'Empathy was dad's superpower' beautiful eulogy on death of beloved Laois doctor

A Laois family and an entire community are mourning the death of a much loved local doctor, described as 'a giant of a man'.

Dr Fergus McKeagney from Belmont, Main Street, Portarlington, Laois passed unexpectedly but peacefully in Portlaoise Hospital on the morning of Saturday, May 17 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Dad of five and brother to six, he had worked as a GP for over 35 years in his home town. He also had a passion for music, golf and fishing.

A beautiful funeral eulogy written by his adoring daughter Sarah McKeagney together with his wife Liz and sons Fergus, Neil, Daragh and Cian, was read out by Neil at the funeral Mass on Tuesday May 20, in St Michael's Church, Portarlington. 

"In the later part of his life my dad used to start out his video messages to people with 'Greetings, my fellow human beings'. What started as a joke at the beginning of an anecdote came to define him as a person. And, well, 'greetings my fellow human beings'. Thank you so much for coming out to celebrate the extraordinary life of Dr Fergus McKeagney, a beloved husband, father, brother, friend and colleague.

"He was born in 1956 to Charles and Oonagh McKeagney and was the eldest of seven larger- than-life siblings. Although they started out life in Foxcroft Street, in 1967 the family moved to Belmont on Main Street, which over the last 58 years has been at the heart of McKeagney family life in Portarlington.

"As many of you know, Fergus was happiest in chaos, reveling in the noise and the madness of a big family. It is perhaps unsurprising then that dad would go on to meet his wife of 38 years in a psychiatric hospital in Jersey. As a nurse of said hospital, mum was more than a match for dad, and she spent the next 4 decades doing her best to keep him out of trouble to mixed results. Simply put, without mum, there would be no dad.

"Between 5 kids and a countless number of pets, there are too many stories to recount the madness of our house growing up. Family holidays were military operations, and the fights were monumental in both scale and volume. Nonetheless, he always said that, besides the seven-pound salmon that he once landed, being a parent was the greatest accomplishment of his life.

The late Dr Fergus McKeagney.

"Growing up, it was like living with a resident philosopher, and he had a habit of waiting until we were trapped in long car journeys to tell us how proud of us he was. And on those drives, full of prog rock and chats, we got to enjoy dad's view of the world, his optimism and love of life. And I know I speak for all the McKeagneys when I say we're going to miss him so much.

"When it comes to work, medicine was dad’s calling. He had a wonderful model for his work in his parents, who were also GPs in Portarlington. They were great doctors, good neighbours and always impeccably dressed. And while dad might have turned up to work in his pajamas and odd socks once or twice, he always looked to them as mentors.

"He trained at the Royal College of Surgeons and in subsequent years he became a tutor for aspiring GPs. He became, what he’d like to call, “a legend in his own lunchtime” among the medical students there. Not just for his intelligence, but because, when they came down to do their training with him, dad would show them the secret meditative qualities of fishing, and then
take them for a pint. That is, if he liked them.

"There is no textbook that can teach the medicine dad practiced. And based on the condolences rolling in over the last few days, his patients felt that too. That was what living in Portarlington taught him about being a doctor. It wasn't always about the diagnosis, it was about the patient, who they were, and what they were going through. And sometimes that required intervention, but dad saw the value in listening and kind words. Empathy was dad's superpower.

"For dad, his love of people was integral to his faith. He attended secondary school in Clongowes Wood College and their motto, “Men For Others”, was a mantra he carried throughout his life. He was a huge fan of the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, which he attended both as a doctor on call and as a pilgrim himself. Of course, Lourdes also gave him a captive audience for his music, which was one of the great loves of his life. He was almost never without a guitar in his hands, and he always talked about his plans of writing Ireland's next Eurovision winner.

"For dad, he enjoyed his hobbies most when they shared with others. He loved being a part of Portarlington golf club, he loved music sessions at Mooney's Pub in Monasterevin and his fishing trips with friends and family took him all over the country. Since retirement, he loved going to gigs and concerts, and he never just bought the one ticket. It didn't matter if you didn't know the music going in, dad would have you singing along by the time you got home.

"Be it a car ride with one of his children, a consultation with a patient, a train ride with a stranger or fishing with a friend, dad saw the value in talking. A eulogy like this will only ever scratch the surface of the man that dad was. One final anecdote might help to sum him up. He used to love to tell us that “children don't belong to parents; they were just looking after them until they were grown enough to share to be shared with the world”. But in truth, he wasn't just our dad, and we are so proud to share him with you all. Put simply, he was some man for one man. May he rest in peace. Thank You," Neil McKeagney read.

His workplace MediCentre Portarlington paid a beautiful tribute.

"Honouring Dr Fergus McKeagney: A gentle presence, a lasting legacy. It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Dr Fergus McKeagney. Fergus was a cornerstone of the Portarlington community for many decades, known and loved by generations of families. His name became synonymous with kindness, wisdom, and compassionate care.

"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.

Read also: Laois death notices for Wednesday, May 21

"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.

"We are heartbroken at his loss, but feel deeply grateful to have known him, worked alongside him, and called him our friend. Our thoughts are with his beloved family during this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

Dr Sumi Dunne told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that her practice partner of 26 years was "a giant of a man".

"A light has dimmed in Portarlington, its surrounds and GP with his passing," she said.

The Lourdes Portarlington Pilgrimage Group expressed their sorrows, sharing a lovely photo of Dr Fergus playing the piano

"It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Dr Fergus McKeagney earlier this morning. Fergus has been a great supporter of the Portarlington Lourdes Invalid committee for many years, providing both assistance to those in need when required, and entertainment with his guitar on many occasions. He was indeed looking forward to this year's trip. May Fergus Rest In Peace. Sincere sympathy to all his family."

Many of his patients left messages of condolence, describing that legacy.

"Sincere Condolences to the McKeagney family on the very sad loss of Fergus. Dr. Mckeagney.we were very lucky to have had Fergus as our family doctor for more than 30 years. He was a very kind and caring person who cared very much for his patients and always went over and beyond to help in all situations. Dr. McKeagney will be sadly missed by so many people, rest in peace Fergus," said John and Geraldine Carroll, Fassaugh. Monasterevan.

"Heartfelt sympathies to Liz and family, Morgan and siblings on Fergus’s untimely passing & to the extended McKeagney family. A gentleman, full of character and wit, a very compassionate Doctor who placed quality of life over quantity always. I’m sure he’s brightening up the heavens with his music & likely already formed a band. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis, rest in peace Fergus," said Denise and Séamus Sharpe.