‘It was lovely he was not on his own as he took his last breath’
By Maurice Garvey
THE family of a man, who tragically passed away during rush hour traffic, thanked members of the public for providing CPR and comfort to him in his final moments.
Noel Keenan (51), from Crumlin, was cycling home from work in Park West on September 25, when he suddenly got into difficulty – thought to be chest or heart related.
The late Noel Keenan sadly passed away last week during rush hour traffic in Park West. This is the photo that was in Noel's wallet, which is still missing
Passers by came to his assistance, and paramedics attended the scene shortly after 6pm, but despite their best efforts, the recently married father of two passed away.
“One woman in particular was of great comfort, she did CPR and held his hand,” said Ann Keenan, Noel’s sister.
“I contacted her to thank her. It was lovely to know he wasn’t on his own as he took his last breath. A doctor and staff from a nearby clinic also came out to help, I called to thank them also.”
An appeal for Noel’s lost black wallet, containing a precious photograph of proud father and son Sam (4), went viral on Echo.ie during the week, generating a massive public response of support.
Mark Lacey, a friend of Mr Keenan’s, who made the initial public appeal, said the tragic fatality “hit everybody’s heart.”
He said: “People have been sharing the appeal all week. The wallet is still not found. The Park West night run was on that night, there would be 600-700 runners, and a lot of people were around at that time of the day.
“I went up there that night. We’ve been told by Dublin Fire Brigade that they found an ID badge but that was it. His locker in work was searched also. He usually kept the wallet in his rucksack or bottoms.”
Noel, who worked at stationary company Lyreco, was an avid runner and was getting back to full fitness after suffering knee injuries.
Ann continued: “He was very competitive, and competed for the Dublin cross country team when he was younger. He was a member of a running club in Bushy Park, Terenure, and loved running, his work and his family.”
A funeral service for Mr Keenan took place on Saturday at St Bernadette’s Church in Crumlin.
A heart of gold
“There was a huge turnout, countless people, some we hadn’t seen in years,” said Ann.
“The whole of his running club, neighbours, friends, everyone was so supportive. He was a great person, a heart of gold. Everybody loved him, a real gentle giant. It came as a shock, as we lost another brother in April.
“The lost wallet is more for Caroline his wife. We both got married the same year 2016. It contains very personal items, including family photos which he always had on him. I’m staying positive about this, that if someone finds it, they will hand it in.”
Noel was married to Caroline, and father of Emily (8) and Sam (4).
Mark, the owner of Insanity Fit Zone in Palmerstown, appealed for anyone who comes across the wallet, to contact gardai, him or local businesses in the Park West area.
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