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.

There will be a guard of honour on Wednesday morning at Foxrock. If you are available, please be at the church from 9.30am for Keith's arrival. New design kit please, long sleeve if you have it.

There will also be a spin on Sunday morning for those who wish to remember Keith together. Thanks to Dave Mc for suggesting and organising.

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 his best friend Emma, his treasured children Thomas and Sarah, mother Noreen, sisters Hilary 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.

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.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis 

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

 


Keith with son Thomas and wife Emma 


Sarah Jane on the day of the 2015 fundraiser


Trialling a handcycle


2015 fundraiser


2015 fundraiser


2015 fundraiser


During the 2011 Orwell Randonnée


Atop the Wicklow Gap for the 2013 An Post Rás


Racing in the 2013 Orwell League


With Ken O'Neill during the 2014 Sean Kelly Tour (photo thanks to DC Images)


With his prize for taking 3rd in the 2014 Roundwood GP


Presentation after the 2015 Tour Da Beast