RONAN FAGAN
A chance conversation proved the catalyst for one family’s recent emotional reunion with a coveted item of local sporting memorabilia.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week, David Keenan, detailed the series of coincidences which eventually resulted in the family being reunited with his late father’s League of Ireland winners medal - Anthony ‘Jelly’ Keenan was a member of the inaugural Athlone Town playing squad to win the prized domestic football accolade in 1981, fulfilling the role of substitute goalkeeper during the historic season.
“It is a feeling of great joy and privilege to have Anthony’s medal in our family’s possession as we were of the view that it was never to be found.
“It had been missing for 35 years so understandably, it was a proud moment when we were presented with the medal last week,” David remarked.
Narrating the heart-warming story, David noted that it was a passing conversation with close friend, Paul Kelly, which started the medal reunion process.
“I recall speaking with Paul approximately three years ago and during our chat he asked me if my uncle, Peter, collected Athlone Town FC memorabilia.
“When Paul rang me in recent weeks noting that he had in his possession a League of Ireland winners medal from the 1980/81 season and he was seeking to return it to the original owner (obviously one of the playing squad ), he wondered would Peter be able to assist in the reuniting process,” David continued.
Paul was of the view that the initials ‘JG’ were on the reverse of the medal, but it transpired that there were no players in the Athlone Town playing squad with such a name. However, when Peter saw an image of the medal, he was quick to note that the initials were ‘FC’ (as in Football Club ).
“Paul had come into possession of the medal as his parents-in-law, Pat and Julie Fahy, were former proprietors of the Anglers Rest (now The Snug Bar ) for a 20 year period from the mid 1980s and upon cleaning out the premises had taken the medal into their possession.
“Prior to the Fahy’s taking ownership of the pub, my parents had a short-term lease on the Anglers Rest in 1985 and so the possibility that this was Anthony’s missing medal soon emerged.
“I spoke with Peter who confirmed the Anglers Rest coincidence and the realisation that we would soon be reunited with the medal was a source of great emotion,” David remarked.
Such was the thought within the Keenan family that the medal was never to be located, Peter had a replica version of the prized possession crafted for his brother Anthony on the occasion of his 40th birthday.
“I remember the joy on Anthony’s face when Peter presented him with the replica medal on that occasion, but I know that if we was still with us today, he would have a feeling of immense pride and happiness upon being reunited with the coveted possession,” David commented.
On Easter Monday, David and his brother Andy, were presented with Anthony’s League of Ireland winners medal by Julie Fahy - a surreal yet momentous occasion for the Keenan family.
