One week ago today we laid Kevin to rest ?. Still it doesn’t seem real. Am struggling to write this for many reasons,? mostly though, my biggest fear, is, forgetting to thank someone who helped me give Kevin the send off he truly deserved.

Sean Carr and Jimmy thank you for everything. Kevin’s funeral was delivered with love, sensitivity, dignity and respect. I know Sean it wasn’t easy for you to arrange your friend’s final journey. You would much rather be arranging his next Camino walk ? as would I. Sean thank you for helping me to get the perfect resting place for Kevin, as requested a view of the brandywell ?Thank you to the ground staff in the City cemetery for Kevin’s perfect view. The Derry City ball found in the Bush right at Kevin’s resting place was a great validation of comfort for myself, Kevin letting me know he approved ??

Father Christopher Ferguson thank you. Kevin’s mass was indeed a celebration of his life. Chris you described and remembered Kevin perfectly, he was, gentle, kind, generous, caring, humble and modest, full of craic and had a genuine love for us all. Tony Francis thank you for reading, having Kevin’s lifetime friend was important to myself and Kevin, I love you xx The choir were do I start amazing, Lana Campbell Frances Doherty Janette Boyle Isobel Caldwell Eamonn Karran Erin Carlin John Dalton Sinead Burnside Damien McAdams Gerald Ferguson Monica McGuigan. Thank you for blessing Kevin with your presence, your gift of music, song and love. Damien you travelled our journey from singing at our wedding to Kevin’s final farewell. The musical tribute, the voices, the harmonies, were all outstanding and I will be forever grateful. Portadown Football club thank you for the Jersey. Marty McGrath thank you for travelling to collect the Jersey You were a good friend to Kevin ? Brian Strain. Joey Cunningham. Philip Major. Greg Davidson Michael Keenan the Portadown squad, Kevin’s teammates thank you for travelling to say farewell?. Thanks also goes out too, The Derry legend’s. Tristar, Derry City football team, Philip O Doherty thanks for the Derry Jersey. Liam Coyle thank you for your emotional tribute on the radio and in my home, I know you loved him, as did I??The Derby staff and friends, I know you will all miss his daily banter, crosswords and quiz questions. The staff and friends from the Crown buildings, he’s “missing you already”, I know you are missing your strawberries and chocolate. Though mostly missing CRACK KEVIN MCKEEVER. ? The out pouring of love and support from Derry was and actually still is astounding and of great comfort to myself, Shane, Meghann, Sean and baby lila, Mary his mum Christy his dad, brothers Greg Chris and sister Carole.

Thank you to all the people who called to the wake house, lined the streets, attended the funeral (virtually and physically) stood by our sides at his resting place, providing us with great emotional support. Thank you to anyone who thought of Kevin, who took a moment to offer a prayer or stand in silence in his name. Thank you all the Derry City supporters for your amazing tribute in silence, clapping and song! Yes there was only ONE CRACK MCKEEVER. Thanks to my family and friends for taking control of the wake house, tea, food, even your jokes Margaret and Anne-Marie we are all very grateful ? The Gallaigh group for the beautiful scone bread and flowers thankyou. Patsy McCallion thank you for breakfast and prayers bracelets and clothes ? Tony o Connor and the staff of the Cosh for the after wake it was perfect Thank you. I will be forever grateful to you all. Gary and Snooks THANK YOU ?

I hope and pray that I have left no-one out. Forgive me if I have it’s unintentional. Till we meet again Kevin ??May God hold you in the palm of his hand. Look after baby Kevin Nathaniel till I get there. I Love you, sleep easy and look after us all.

Months Mind mass for the Late Kevin (Crack) Mckeever will be celebrated in Holy Family Church, Ballymagroarty on Saturday 30th October 2021 at 6pm.

Everyone welcome for refreshments afterwards at 145 Templegrove.