Mr. Owen Keegan

THE death of Mr. Owen Magorrian, of 8 Edendarriff Road, Ballynahinch, has been widely mourned. He was 68.

He was born on January 7, 1946, the only child of the late Sarah and Peter Keegan, and spent most of his life in the Edendarriff area.

Owen went to Guiness Primary School in the townland of Dunmore. He had many great friends in his youth and was a very sociable person. He had a passion for sport, particularly football, and played for Drumaness GAC.

Owen married Sally Valentine in 1966 and they had three children — Maureen, Veronica and Martin.

His first working days were for the Forestry Service, after which he moved into the construction industry. In 1976 he took up a job with the DOE Roads Service Section. Here, Owen made many new friends, and was always hard working, whether it be gritting the roads in the winter or preparing them for the summer.

When time permitted he enjoyed socialising with his friends and neighbours. He threw skittles and loved a game of pool.

Owen was a devoted family man and ensured that over the years he always provided for his family. He adored his children and also loved his grandchildren — Nicole, Stephen, Peter, Nadia and Mollie.

He loved their stories, they warmed his heart and made him laugh so much. Time with them was always very important.

One week before Owen passed away, his youngest grandchild, baby Yana Keegan, was born. Owen fought his illness with such strength to ensure that he was not going to miss out on this special occasion.

Owen was always a happy contented man. He never wanted much out of life, just simple, quiet pleasures. Nothing was more important to him than sharing his life with his children and grandchildren.

Owen began showing signs of ill health in October last year, but no-one could ever have been prepared for what was to become Owen’s destiny — his suffering with such a devastating illness.

Owen spent over three months in Lagan Valley Hospital where he was cared for by the staff of Ward 1B, followed by six months in Thompson House Hospital.

Owen received exceptional care, dedication and love from all the staff of Thompson House Hospital in the last six months of his life. He also received care and support from the NI Hospice. It was hugely comforting to his family that Owen was cared for with such compassion, dignity and respect.

During Owen’s illness he found great comfort from the pastoral visits by Canon Gerard McCrory and Father Desmond Loughran (Magheradroll); Father Eamon Magorrian (Lisburn) and the Rev. Scott Woodburn and the Rev. James Briggs, of Edengrove Presbyterian Church.

Owen died on August 22. His funeral took place two days later in St Patrick’s Church, Ballynahinch, after which he was buried in the adjoining cemetery.

Owen will be sadly missed and remembered always by his daughters Maureen and Veronica, son Martin, Sally and the family circle.