'It was a privilege to have such a dad': Prof Dermot Keogh remembered as authentic, generous and courageous

Former University College Cork (UCC) lecturer and professor Dermot Keogh has been remembered as authentic, generous, and courageous at his funeral mass.

Professor Keogh died peacefully at his Cork city home following an illness at the age of 78.

A former journalist with the Irish Press and RTÉ, he worked from 1980 as an academic with UCC’s Department of History, serving as Jean Monnet professor between 1990 and 1996, as professor of history from 1997, and as head of the department from 2002 to 2009.

He retired in 2010 but continued researching and writing.

Professor Keogh was laid to rest at St Oliver’s Cemetery on Model Farm Road on Saturday following funeral mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception at the Lough.

The mass, celebrated by Canon Jim O’Donovan, Canon John Paul Hegarty, Father Vincent Twomey and Bishop John Buckley, remembered Professor Keogh as a beloved husband, devoted father, and loving grandfather.

The mass saw family, friends, and colleagues gather to celebrate and remember Prof Keogh.

Also in attendance to pay their respects were Commandant Brian Walsh Aide-de-Camp (ADC) representing President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy and Chief Executive of Cork City Council Ann Doherty.

Prof Keogh’s daughter Aoife spoke of her father’s authenticity, generosity, courage and commitment.

“He touched so many people in so many ways and that affection was returned tenfold in recent months,” she said.

“So many were in touch with dad, and it really helped him to stay connected and heartened. We are so grateful but for us, he was just dad. He had such love and admiration for our mum. They both encouraged, supported and loved us, creating a warm and happy home.

“His sense of fun was immense. He would always have a quick-witted comment or a funny story to relate. But there was more, he could read what we were feeling and know just what to say.

“And especially in these difficult times, we feel his love and support. It was a privilege to have such a dad. From each of us, thank you dad.” Canon Jim O’Donovan said that those who shared a part of Prof Keogh’s life saw it as a privilege to have known him and who have shared conversations surrounding his concern for intellectual rigor, coupled with sincere compassion, as well as his involvement in college policymaking and in his contribution to public matters.

Tributes poured in following the announcement of Professor Keogh’s death on Thursday, including a personal tribute from President Higgins, who had been Prof Keogh’s friend for many years, and who described him as “one of our finest historians”, praising his insight into the history of Ireland’s connection with South America.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin, who studied history at UCC under Prof Keogh, told The Echo that he will always be in his debt for the insights Prof Keogh gave him in terms of history and described him as a prolific writer who was very active and energetic in the history field and who worked very hard.