Linfield Chairman Roy McGivern – “Kenny gave incredible commitment to our club for over 40 years. I was privileged to work with others on a tribute dinner for him a few years ago. The fantastic turn out for that event was testament to his popularity, not only at Linfield but across local football.

He will be sorely missed by all of us but, in particular, by his family and by the staff he worked so closely with over many years”.

 

Linfield Director Dr Cameron Ramsey – “I was in the backroom staff for 20 years of Kenny’s long service as trainer to the team. Here was a man who had played the game, knew the game, and, in addition, brought skills and methods, new and old, to the players.

Kenny held to the honoured traditions of football, both in his conduct and his ‘treatments’ that brought him legendary status among the players and staff alike. A sniff of smelling salts before the game, the pervasive smell of wintergreen, combined with his rich commentary in the dugout during the game made for a great match day experience.

I could tell you many stories about Kenny but one I remember well was how exasperated and animated he could become in the dugout when we got nothing from an attacking corner kick – “even the pigeons in the stand know our set pieces!” I’m sure he must have been heard in the South Stand!

This is a sad time. We have lost one of our finest characters, much loved by the players and staff, a great travelling companion, a traditionalist, an outstanding servant to the club, and a gentleman. What a privilege it is to have known and worked alongside him”.

 

Former Linfield Manager David Jeffrey MBE – “I am terribly sorry to hear of Kenny McKeague’s passing today. When I arrived at Linfield from Manchester United in 1982 Kenny looked after me.
 
Later when Gary Eccles joined the backroom staff, Kenny looked after him and took him under his wing – in later years Gary then looked after Kenny.

When I became Manager, Kenny was an integral part of my backroom staff. He was someone you could trust impeccably. He was utterly loyal to Linfield Football Club.

Linfield has lost a great servant, someone we will never see the like of again. My condolences to Kenny’s family and friends.

 

Former IFA Vice-President Jim Boyce OBE – “I am very sad that Kenny McKeague has passed away. When I started out as ball boy at Cliftonville he was the outside left, later becoming trainer. He was an absolute gentleman who, over the years, always made a point of speaking to me when Cliftonville played Linfield.”

 

Sports Commentator Liam Beckett MBE – “Sincere condolences to Kenny McKeague’s family, to Linfield, and to his many, many friends. One of the nicest people I have ever met in sport, and someone I was proud to call a friend.”

 

Linfield Club Physio Terry Hayes – “Sad news to hear of Kenny’s passing. It was a privilege to have worked with such a true gentleman over many years at LFC. As a young player and member of staff he was someone you could go to for advice and guidance. He was the perfect travelling companion on many of our tours and European games. My wife Elizabeth and I would like to convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family circle.”