Johnny Keegan honoured for service to Hibernians FC
Pictured at City Hall where a Mayoral Reception was held for Johnny Keegan by Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr Jason Murphy in recognition of his unwavering commitment and service to Hibernian FC since 1970. Photo: Joe Evans
Hibernians FC stalwart Johnny Keegan has been honoured by the Mayor of Waterford city and county Cllr. Jason Murphy at a Mayoral reception that was afforded to him at the Mayors Parlour at City Hall on Friday last.
For the past 55 years, Johnny, who was a former primary school teacher at Scoil Lorcain in the city, has embraced every role imaginable from chairman to coach, pitch marker to club referee, and a lot more besides.
In his welcoming speech, Mayor Jason Murphy said: “I’m delighted to welcome Johnny, his family, friends, and football colleagues from Hibernians here to what is a truly special occasion.
“We’re gathered not just to celebrate the legacy of one man, but also reflect on the deep and lasting impact that one individual can have on a community, a club and indeed, a city. For more than half a century, Mr. Johnny Keegan has been the beating heart of a Hibernians Football club in our city.
“Since 1970 John has been a constant presence at Hibernians FC, first as a dedicated player, then as an inspiring coach, and ultimately as a committed committee member . “His service to this club in nearly every role imageable, be it as secretary, as treasurer and lead chairman, which is nothing short of extraordinary where in each role, he brought not only skill and experience, but also a passion for the game.
“He showed an unwavering belief in the power of football to unite and uplift communities. Football clubs, like Hibernians FC, are the lifeblood of our communities, they offer young people a place to belong, teach valuable lessons about teamwork and resilience and create lasting friendships and memories.”
The Mayor added: “For over 50 years, Johnny has been at the centre of this, nurturing talent, guiding players and ensuring the continued success and sustainability of this great club. His contribution has shaped generations of players and has left a legacy that will continue long after today.
“Johnny, you've dedicated your life to something greater than yourself. We are all here as beneficiaries of your extraordinary service. On behalf of the people of Waterford, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your continued, unwavering value to Hibernians FC, for your passion for football and for your steadfast dedication this community.
“Your contribution hasn’t gone unnoticed, and this reception today is but a small token of our appreciation for everything you've done over the past 50 years. Johnny, you are truly a stalwart of Hibernians Football Club, a pillar of a community and inspiration to us all. We honour you today for this.”
Speaking briefly on receiving the honour, Johnny Keegan said: “I would like to thank the Mayor for this honour, and I’d also like to thank everybody for coming here.
“It’s been a wonderful journey and I can't believe all those years have gone away so quickly. Unfortunately a lot of the people that were there are no longer here. Some great men, some fantastic men, but it’s great to see in recent years that the schoolboy section of the club has been resurrected.
“It’s great to see that the club is really on the up at the moment. As we move on, I’m hoping we will become stronger and stronger than ever. I suppose, it's a club that in Waterford that is unique in many ways because we don’t have our own area.
“The continued success of the club is down to the wonderful dedication of so many people who give up their Saturday’s, Sunday’s, and every other day for training during the week, you know, it's just a wonderful thing to see. Long may it all continue.”
