have wonderful memories of him. He was as quiet and unassuming a man as you would ever meet and had time for everyone. When he retired his two great loves were playing cards with the lads and fishing,” said Donal.
A space on the wall in Charlie’s Bar at the club was dedicated to the great man, to be known as ” Danno’s Corner”, adorned with memorabilia from his glittering career for club and county. Scroll down for photos…
Grainne Kennedy, Claire Kelliher, Helen O’Keeffe, Danielle Harcksen, Barbara O’Callaghan and Mary O’Keeffe at the tribute to Danno Keeffe at Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Frank O’Connor, Liam O’Dowd holding Zara Kennedy and Henry Harcksen at the tribute to Danno Keeffe at Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Donie, Susan, Paudie O’Keeffe and Mike Halloran at the tribute to Danno Keeffe at Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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The extended family of the late Danno Keeffe at Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Friday night. In front; Grainne Kennedy holding Emma and Zara Kennedy, Ogie O’Keeffe, Paudie O’Keeffe, Donal O’Keeffe, Brian O’Keeffe, Danielle Harcksen, Barbara O’Callaghan holding Aurelia O’Callaghan and Lucy Kennedy and Tadhg O’Keeffe. At back; Ciaran O’Keeffe, Henry Harcksen, Donie O’Keeffe, Mary O’Keeffe and Helen O’Keeffe. Photo by Dermot Crean
