He defied the odds for years but sadly, one Keady man’s long battle with illness, peacefully came to an end this week.
Raymond Callaghan – affectionately known as ‘Boots’ – took his last breath on Wednesday with his loving family by his side.
Raymond’s battle with a rare type of pulmonary fibrosis – diagnosed in 2019 – galvanised his community, as his family worked on a solution to provide him with a downstairs space in recent months.
A GoFundMe page, started by his daughter Maggie, raised almost £20,000.
His children were devoted to their dad describing him as “the model parent growing up, who never missed the chance to spend time with his six children”.
Speaking a few months back, Maggie, said: “Dad left our house at 5am and he would return about 7pm and he did this commute five days a week for years and years so that he was home to see all of us in an evening.
“Even after working hard all day and driving a 150 mile round trip he never missed our matches or school plays and was always home to carry on with us or read us a story and say goodnight.”
His wife, Alison, a cherished confidant – married for 25 years – described her husband at the time as one of the “big characters” around Keady. The tributes following his passing has been testament to that.
“He has been actively involved in committees and fundraisers for the local schools, clubs and any family in need,” she said.
“Over the years, he was removed from his behind-the-scenes role, though, and put front and centre. He’s been Pudsey Bear, Brian Boru, St Patrick and, until Covid, he was Santa’s helper every year, filling in for Santa when he couldn’t make it to Keady himself.”
A keen sports fan, Raymond never missed a football, camogie or hurling match until he got sick and even then he sat in the car at the field with the oxygen tank to watch. He’s also a big supporter of Armagh Rugby and Tottenham Hotspur.
Alison continued: “He’s the best dad to our six kids, who are his whole world. They, and their huge group of friends, think the world of Boots. As a person, a friend, a husband and a dad, Boots really is one in a million as anyone in Keady would testify.”
A funeral notice described him as the beloved husband of Alison and devoted father to Rosie, Maggie, Maeve, Leo, Laura and Connie. He was also the loving son of the late Bill and Ann and brother to Thomas and Aidan (Christine).
His remains will repose at his late residence 17 Carbry Heights Keady until removal on Saturday to arrive at St Patrick’s Church Keady for 11am funeral mass. Burial afterwards in the church cemetery.
Family welcome visitors to their home on Thursday and Friday between the hours of 12noon- 9pm.
Boots will be remembered fondly by those who knew him, of that there is little doubt.
“A legend of a man and a true character of Keady town,” wrote one woman.
His daughter, Maeve, wrote: “I couldn’t be prouder of you, Daddy, for your strength and courage in such a brave fight. Missing you now and every day for the rest of my life.”
One woman added: “Boots was a great character with a heart of gold, he will be sorely missed.”
Boots Callaghan – a family man and a good friend. May he Rest in Peace.
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