‘Hard working representative’ Derek was popular in community

TRIBUTES have been made for former Dublin Mid-West TD Derek Keating who died at the age of 67.

A Lucan resident and originally from Ballyfermot, Mr Keating served as a Fine Gael TD from 2011 to 2016 and previously ran unsuccessfully in the 2007 election as an independent.

He also served at council level for much of his political career, elected three times to South Dublin County Council.

Many residents, groups, organisations and former colleagues remembered a “hard working representative” and a “gentleman”.

Constituency colleague and former Labour TD Joanna Tuffy said Derek was “very hard-working “ and popular in his community and local parish.

Former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald, a current member of the European Parliament, tweeted her sadness “to hear of the passing of my former constituency colleague Derek Keating.

“Mr Keating was a passionate politician who cared deeply about his community,” she said.

Among the many tributes posted online, Lucan Festival Chairman Joe Byrne said the festival “would not be in existence only for Derek first proposed SDCC set it up back in 2009”.

Derek’s running club Waterstown Warriors, with whom he was a very active member, expressed a “sad heart” that long time member Derek passed away.

Lucan Disability Action Group said: “Derek was a founding member of Lucan Disability Action Group and a member of our board until his illness. He worked hard to support our members, to advocate for people with a disability, and to help us build services to support independent living. His support and voice is much missed.”

In a statement, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “Derek’s illness and untimely death reminds all of us of how precious our time on earth is. Derek made the most of it.”

Condolences were expressed at the SDCC full council meeting on Monday.

A message on RIP.ie said Derek passed peacefully surrounded by his family and in the wonderful care of the staff at Ryevale Nursing Home, Leixlip.

“Treasured husband of Anne, much loved father of Niamh and Sinead and brother of Clare, Martina, Seamus, Debora and the late Rebecca.”

A funeral mass took place on Wednesday at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Ballyfermot.

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