The highly regarded local historian and retired businessman, who was 72, was laid to rest in his native village last Saturday following his Requiem Mass - which served as a celebration of the life of the much-loved figure, a dedicated family man.

Johnny, of The Diamond, was born in 1938 and lived throughout his life in the same house. Following his primary school education in Tempo, he attended the Presentation Brothers� School, Enniskillen.

A son of John and Mary Ellen (nee Dunne), he was 16 when his father died.

Following his mother�s death, he returned to help run the family undertaking business, which he continued for a further 50 years.

He married Teresa Donnelly from Cavantillycormick, Coa, and they settled in Tempo - where they opened their grocer�s and newsagents on December 6, 1965. The couple, who raised a family of six, John, Gabriel, Ruairi, Aileen, Donal, and Paul, retired from the shop around 1995 and were succeeded by their son Ruairi.

Over the years, Johnny held a passion for local history and the launches in October this year of �In the Ould Ago�, reflecting 40 years of gathering material, marked the fulfilment of a dream. He was greatly surprised and pleased by the positive feedback and affection felt for his book - which was featured on RTE Nationwide this week. The title has gone worldwide and among those to acknowledge it was President Mary McAleese, who sent Johnny a thanks letter.

Another interest was Tempo Development Association, Johnny being one of its founders. The first project was Christmas lights in the village, 25 years ago, and since then there have been fair days, vintage events and the stone circle at Tempo. Music was another major interest for Johnny, one of the founders of CCE Tempo branch.

Johnny loved maintaining old traditions and trades and he regarded them as holding tremendous value.

His funeral service in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Tempo, was led by chief celebrant, the Rev. Fr. John Halton, Parish Priest, assisted by the Rev. Fr. Brendan Shannon, Coa; Canon Tom Marron, formerly of Tempo; and Fr. Marron, Fintona. The organist was Patricia Rogers, who also sang. Family participated in the funeral and Johnny�s son, Gabriel played An Coulinn, one of Johnny�s favourite airs on the Uilleann Pipes. Burial was in Edenmore Cemetery. Guards of honour were formed by representatives of Tempo Maguires Club and Costcutter, Tempo.

A wonderful send off, the McKeagneys felt it was a joyful celebration of the life of Johnny.

Surviving him are his wife, Teresa and his sons and daughter: John, California; Gabriel and Eileen, California; Ruairi and Maire, Tempo; Aileen and Jonathan, Tempo; Donal and Dianne, Galway; and Paul, Dublin; and nine grandchildren: Eimear, Brian, Meabh, Therese, Manus, Ruairi Og, Ronan, Patrick, and Muirne.

He leaves his brother, Tom, London; his sisters, Kate, Omagh; Eileen, Belfast and Rose, Fivemiletown; his sister-in-law, and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and the wider family circle. He was predeceased by his brothers James and Gabriel.

His family are very appreciative of the Ambulance Service, especially its personnel Tim and Lisa, who came to the house and staff at the Erne Hospital A & E and Intensive Care Units and they appreciate the overwhelming support of relatives, friends, neighbours and the entire community.

�In the Ould Ago!� is available at Eason�s bookstores, outlets across Fermanagh, and at �www.folklorebook.com�.