Family and friends of Deirdre Keenan gathered in Naas yesterday for her removal three days after she was found shot dead at a B&B in Carlow town.
Ms Keenan (51) was shot by John Deegan (53), who then killed himself with a legally held shotgun. The bodies were found by a member of the family who run the B&B last Monday afternoon.
Mr Deegan and Ms Keenan were separated from their respective former partners and had been in a relationship since 2011. The dead man was a landowner who also worked for the Office of Public Works.
‘Terrible shock’
Mourners said they were still shocked at the news of how Ms Keenan died. “I knew her very well. It’s a terrible shock,” said one woman.
Friends and acquaintances of Ms Keenan’s six children were also in attendance. “I know her son well from going to the gym. No one can believe it. Something like this is what you normally hear happening somewhere else,” said one young woman.
Ms Keenan will be reposing at her home on Caragh Road, Naas, this evening from 6pm to 8pm. Her funeral will take place tomorrow at the Church of Our Lady and St David, Naas, at 10am. She will be buried afterwards in St Corban’s Cemetery, Naas.
‘Beyond comprehension’
Mourners at the removal of Mr Deegan last night were told the events of his death “are beyond our comprehension”.
A large crowd attended the removal of Mr Deegan in Kinnitty, Co Offaly. Fr Michael O’Meara offered his deepest sympathy to Mr Deegan’s wife Eileen and daughters Miriam and Joanne and his extended family, neighbours and friends.
“We take the opportunity on behalf of the Deegan family to express our deepest condolences to the Keenan family, who are in our thoughts and prayers tonight at this time of great sadness for both families,” added Fr O’Meara.
“During the course of all our lives things happen that we don’t have any answers for; certainly the events of this week are beyond our comprehension,” said Fr O’Meara.
Hundreds of mourners queued up to offer their sympathy to Mr Deegan’s wife, daughters and close family following the removal.