All-Ireland Junior champions Louth will take on Monaghan in a special challenge match which will be played as a tribute to Micheal McKeown who served as manager of both counties. It is a fitting tribute to the popular manager who enjoyed great success over his career with proceeds from the game going to the Irish Heart Foundation.
Micheal had a very long and successful career in a number of counties where he not only gained a reputation as a man who could improve individual players while also getting them to perform as part of a team.
A passionate GAA man, McKeown was not shy about challenging players to achieve success but always wanted to make sure they enjoyed the game. A native of Channonrock, Micheal went on to live in Carrickmacross and it was in the counties of Louth and Monaghan where he spent most of his coaching career.
He made his mark as manager of the Monaghan LGFA team that won the All-Ireland title in 1996 while he was also in charge of the county’s Minor team. He was also involved in Louth and Monaghan where he served as supervisor of Coaching and Games in each county.
He enjoyed a successful career at club level, serving as manager of Drumgoon Ladies in Cavan, Westerns, Kilanny Geraldines, St Mochtas Ladies,Ballybay, Cremartin and Annaghminnon Rovers.
He was named coach of Louth Ladies team in early october 2017 but took ill before the Leinster Final victory in 2018.
The Wee County Ladies may have lost out in the All-Ireland Final that year but there is no doubt that Micheal had laid the foundations for the success this year when Louth captured the Junior title in Croke Park with victory over Fermanagh.
Louth PRO, Dermot Woods, revealed that both counties were delighted to be involved in this tribute match as Micheal will be fondly remembered by all who encountered him; “While Micheal will always be remembered as a good football coach, we all know that Micheal was more than that. He was first and foremost a pure gentleman who was a pleasure to deal with at all times.
“Naturally he wanted to be successful, but it didn’t stop him from treating people properly. He wanted to help each player improve and did everything for the benefit of the team and he treated them with huge respect at all times – even when he had to have a few harsh words.
“It is a mark of the impact he had on the players that they would make the effort to take part in this game to honour Micheal’s memory” explained Dermot.
The game will take place in Westerns GFC, Reaghstown Co.Louth on Sunday November 17th with a 3pm starting time.
