A Memoir and Tribute Jim McKeever
November 12, 2024
A message from Professor Peter Finn KSG on behalf of St Mary’s University College, Belfast.
A Memoir and Tribute Jim McKeever
Friends of the ‘Ranch’ and those who wish to acknowledge the exceptional contribution of Jim McKeever to physical education and sport will gather on Saturday 7th December 2024 at 12 noon, in St Mary’s University College.
A book on Jim’s life and legacy will be on sale (cash sales only at £20) and there will be an associated event to highlight the esteem in which he is held by our College community in the widest sense.
The book, which was developed over the past year by a team of five people (see photograph below) and edited by Seamus McRory sets out the story of Jim’s remarkable life in an easy to read form. We want as many people as possible to purchase and read the book which contains a great deal of Jim’s own ideas and thoughts. The book is both a memoir and a tribute. It will have a limited print run.
Independent of the book development, a group of three former students of the College have met with me to discuss how best Ulster Schools (GAA) should give due recognition to Jim’s contribution to gaelic games for the youth. They are Paddy Linden, John Rafferty and Sean McGourty. The group has agreed to support the event on December 07 by promoting it widely and assisting on the day. They still think there is more to be done by way of recognition so that conversation will continue.
At the event we will hear first-hand from people who knew Jim well and wish to share their thoughts on a great physical educationist, outstanding footballer and coach as well as a highly respected gentleman.
We have a maximum capacity for 400 people to attend so we need those who plan join us to register in advance accordingly. To that end I ask that you complete the MS registration form here- https://forms.office.com/e/EJcTYusuSm – which must be returned to St Mary’s by Friday 29th November. Alternatively, you may send a message to confirm your attendance to Christopher Owens ([email protected]) by that date.
We need your support to have a remarkable occasion and a successful launch of the book.
(From left to right) Professor Peter Finn, Jim’s daughter Maeve, Seamus McRory and Sean Bradley. The fifth member of the group is Jimmy Smyth.