May 31, 2002
GAA president Sean McCague last night led the Association’s tributes to playwright John B. Keane, who died yesterday.
McCague said that Keane was the quintessential GAA man.
“John B captured the essence of the “real Ireland” in his many literary works over the decades and his parting will be a real cause of sadness to GAA members of all generations,” McCague added.
“He was a lifelong supporter of the GAA and particularly his native Kerry.
“He was as much at home in fields of Asdee or Finuge as he was in Croke Park.
“My lasting memory of John B would be the sprightly shuffle he performed with the legendary Mick O’ Connell on stage in Millennium year when all past Kerry All-Ireland medal winners were honoured,” McCague said.
“On behalf of everybody in the GAA I mourn John B’s passing and express my sincere condolences to John’s wife Mary, to Conor, Billy, John and Joanna.”