I felt like posting this now as I had no real media access at the time of his death (and it was strangely underreported here)
Not sure about that. I definitely recall
The Irish Times doing a piece and at least 1
RTÉ report.
and I feel it's worthy of a thread. Even though I can't talk about the man's politics without recourse to swearing heavily it's quite sad to mark our last link with the past. RIP.
Needless to say, I'm not a fan of Keating nor a supporter of just about any of his actions (and I fear that there are still too many who believe in the same ideas as he), but he certainly had quite the resumé...
Fought in the War of Independence.
Fought on the Republican side in the Civil War.
Remained active in the IRA post-Civil War.
Attempted to assasinate Eoin O'Duffy.
Part of the IRA's London campaign in 1939/40.
A barman and eventual leader of the Bar Worker's Union - he didn't drink until the age of 55, an action which was in protest as the Pioneers not opposing the lengthening of pub opening hours.
Refused to accept the State pension because he didn't accept the State's legitimacy.
Refused the Centenarian Award from the President because she met the British monarch.
Patron of Republican Sinn Féin from 2002.
Refused to go to Croke Park to see his home county, Kerry, in the All Ireland final after Rule 42 was abandoned allowing soccer and rugby to be played there, despite having been to almost every All Ireland Football and Hurling Final for almost 80 years.
Ireland's oldest man at the time of his death.
