Portrait of Andy Keane presented to the Keane Family by the GAA in 1912

Andy Keane was born on the 9th February 1887 and was one of a twin with his brother John. He was aged 24 in 1911 and unfortunately set sail on the ill-fated Titanic to go to the USA. He was drowned with hundreds of others on that fateful night of April 14th. 1912. 

Having decided to emigrate, his sister who was already in America sent him the fare of £8 ls 0d and he booked through Mahon Travel Agents, Athenry. The agent advised him to go on a different ship where conditions would be much better but he decided to take the Titanic. He had with him a dozen hurleys, a melodeon and his county senior championship medal won with Derrydonnell in 1911. 

Following his tragic death people from all over the county gathered for Requiem High Mass in the Parish Church, Athenry in July 1912, celebrated by Very Rev. Canon Canton P.P. for the repose of his soul. 

The large congregation that attended the Mass included all the prominent GAA officials in the county, teammates and representatives of various clubs. Their "departed comrade was dearly loved by his associates in the Association" . 

At the County GAA convention later in the year the GAA Board presented a portrait of the deceased to his brother Patrick. 

In the Spring of 2011, to mark the centenary of the tragedy in 2012, Andy’s tragic story formed the basis of a Musical by Tuam Musical Society entitled “Titanic the Musical”.