Keith Matthew Gibney Memorial
A Father’s Tribute
Keith Matthew Gibney was born to us on 20 November 1974. As with all new parents our joy was boundless. However, I believe our joy was even outdone by the joy he gave his grandparents Paddy and Maureen to whom he was their first grandchild. And to Jemmy, his other grandfather, who now had an heir. Doubtless too, his predeceased grandmother, Vera told God he had done a good job.
Keith grew up like any little boy, Birthday Bashes, Santa Claus came, Zoo visits, First Communion, Confirmation. During these years he formed many friendships with his peers. A drawback he had to deal with was suffering from Osgood Slaters Disease which gave him brittle bones. We recall one of his lessons learned because of this. Due to get his plaster off his leg the next day he decided to do handstands on his crutches, toppling over and breaking his other leg. Plaster off – plaster on and lesson learned.
His secondary school years saw him develop deep friendships which endured all his life. True friendships, meaning each one looking out for the other.
Depression entered his life about ten years ago (1997). Like many others he struggled with this and despite some very dark times there were also many great times, most recently his sisters wedding and also his great friend Shane’s wedding in Sweden attended with his closest friends.
In these years too Keith formed many bonds with his aunties and uncles whose hearts are now broken. In truth Keith left a lasting impression on all whose lives he touched.
We are only human, and unfortunately, could not see this illness growing. On the day he was taken from us, God saw his despair, and realising his suffering, called him into the light. In doing so he plunged us into our darkest hour. We can only thank God that in this maelstrom of sadness and anguish so many people rallied for us. Relations, friends, colleagues and neighbours showered us with such kindness and love, sharing our pain. We can only say thank you from our hearts and tell you your kindness will live with us for the rest of our lives.
And so Keith you are finally at peace. Rest now in God’s Glory. Know that we love you and say hello to those who have gone before us and meet us again when we will be together eternally. Rest in Peace and look down on us as our beautiful guardian angel.
Love always,
Dad, Mam, Glenda & Graham
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Good Friends Forever
These are some of the things that myself and the lads wanted to share with you about our friendship with Keith.
We remember the comedian; the boy with a joke and a snappy comeback for every occasion.
We remember long walks in beaulieu wood when we were teenagers and talk about life and girls and cars and music.
We remember the nights we’d spend watching Eddie Murphy and Billy Connolly concerts and how he would repeat the jokes over and over.
We remember the films we made in school; Keith the actor. His favourite role in a film where he played the tough guy who had to beat Darren up repeatedly, something he took a great amount of pleasure in!
We remember the first guitar he got. The nights ye’d be talking to him on the phone, and he’d insist on playing you whatever song he’d just learned that day down the phone-line.
We remember the warrior; the boy who would jump to your defence if anyone threatened your safety, and in alotta cases, even if they didn’t.
We remember the yarns he used to spin us about getting into fights with all sorts of insane local characters, the dreaded Ninja’s of Marian park was always our favourite.
We remember nights out in the no name club and then Luciano’s and then Man Fridays.
We remember nights in. Playing Playstation and drinking Guinness. Keith watching Top gear and giving everyone the background on whatever car was being discussed.
And we remember the joy we all felt when our group was re-united for Shane’s wedding in Sweden.
For the people who were lucky enough to have shared his friendship, we all know that he was the best kind of friend, someone who’d drop everything and be by your side if you needed him. He looked out for us when he was here, and we know that wherever he is up there now, he’s still looking out for us. We love you Keith, and we’ll keep you, and all the times we shared, in our hearts always.
Friends forever, Darren, Shane, and Ants
