Mourners also heard how Mr Keeley had an extraordinary ability to connect with people and make them feel part of his extended family
Family and friends have gathered to say their final farewell to scratchcard millionaire Shawn Keeley, who was remembered as a generous, loyal and deeply caring man whose impact on those around him was “immeasurable”.
Mr Keeley’s funeral took place at St Patrick’s Church in Dungiven on Thursday morning following his sudden death in the Philippines.
The 33-year-old became an instant millionaire in 2020 after winning £1 million on a National Lottery scratchcard purchased at the local shop in Dungiven, where he worked as a manager.
During a moving homily, the celebrant described Mr Keeley as a man whose kindness, generosity and loyalty touched countless lives, telling mourners that although they were grieving his loss, “this is not the end of Shawn, but the beginning of his new life with God”.
Drawing on stories provided by family and friends, the priest painted a picture of a man who consistently put others before himself.
“Shawn loved a good night out,” he said. “Many of us will remember ending a night with Shawn, somehow walking home barefoot. Not because he had lost his shoes, but because he’d usually given them away to a girl whose feet were hurting so bad.
“It seems that going barefoot was nothing new to Shawn. Whether by choice or by generosity, shoes never seemed that important to him. What was important to Shawn was people.”
The priest recalled how, during the Covid pandemic, Mr Keeley moved out of the family home to help protect his brother Christopher.
“It wasn’t always easy, but that’s who Shawn was,” he said. “He put others before himself.”
Mourners also heard how Mr Keeley had an extraordinary ability to connect with people and make them feel part of his extended family.
“You could be talking to Shawn for five minutes, and before long he had worked out that your cousin knew his aunt, whose neighbour was somehow related to someone else in the family,” the priest said.
“Shawn wasn’t just related to everyone. He genuinely made everyone feel like his family.”
The homily highlighted Mr Keeley’s love of travel and adventure, with the priest recalling his trademark response whenever people complained while on holiday.
“If someone started complaining, Shawn had the perfect response: ‘Sure, look where we are,” he said.
“It was his way of reminding us to appreciate the moment, to enjoy life, and not to take things for granted.”
Friends and family also shared humorous stories from his childhood and younger years, including attempts to hide cigarette smoking from his parents and family anecdotes about his distinctive fashion sense.
The priest said the stories being told at the funeral revealed “something much deeper” about Mr Keeley’s character.
“They reveal a man who was generous without thinking twice, loyal without conditions and kind without expecting anything in return,” he said.
“A man who made people feel welcome, cared for and loved.
“Shawn’s life may have been far too short, but the impact he had on those around him is immeasurable. His stories will continue to be told, his laughter will continue to be remembered, and the love he gave so freely will continue to live on in all of us.”
The congregation heard of Mr Keeley’s devotion to his nieces Lexi and Olivia, his goddaughter Ava, and the close bond he shared with his brothers.
Addressing his family directly, the priest said mourners’ thoughts were centred on his parents, Tiney and Noel, brothers Christopher, Paul and Gavin, and his partner EJ.
“It is difficult to come to terms with the void in their lives from the loss of such a special person,” he said.
“Everyone who knew Shawn loved him, and he could see no wrong in anyone.”
The priest also noted Mr Keeley’s involvement with the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Dungiven from a young age and his commitment to charitable work both at home and in the Philippines.
He told mourners that a Mass had already been celebrated for Mr Keeley in the Philippines before his remains were returned home.
The priest said Mr Keeley had “left an indelible imprint” on both communities and quoted the Prophet Micah as a reflection of the life he had lived.
“This is what the Lord asks of you, only this: to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.”
Shawn Keeley is survived by his parents Tiney and Noel, brothers Christopher, Paul and Gavin, and his partner EJ.
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