Who was Andrew Keane?

Andrew Keane, known affectionately as Andy, was a 23 (twenty-three) year-old Irish farm labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on February 7, 1889, in Toberroe, Greethill near Athenry, Co Galway, Ireland, Keane was not only a hardworking farmer but also an accomplished athlete in Gaelic sports, particularly hurling. His journey on the Titanic was meant to be the start of a new life in America, where he planned to join his siblings who had already emigrated.

Early Life and Family

Andrew Keane was born into a large, Roman Catholic family. His parents were:

Father: Patrick Keane (born circa 1821), a farmer
Mother: Honoria Kennedy (born circa 1851)

Patrick and Honoria married on September 22, 1877, in Loughrea, Co Galway. Andrew was one of eleven children, with siblings including:

Ellie (born circa 1878)
Bridget (born February 18, 1881)
Margaret (born March 19, 1883)
Patrick (born October 19, 1885)
John (born June 9, 1887)
Michael (born September 27, 1891)
Mary Anne (born September 26, 1893)
Martin (born December 12, 1896)
Nora (born June 8, 1898)
Thomas (born August 14, 1902)

The Keane family was bilingual, fluent in both Irish and English languages, which was common in rural Ireland at the time.

Life in Toberroe

Andrew spent his formative years in Toberroe, a small townland in County Galway. Census records from 1901 and 1911 show the Keane family living at house 1 in Toberroe. By the 1911 census, Andrew was described as an unmarried labourer, indicating his primary occupation on the family farm.

Tragedy struck the family on March 8, 1903, when Andrew’s father Patrick passed away at the age of 82. This event likely increased the responsibilities of the younger Keane children, including Andrew, in maintaining the family farm.

Athletic Pursuits

What set Andrew apart from many of his contemporaries was his athletic prowess. He was heavily involved in Gaelic sports, with a particular passion for hurling. His skill on the field was notable:

He helped lead his team to multiple championships
His brother Patrick served as the team captain
Andrew accumulated several sporting medals for his achievements

This dedication to sports not only showcased Andrew’s physical abilities but also his commitment to Irish cultural traditions.

The Decision to Emigrate

By early 1912, Andrew made the life-changing decision to join several of his siblings who had already established themselves in the United States. This was a common choice for many young Irish people of the time, seeking better economic opportunities abroad.

Preparation for the Journey

Andrew’s preparation for his journey to America reflected both his cultural heritage and personal interests:

He packed Gaelic sporting equipment, including camans (hurley sticks)
His sporting medals were among his prized possessions
A melodeon (a type of accordion) was included for musical entertainment

These items paint a picture of a young man proud of his accomplishments and eager to bring a piece of his Irish identity to his new home.

The Titanic Journey

Andrew boarded the Titanic at Queenstown (now Cobh) on April 11, 1912. His journey was made possible by the financial support of his siblings:

Ticket number: 12460
Class: Third Class
Cost: £7 15s (7 pounds, 15 shillings)
Destination: Auburndale, Massachusetts

It was in Auburndale that his sister Ellie and brother John resided, having sent money for his passage. This familial connection highlights the close-knit nature of Irish immigrant communities in America.

A Familiar Face Onboard

During the voyage, it is believed that Andrew became acquainted with Honor Healy, a fellow passenger who hailed from a neighboring townland in Galway. This connection underscores the tendency for Irish immigrants to seek out familiar faces and maintain regional ties even as they embarked on new adventures.

The Tragic End

Sadly, Andrew Keane did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. His body, if recovered, was never identified. This uncertainty added to the grief of his family back in Ireland.

Legacy and Remembrance

The loss of Andrew Keane had a profound impact on his family:

His widowed mother received benefits from the American Red Cross and the Titanic Relief Fund
She remained in Ireland but suffered from senility in the years following her son’s death
Honoria Keane passed away on August 14, 1920

Today, Andrew “Andy” Keane is remembered on his parents’ headstone in Athenry New Cemetery, Galway, Ireland (section B, plot 265). This memorial serves as a lasting tribute to a young life cut short and a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster.

Andrew Keane’s story, while tragically brief, encapsulates the spirit of many Irish immigrants of his time—hardworking, athletic, proud of their heritage, and brave enough to seek a new life across the Atlantic. His journey on the Titanic, intended to be the beginning of a new chapter, instead became a footnote in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.