DEVA NEWS
DEVA DIARY
FIXTURES AND STATS
MATCH REPORTS
DEVA STADIUM
PLAYERS
EXILES, ISA, TRAVEL GUIDE
CLUB HISTORY
WALLPAPER, LINKS,  SITE MAP
Back Home
CLUB HISTORY
History | Fixtures 1885-2020 | Honours | Records | Colours | Where Are They Now? | Programmes | Miscellaneous | Latest Articles
DENNIS KEATING 1940-2021

Chester FC are sorry to learn of the passing of former player Dennis Keating who made a single Football League appearance for the club, against Bradford City, in the 1962/63 season. A tricky winger he retired from football at an early age to join a religious order and was well known in later years for his work as a priest in the Catholic parishes of St Columba and St Theresa.

Born in Cork, Dennis initially joined Chester as a part-time professional in June 1962 after graduating from Manchester University. While at university he had played for the Varsity team and was a member of the English Athletic Union side that played against Wales. He also represented Saltney Juniors and Bill Lambton signed him as an inside right after he had impressed in trial games played at the Stadium.

After initially playing for the A team Dennis graduated to the reserves in the Cheshire County League in September. After sparkling performances on the left wing for the reserves, in particular against Bangor City where he gave former Chester full back Bill Souter a torrid afternoon, he was given the opportunity to play against Blackburn Rovers in the Lancashire Cup. Forming a youthful left wing partnership with hat-trick hero Alan Pritchard he set up the first goal in a 3-2 victory and both players were promoted to first team action against Bradford City. Once again Dennis impressed with the Cheshire Observer reporting: “Keating certainly has got plenty of heart, and though he was bumped in occasions, he kept coming back for more, and while he is doing the job like he will be difficult to displace.”

He kept his place for the home FA Cup tie against Tranmere Rovers the following week but with left wing partner Pritchard dropped in favour of the more experienced Bill Myerscough he struggled to make an impression as Chester fell to a 2-0 defeat. Only two weeks later Dennis was transferred to Wellington Town saying that, as a teacher, he thought that non-league football would suit him better. A quiet and studious individual at Sealand Road he was not your typical 1960s footballer and in turning to a life of religion he found his true calling.

The club send out their condolences to his family and friends.

Chas Sumner [28/7/21]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© 1997-2021 Steve Mansley | User Stats | Technical | Webmaster
Back | Top

 

search this site»
email this page
LATEST NEWS
PROMISING DEBUT CUT SHORT
There was a promising debut from Kieran Burton as Chester drew with Curzon Ashton on Saturday.
more »
LAST MATCH
BLUES SUNK BY LATE GOAL
Blow for Chester who are beaten by play-off rivals South Shields who score a late winner.
more »
NEXT MATCH
BUXTON
Chester travel to Buxton on Friday. kick-off 15.00hrs.
Fixtures 2023/24
League table
Chester weather
 
CLUB HISTORY
Everything you need to know about the club’s history, honours, records and kits. Complete list of fixtures from 1885 and much more.
more »
SUPPORTERS
EXILES BLOG
The Exiles have set up a blog to provide away match information and articles for Blues fans living away from Chester. You can read it here
Exiles » | ISA »