Keohan, Patrick (b. 1865)

Patrick Keohan was the son of Edward and Bridget (nee Connors) Keohan of Shanakill, Ring. He was born on 16 April 1865. He was amongst the Munster winners of the All Ireland Athletic Championships under G.A.A. Rules at Limerick on 16 August 1888. He won the standing hop, step and jump at 13 feet 3in. and three standing jumps at 35ft. 11½ in.

T.G. O'Mahony composed a ballad about Keohan's participation in the 'Gaelic Invasion' team of hurlers and athletes to America in 1888. Eighteen athletes were selected to tour. All were championship winners or runners-up. Dan Fraher was selected but was unable to travel. Keohan was aged 24 at the time. The first verse of O'Mahony's ballad is:

My name is Patrick Keohan, my age is twenty-four.
I was born in sweet Dungarvan, not far from famed Tramore.
To join the invasion Team on the Winsconsin I set sail For to uphold the honour of dear old Grainuaile.
The good ship 'Winsconsin' from Queenstown did sail.
It grieved my aged mother from her darling boy to part.
But you know I was enlisted in that proud young Gaelic band.
For to uphold the honour of dear old Paddy's land.

Author: William Fraher