We are sad to report the death of Aileen O’Keeffe, one of Ireland’s finest international players. Aileen represented Ireland on twenty occasions at international level, including multiple appearances in World and European Championships and in the Lady Milne Trophy. In the earlier years, her international partner was generally her great friend Ann Montwill (now also deceased), but in latter years, she partnered her daughter Rebecca, a very impressive achievement which must have been a delight for them both. Aileen also won multiple Irish national titles, the majority of them with her husband John, Rebecca, Ann Montwill, and Valerie Hand. The O’Keeffe/Montwill team, including also Ann’s late husband Alex, was always a formidable opponent to meet in any competition.
Aside from her playing career, Aileen was also an outstanding and very popular bridge teacher, part of a true family dynasty that continues to this day via her children Vanessa, Rebecca, and David. Many Irish bridge players, particularly in south Dublin, learned their bridge from the O’Keeffe family, including in recent years via their very successful range of books.
Aileen will be remembered with the greatest affection by all Irish bridge players, especially her long-standing friends in the Regent Bridge Club. We extend our condolences to John, Rebecca, Vanessa, and David, and all Aileen’s extended family and her wide circle of friends. May she rest in peace. Funeral arrangements