White helmet brought to altar as Tony Keady laid to rest

Tony Keady’s iconic white helmet was brought to the altar by former teammate Gerry McInerney in one of the most poignant moments at his funeral Mass as Galway hurling said goodbye to one of its finest players.

However, mourners were told by Oranmore parish priest Fr Diarmuid Hogan that while hurling played a big part in Tony’s life, his family was always the main priority. As they had for the removal on Saturday, thousands flocked to the Church of The Immaculate Conception in Oranmore, 10km east of Galway City, where they joined Tony’s wife Margaret, daughter Shannon, 15, and sons Anthony, 13, and twins Jake and Harry, 11, in mourning.

Also present were former teammates from his native club Killimordaly, and Galway, along with representative from Ahascragh-Fohenagh and Oranmore-Maree GAA clubs, and Calasanctius College Oranmore, where Tony was a caretaker.