Keith Harte RIP

We are very sorry to say that last night our strong friend and clubmate Keith Harte passed away, ending a brave and determined battle against cancer.

Keith was well known and loved on both the leisure and racing sides of the club after joining in 2011. He was a fun-loving, positive presence on spins, and developed a strong sprint to earn an upgrade to A3 in his brief seasons as a racer. He described his time in Orwell as some of his happiest days.

His positive outlook did not diminish with his cancer diagnosis, and he never stopped fighting or let the cancer keep him down. He planned a return to road racing even after his first back surgery, and trialled a handcycle after losing the use of his legs.

The largest gathering of Orwell ever for a fundraiser for Keith in 2015 showed the love members had for him, and the admiration for the courage he showed in his life. He remained an active member and supporter of the club even when off the bike, and will be deeply missed.

Our condolences to his wife Emma, son Thomas, young daughter Sarah Jane and all his family and friends. Ken O'Neill has been a constant companion for Keith and his family over the last few years, and we extend particular sympathies to him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Funeral details below:

The death has occurred of Keith HARTE
Blackrock, Dublin / Spiddal, Galway

(And Orwell Wheelers) 25th November 2016 after a brave battle in the presence of his loving family. Predeceased by his father Dominic. Will be deeply missed by his loving wife and best friend Emma, his treasured children Thomas and Sarah, mother Noreen, sisters Hilary and Selina, brother Dominic, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephew and a huge circle of friends.

Reposing at Fanagans Funeral home Dundrum on Tuesday from 5 o'c to 7o'c. Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 10 o'clock in the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Foxrock followed by burial at Clandeboye Cemetery, Bangor, Co. Down. Donations, if desired, to St. Vincent’s Ward, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital or Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross.Family flowers only.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

rip.ie/showdn.php?dn=304639/KeithHARTE/Blackrock/Dublin

Funeral details above.

Emma has asked us to perform a guard of honour on Wednesday morning in Foxrock. If you are available, please be at the church from 9.30am for Keith's arrival. New design kit please (with or without Scott), long sleeve if you have it.

The church is Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Foxrock, which is on the N11: goo.gl/maps/cgojdodNZTH2

Please note that the funeral has moved to Wednesday morning - full details to be confirmed.

Dave Mc has suggested a spin on Sunday morning if anyone wants to meet for coffee - www.orwellwheelers.org/forum/spins/5894-...n-in-memory-of-keith

Brian wrote:

Please note that the funeral has moved to Wednesday morning - full details to be confirmed.

I've updated the funeral details above:

Reposing at Fanagans Funeral home Dundrum on Tuesday from 5 o'c to 7o'c. Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 10 o'clock in the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Foxrock followed by burial at Clandeboye Cemetery, Bangor, Co. Down.

There will be a memorial mass for Keith on Sunday 5th February at 11.15 in Foxrock Church. All welcome to remember Keith together.