There is sadness in Portarlington and its environs this weekend at the news of the sad passing of Dr Fergus McKeagney, a much-loved GP in the town for decades. He was only aged in his late 60s.
Fergus is survived by his loving wife Liz, his children Fergus, Neil, Sarah, Dara and Cian, his six siblings Francis, Fiona, Niall, Garrett, Eoin and Morgan, the family circle, neighbours and many friends.
The McKeagney family are a medical institution in Portarlington with three generations having worked as GPs in the town.
Fergus’s mother and father, Oonagh and Charles, from Galway and Tyrone respectively moved to Portarlington in the early 1960s. Both GPs, they set up a practice in their home in ‘Belmont’ but also had rural dispensaries in the likes of Emo, Ballybrittas and villages on the Offaly side of the border. Oonagh only passed away in 2021, aged in her early 90s.
Fergus followed his parents into medicine and practiced for a time in Monasterevin before also working in Portarlington.
For a long number of years the practice was based at the family home on Main Street before moving into the MediCentre arrangement. His sons Fergus and Neil have also worked in the practice.
The MediCentre will be closed this Tuesday as a mark of respect.
Fergus served for over 35 years and embodied all that is good about a community GP. He will be remembered for his kindness, good humour, decency and sincere caring manner.
“Fergus worked … in tireless service of his community in Portarlington and the surrounding areas while he was happiest surrounded by friends and family, he had a passion for music, golf and fishing,” said his death notice on RIP.
“Fergus was a cornerstone of the Portarlington community for many decades, known and loved by generations of families,” said a loving statement on the Portarlington Medicentre website.
“As a GP, he brought not just medical skill, but an extraordinary warmth and empathy to every patient encounter.
“Fergus gave so much of himself to others – quietly, generously, and with a deep sense of purpose.
“Each year, he travelled as part of the Portarlington pilgrimage to Lourdes, giving his time and expertise in the same selfless way he did at home.
“He was a wonderful colleague – calm, supportive, and always ready to lend a hand or share a moment of humour.
“He had a deep love of nature, music, and the arts, and a rare ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
“But above all, Fergus was a devoted husband and proud father, whose love for his family shone through in everything he did.
“Our thoughts are with his beloved family during this difficult time.”
Reposing at Maher’s Chapel of Rest Portarlington (eircode R32 X5XV) from 5pm with Rosary at 8pm on Monday evening 19th of May.
Removal from his residence on Tuesday morning 20th of May at 11:15am arriving St Michael’s Church Portarlington for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Funeral afterwards to St Michael’s Cemetery Portarlington.
Dr. Fergus’s Requiem Mass will be streamed live on this link. Family Flowers Only Please.
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