Fr Joe was ‘a brother, uncle, teacher, mentor and dear dear friend to everyone’

Fr Joe McKeever, from Portadown, had been a priest in Crossmaglen for several years.

He died in Craigavon Hospital on Saturday morning.

His family owns McKeever’s Bar in Portadown. Writing on their Facebook page, the family said: “As I am sure most of you have now heard of the sad passing of Fr Joe McKeever

“As you can all imagine we are all deeply saddened with this loss

“Fr Joe was more than just a priest to us. He was a brother, an uncle, a teacher, a mentor, a dear dear friend to everyone

“He will be missed more than words can convey. We love you Joe.”

For many years Joe had been a teacher at St Malachy’s Boys’ High School (now known as Drumcree College) in Portadown where he is fondly remembered as a great history teacher and mentor.

He entered the seminary in his 40s to train for the priesthood.

Since his ordination, Fr Joe has been a curate in the Dundalk, Dungannon and Upper Creggan parishes.

He then became a Pastor/Parish Priest in Co Armagh and Co Lough, most notably in the Upper Creggan Parish which includes Crossmaglen

Friend Fr Paddy McCafferty wrote on Facebook: “Fr Joe McKeever was a great character. Joe, originally from Portadown, was a late vocation having taught in Drumcree High School for some time.

“He was in his early 40s when he came to Maynooth to study for the priesthood. He was my next door neighbour for a while back then.

“He was absolutely hilarious. A very colourful character and great company. A very kind and wise pastor too. May God rest his good and dear soul.”

A former classmate of Fr Joe’s Bishop Fintan Monaghan, Bishop of Killaloe also paid his tribute. On Saturday he said: “Remembering in prayer a classmate Fr Joe McKeever who returned to God today. A man of great intellect and sharp but gentle wit. Commiserations to his family and the Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin his classmates and his many friends.”

Newry and Armagh SDLP MLA Justin McNulty added: “So sorry to hear of the passing of Fr. Joe McKeever RIP. What craic we had with him down the years around the football. And I know how well got he was amongst all his parishioners. He will be sorely missed.”

Crossmaglen Rangers said “players, members, supporters and friends are deeply saddened to learn of his passing. “Fr Joe was a loyal, devoted and passionate supporter of Cross Rangers. We all have fond memories of Fr Joe enjoying many successes with us.”

A funeral notice said Fr McKeever was the beloved son of the late Sarah (Sadie) and Patsy and dear brother of Colm, Marian (Gallagher), Patricia (Gallagher), Charlie, Colette (McNally), Mark and the late Gary.

A private funeral has taken place for Fr. McKeever with Requiem Mass being celebrated at a later date. Fr McKeever’s death is deeply regretted by his loving family, Archbishop Eamon Martin, Bishop Michael Router, Cardinal Seán Brady, the Priests of the Archdiocese, family circle and many friends.

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