MICHAEL KILLEEN of Clarecastle has been remembered for his significant contribution to voluntary work in Mombasa, Kenya, on behalf of the Ray of Sunshine charity foundation.
Michael, aged 71, was a native of Kilfarboy, Miltown Malbay. He had been ill for some time, and his death occurred at University Hospital Galway on Sunday, January 12. The large crowds at his reposing in Clarecastle church on January 14 reflected his popularity, and the Killeen family’s. The funeral mass, followed by burial at the local Clare Hill cemetery on the following day, was a testament to the esteem in which he was held.
Chief celebrant of the mass, parish priest Fr. Pat Malone, paid tribute to Michael as a dedicated family man. He spoke of Michael’s kindness and generosity, particularly in using his talents to assist others. Fr. Malone also highlighted Michael’s voluntary work with the Ray of Sunshine Foundation in Mombasa and read a tribute from Olive Halpin of Clarecastle, who represented the foundation. Olive said, “Michael travelled as a volunteer on building projects with the Foundation from 2014 to 2023.”
She went on to describe Michael as a “great worker” who quietly and efficiently completed any job on site. He had a wonderful rapport with all the volunteers and local workers, treating them with respect and politeness. Michael’s love for the children of Mombasa was evident through his involvement in building schools and rescue centers for both boys and girls. He was also very generous toward the Foundation’s school sponsorship and feeding programs.
On behalf of all the volunteers at the Ray of Sunshine Foundation, Olive offered her sincere sympathy to Kitty and the Killeen family. She added that they were currently in Mombasa on a project and were sorry to have missed Michael’s funeral. A mass would be offered for him in their local church. She concluded with “Safari Salama” – wishing Michael a safe journey home.
Michael’s connection to his birthplace was honored with the song “Lovely Old Miltown,” performed by local singer Pakie Hynes at the conclusion of the mass. Michael’s son, Micheál, took the opportunity to thank everyone for their kindness to the family, as well as the medical staff who had cared for his father during his illness.
A retired member of the staff of Telecom Éireann, Michael was also an electrician and ran his own photography business, Killeen Photography, in Miltown Malbay. For over 20 years, he photographed the presentations to winners and supporters at Clare coursing meetings for publication in The Clare Champion and Sporting Press. Despite his illness, he was present at most of the coursing meetings in 2024, including those in Liscannor, Ennis-Clarecastle, and finally in his own parish of Miltown Malbay.
After the mass, former Telecom Éireann colleagues provided a guard of honour at the church and as the funeral procession made its way to the local cemetery.
Michael is survived by his wife, Kitty (née Murrihy), children Maria, Micheál, and Áine, daughter-in-law Aoife, brothers Christy (Listowel), Marty (Kilfarboy), and Tony (Kilfarboy), sister Mary McInerney (Ennis), as well as his sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
