Local Garda Pat Keown Retires   You are in · RoscreaOnline · Community · People Profiles

Last Friday evening in the luxurious surroundings of Racket Hall Country House Hotel, friends, family and work colleagues of Garda Pat Keown gathered to mark the retirement of one of the longest serving law enforcer’s in the history of Roscrea Garda station.

On the night of his retirement Pat O'Gorman Unit A Roscrea Garda Station led the tributes. Pat said he served with Pat keown for the last 25 years. He said in that time he had learned a lot and wished Garda Keown a long and happy retirement.

Next to speak was Garda Peter Boyce. Peter said he had known Pat Keown since 1972, and without doubt Garda Keown was one of the finest Guards he has ever had the pleasure of working with.

Paul Dunne who served with Pat from 1972 said he spent his first ten years in the Guards as a keen observer of Pat Keown and his methods. He said Pat Keown was a guiding light and reminded those present that outside of the uniform Pat was also a great servant of different community organisations in the town, who have benefited over the years from Pats wisdom and inspiration.

John Egan who has served with Pat since 1986 said Pat was a very valued member of the association. He said Pat was a great partner and wished him every success in his retirement. John then had the honour of making a special presentation to Garda Keown in acknowledgement of the loyalty he has shown Garda representatives over the years. Hugh Walsh who also spoke in glowing terms of Pats loyalty reiterated much of what John Egan had said and once again wished Pat the very best for the future.

Pictured At The Garda Keown Retirement Night
Front L/R: Sgt Tom Horkan, Sgt John Byrne, Gda Lorraine Fahy, Gda Pat Keown, Supt Jim Mulligan, Sgt Hugh Walsh. Back L/R: Colm O'Brien, Philip Ryan, Anthony Kirby, eamonn Carroll, John Duggan, Peter Boyce, Pat O'Gorman, Phil Carroll, Tim Spillane, Oliver Hennelly, Kieran O'Gorman, John Egan, John O'Connor, Paul Dunne.

Sergeant John Byrne said it was a pleasure to speak about a colleague who has served the Garda for thirty-seven almost thirty-eight years. He said such service needs to be applauded and it was only fitting that so many of Pat's colleagues over the years are present to honour him on his retirement night.

Sgt Byrne said Pat Keown was a stalwart on the force. He complimented Pat's command of the English language and said that Garda Keowns report writing and attention to detail was legendary. He complimented Pat for his involvement in the community particularly to the Junior Chamber and other organisations where he earned the respect of people, a respect that has continued to flourish over the last thirty-eight years.

Sgt Byrne said Pat's wit was legendary. He said Garda Keown always had a question to keep you thinking, and his contribution to the family atmosphere that exists at Roscrea Garda Station can never be overestimated. Sgt Byrne also complimented Pat for mastering the technology that the force have used over the years, in particular the Pulse System. Sgt Byrne concluded by saying Pat was a great man to get results, a pleasure to have worked with and he wished Garda Keown full health and a long and happy retirement. Superintendent Roscrea/Templemore Jim Mulligan said he couldn't offer much more after such an elegant speech by Sgt John Byrne. He said he would like it placed on the record the great service that Pat has contributed to his country and the Garda Sochana. He concluded by complimenting Pat's fatherly role at Roscrea Garda Station. He wished Pat good health, happiness and success in whatever he chose to do next in life.

Garda John Egan Makes A Presentation To Garda Pat Keown
Sgt John Byrne, Garda John Egan, Pat Keown, Supt Jim Mulligan.

The last speaker on the night was Garda Pat Keown himself. He said the last 38 years have thought him to enjoy every new day life brings. He said it might be a biased view, but that Roscrea Garda Station is still the best station in Ireland to work in. He said everyone there gels together and plays their part on the team. He thanked his family for their support over the years and paid tribute in particular to Pat Coleman who was instrumental in convincing Pat to join the guards so many years ago.

Pat also thanked the people of Roscrea for their friendliness and respect over the years. He said from his first night in Roscrea he knew the town was a special place. He said the greetings he received from the people of the town made a lasting impression on him to this very day. He said Roscrea was a great town to be situated in, and that he has very much enjoyed his last thirty-four years in the area.

Garda Pat Keown first came to Roscrea 34 years ago after serving four years between Littleton and Thurles. Originally from Corafin in Co Clare, Pat quickly established himself in Roscrea, making many new friends and admirers. He married Bridget Flynn (Thurles) in the middle 70's and together they raised three sons, Colin, Ian and Gerard.

Since he first arrived in Roscrea, Pat has immersed himself in community activities. He has served as President of junior Chamber, as well as making vast contributions to Roscrea community Games and St Cronan's Roscrea etc.

A keen sportsman, Pat has won many trophies for Badminton, riffle targeting etc. He has a keen interest in GAA particularly the hurlers of Clare, and is a regular visitor to Old Trafford where he enjoys watching the greatest football team in the world entertain the masses.

Without doubt Pat Keown has given magnificent service to his country, his job and his town. Such service was rightly acknowledged and applauded in Racket Hall on Friday evening last. We wish Pat a long, happy and indeed prosperous retirement, and trust that he will continue to be actively involved in community affairs for many years to come. Pat's loss to Roscrea Garda Station will be immeasurable, but the legacy he has left behind, will ensure that Roscrea Garda Station continues to be one of the finest stations in the Country for many years to come. Pat Keown, Roscrea salutes you!