Tragic Death of James Keogh: Motorcyclist and Beloved Mechanic Killed in Limerick Crash
Ballykevin Motorycycle Accident Death – The community of Feenagh, County Limerick, is mourning the tragic and sudden death of James Keogh, a beloved 58-year-old motorcyclist and skilled mechanic, who passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, following a fatal motorcycle accident. The collision occurred near Kilmeedy on the R519 at Ballykevin around 4:00 p.m., where Gardaà confirmed Mr. Keogh was pronounced dead at the scene.
James Keogh was a man whose life was deeply interwoven with his passions, chief among them his profound love for motorbikes. He was not just an enthusiast but a fixture in the local biking community, known for his infectious enthusiasm and strong sense of camaraderie at events. His life was tragically cut short while he was participating in a memorial run for his best friend, John Sheehan, who himself had died in a motorcycle accident just the month prior. This detail underscores James’s deep loyalty and devotion to his friends, making his own loss particularly poignant for the grieving community.
Beyond his hobby, James was an extremely respected professional mechanic. He was employed at a truck garage in Charleville, County Cork, where his mechanical expertise was highly valued. Colleagues and peers knew him as a gifted individual, capable of solving complex problems with precision and always willing to help others with his talents. His passion for motorsport was evident throughout his life; he had a history of racing motorcycles at the renowned Mondello Park and later ventured into forestry rallying, where he was described by friends as a “serious pilot,” showcasing his determination and adventurous spirit.
The grief over James’s untimely passing was articulated by figures such as Limerick County TD Richard O’Donoghue, who paid tribute to him as a “brilliant man” whose support for a friend led him to his final ride. O’Donoghue’s words reflected the collective pain felt by the motorbike club and the wider locality, noting that the loss of one of their own “hurts everyone.” The outpouring of sadness highlights the significant impact James had on those around him, both through his professional skills and his vibrant personality within the local clubs.
James Keogh is survived by his devoted wife, Siobhan, his daughter, Rachel, and his in-laws, Seamus and Mary, along with an extended network of family and friends who are left to cherish his memory and cope with their sudden loss.
Funeral arrangements have been confirmed, allowing the community a chance to pay their respects. Mr. Keogh’s remains will repose at O’Grady’s Funeral Home in Ballingarry on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held the following day, Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Croom, followed by his burial at Reilig Mhuire Cemetery.
The passing of James Keogh is a major loss to his family, friends, and the entire motorsport community, who remember him for his love of life, his mechanical genius, and his unwavering loyalty. His memory will undoubtedly live on through the stories of his adventures and the warmth he shared with everyone he knew.
