"Dermot died at home on Saturday 13 June with his children, Seamus, Kathleen and Malachy, and me, beside hm.

He had been diagnosed with cancer five years ago in 2021 and had endured all sorts of treatments, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery, doing so with exemplary courage and stoicism.

Dermot wholeheartedly supported me in my work as Deputy Head (1994-2007), the children in their education at Princethorpe, and the College itself with many events. He particularly enjoyed helping at equestrian ones.

Dermot had taught for nearly 40 years, inspiring legions of students, many of whom attended his Memorial Service on 28 July. We are very grateful to Princethorpe for permitting this to be held in the College's beautiful Chapel. It was a very moving service with poetry, music, reflections, and ending with a blessing from Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC.

Dermot was a talented artist and poet as well as a brilliant teacher, and a loving family man, devoted to his children and eight grandchildren.

The O'Keeffe family motto: 'To the brave and faithful man, nothing is difficult.' For Dermot, nothing was difficult, but it is very difficult for us to cope without him. May he rest in peace."

The family is in our thoughts and prayers.