Tributes to “popular” goalie who died after covid infection

Tuesday 20 July 2021

The island’s football community has led tributes to an “excellent goalkeeper” and “great character”, who sadly passed away in hospital at the weekend after testing positive for covid.

Father-of-three James Keating (47) had previously played for Trinity and the Rozel Rovers.

Trinity FC Minis said on Sunday afternoon: “James was one of the great characters, both on and off the pitch, and an integral part of the clubs history.

"He will be sorely missed by all… RIP James, always our no1.”

Jersey FA said yesterday morning that all its members were “saddened” to hear of the death of the “excellent goalkeeper and an extremely popular figure in the local football community.” 

“James will be dearly missed by everyone and our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time,” they added.

Hundreds of further tributes have since poured in from friends, family, colleagues and fellow footballers, remembering Mr Keating as a “true legend” and “lovely person” and lamenting the “cruel” loss given his age.

One of Mr Keating’s family members described everyone who knew him as “blessed to have had [him] in our lives.”

“…taken by COVID at such a young age, and I can’t believe he is gone forever. Stay safe everyone, there is a nasty virus out there and it’s taken one of the best.”

Everyone at the Jersey FA is saddened to hear of the passing of James Keating, an excellent goalkeeper and an extremely popular figure in the local football community. James will be dearly missed by everyone and our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time

— Jersey Football Association ???????? (@JerseyFA) July 19, 2021

Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf shared his "sincere condolences" on Sunday afternoon.

Chief Minister Senator John Le Fondré added in a video message to islanders last night: “You will have seen that a patient at the General Hospital who had tested positive for covid-19 has sadly passed away and I would like to reiterate sincere condolences to their family and friends at this sad time.

“When we discuss Government policy and our pandemic response and talk about percentages and statistics, we never forget that this pandemic is about people… and losing a loved one is always devastating.”

Sanne Group, where Mr Keating had worked since 2019 and was a Director, commented: "We are devastated at the loss of our much loved colleague and friend. James was an absolute pleasure to work with, a hard working individual who bought happiness and laughter to all those around him. He was a truly valued member of our team who will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“We offer James' family our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy at this difficult time."

There has sadly been 1 death of a patient in hospital over the weekend. This death will appear in the statistics once the death registration has been completed. pic.twitter.com/My7Gmn2Ils

— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) July 19, 2021

One former colleague wrote that he was “one of the good decent guys and an old skool gent”, adding: “The tributes depict what a well loved and respected man he was.”