Tributes flow as former Dublin goalkeeper Keith Gorman dies aged 46

The O’Dwyers and Newtown Blues clubs have paid tribute to former Dublin goalkeeper Keith Gorman, who died last Saturday.

Affectionately known as ‘Beezer’, he had received a devastating diagnosis of pancreatic cancer last year but vowed to fight the condition and had undergone intensive treatment. He played at under-21 level for Dublin for two years and was part of the senior side that won the O’Byrne Cup in 1999 under Tommy Carr’s management.

This was shortly after one of Dublin’s most celebrated goalkeepers and a fellow O’Dwyer’s clubman, John O’Leary, had retired though Davy Byrne remained as first choice up to 2001 before Stephen Cluxton’s emergence. A benefit game, in which he played, was staged at Parnell Park for the late Mr Gorman in October of last year, with a number of Dublin legends turning out and, while he failed to win major honours in what was a valley period for the county team, he spoke of how much that O’Byrne Cup win meant to him.

“That success was one of the highlights for me,” he said. “I cherish that O’Byrne Cup medal. That year, Dublin also reached the National League final. I was on the panel. Unfortunately, we lost the final to Cork. It was played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.”

He also referenced the influence that O’Leary, Dublin’s All-Ireland winning captain in 1995, had on him. “John O’Leary was with O’Dwyer’s, and he had a huge impact on me,” he explained. “I idolised him. He was playing for Dublin, winning All-Irelands. I loved going to watch him playing for Dublin. He was one of the greatest goalkeepers of all.

“He brought goalkeeping to a very high level, and Stephen (Cluxton) carried it on again. It’s all about improving and developing all the time. John has been a massive help to me over the years with my goalkeeping. But it’s not only that. He has been so kind to me in recent times in particular. I can ring him at any time. His phone is always open to me.

“He always makes time for a chat, or go for a coffee,” he told independent.ie. The 46-year-old’s illness came on the back of becoming a father for the first time as he and he wife Karen had welcomed a baby girl, Kaelan, in March of last year.

In an interview in August 2024, he explained how he had lost 30kg in weight and was experiencing back pain, something that he attributed to the wear and tear of playing football, before receiving the diagnosis, which he described as “devastating”. He was encouraged, however, to hear that it could be treated, having only just lost his uncle to the same illness.

“When the doctor said yes, I made my mind up, there and then, that I would fight this,” he said. “No one knows how they’d react to being given such a diagnosis. It’s a fight or flight situation and I’m determined to fight. I have to, for the sake of my two beautiful girls. They’re my whole life.”

He had made his home with Karen in Drogheda and so threw in his lot with the Newtown Blues club, who said that he “faced his illness with incredible courage, strength, and dignity”. “We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of our dear friend and clubman, Keith ‘Beezer’ Gorman,” read a statement on the club’s Facebook page.

“Keith was a Gael through and through – a proud husband to Karen, a devoted father to Kaelan, and above all, a truly genuine person who lit up every room he walked into. From the moment he joined our Blues family, Keith’s easy smile, good humour and kind nature made him a friend to so many.

“He embraced our club and community with open arms, and in turn, we were lucky to call him one of our own. Keith faced his illness with incredible courage, strength, and dignity. His passing leaves a huge void in the lives of everyone who knew him, but his spirit, warmth, and the memories he leaves behind will live long in our hearts.

“On behalf of everyone at Newtown Blues, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Karen, Kaelan, and all of Keith’s family and friends at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

O’Dwyer’s said that he was “an absolute gentleman and a true GAA legend”, who “will always be fondly remembered in our club”. He will be laid to rest this afternoon following his funeral Mass in Drogheda.

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