John Keane RIP: “In our darkest days he alone delivered funding,” Dermot Desmond

The Celtic Star

·17 June 2024

John Keane RIP: “In our darkest days he alone delivered funding,” Dermot Desmond

As is entirely fitting, tributes continue to appear for Celtic legend John Keane who sadly passed away at the weekend.

Here are three such tributes from the official Celtic FC website – from Celtic’s largest shareholder Dermot Desmond and from Fergus McCann himself who worked closely with John Keane during his time in the Parkhead hot-seat as the club was transformed from a financial basket case under the old board into the club that has dominated the Scottish game in the 21st century. And current Celtic Chairman also has some lovely words to say about John Keane with heartfelt condolences from the entire Celtic family to John’s family.

In our darkest days he alone delivered funding

“The Celtic family will be forever indebted to John Keane, for in our darkest days he alone delivered funding. He was a humble man of few words, but when he did speak they were pearls of wisdom. We are fortunate that he has passed on these virtues to Mark, his son, one of our shareholders. May he sit at the right hand of our Lord,” Dermot Desmond.

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A staunch and key partner in the takeover

“John Keane was a staunch and key partner in the takeover, refinancing and rebuilding of Celtic. I continue to be thankful and honoured for his commitment to me and to the Club, and for his friendship. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth’.” Fergus McCann

His contribution to Celtic was phenomenal

“Today we have lost a true Celtic great and a wonderful friend, someone who will always mean so much to Celtic and a man who gave his heart and soul to the Club. His contribution to Celtic was phenomenal over many years but above all, the way he was, his humility and compassion and love for his family shone from him every day and made him the man he was. All our thoughts and condolences go to John’s wife, Kathleen, son Mark, daughter-in-law Karisma and grandchildren, John-Henry, Norah and Fiádh and his wider family. John will always be in our hearts.” Peter Lawwell.

READ THIS…John Keane – “The man who saved Celtic. May he rest in peace.”

It is with sadness that Celtic Football Club today confirmed the passing of former Director and Honorary Chairman, John Keane. RIP, John. YNWA 💚
– Sunday, 16 June 2024