tributes
Posted by Declan & Meghan Burke on Jun 3, 2008
We just want to say what a nice guy Trent was. He photographed our wedding in Galway last summer and during that short time, he made a great impression on our whole wedding party. He was funny, professional and was just a great regular guy. God Bless him, his Family and all who knew him. Fondly remembered by Dec & Meg New Jersey
We just want to say what a nice guy Trent was. He photographed our wedding in Galway last summer and during that short time, he made a great impression on our whole wedding party. He was funny, professional and was just a great regular guy. God Bless him, his Family and all who knew him. Fondly remembered by Dec & Meg New Jersey
Posted by Celeste Hardester, Philadelphia on Jun 3, 2008
When I came to Galway as a photographer in 2005, life privileged me with the opportunity to share a house with Trent. I discovered I’d stumbled upon a very unusual person. To say he was high-energy is an understatement. The only time he wasn’t a non-stop blur was when he was hard at work at his computer, which was a lot of the time. He’d work late many nights and be up early the next morning and every morning he was “G’Day, Sunshine.” At days end, he’d always ask how I was and if I’d say alright, he’d say, “Only alright? Not great? I’ve never known such continuous positive energy in another human being. He also had a strong sense of doing right by people. Always, always, he said and did what he thought was right, whether it would benefit him or not, whether it was mowing the landlord’s lawn, being sure to cover what he felt were his financial obligations, or telling me to keep my bloody hands off his curry powder. His non-stop optimism combined with ¬non-stop action, keen attention to all that was around him, and an unflinchingly courageous desire to use photography as a tool to help people who needed help were a very powerful and uncommon combination. There are a few people in this world to whom the term “Force of Nature” applies. Trent was one of them. I felt so fortunate to have known him and was looking forward to hearing about his work for a lot of years to come. We will all likely find ways to take meaning from who Trent was and insert it into our own ways of being, but I will always feel like we got cheated from witnessing what a great original had the heart to do.
When I came to Galway as a photographer in 2005, life privileged me with the opportunity to share a house with Trent. I discovered I’d stumbled upon a very unusual person. To say he was high-energy is an understatement. The only time he wasn’t a non-stop blur was when he was hard at work at his computer, which was a lot of the time. He’d work late many nights and be up early the next morning and every morning he was “G’Day, Sunshine.” At days end, he’d always ask how I was and if I’d say alright, he’d say, “Only alright? Not great? I’ve never known such continuous positive energy in another human being. He also had a strong sense of doing right by people. Always, always, he said and did what he thought was right, whether it would benefit him or not, whether it was mowing the landlord’s lawn, being sure to cover what he felt were his financial obligations, or telling me to keep my bloody hands off his curry powder. His non-stop optimism combined with ¬non-stop action, keen attention to all that was around him, and an unflinchingly courageous desire to use photography as a tool to help people who needed help were a very powerful and uncommon combination. There are a few people in this world to whom the term “Force of Nature” applies. Trent was one of them. I felt so fortunate to have known him and was looking forward to hearing about his work for a lot of years to come. We will all likely find ways to take meaning from who Trent was and insert it into our own ways of being, but I will always feel like we got cheated from witnessing what a great original had the heart to do.
Posted by Joanne Hession on Jun 3, 2008
Trent, not only will you live on in our memories but in your fabulous photos. Climb on!
Trent, not only will you live on in our memories but in your fabulous photos. Climb on!
Posted by Paula Lawrence on Jun 3, 2008
I will never forget Trent! His infectious belly shaking laugh, his 3-4 stubbly kisses everytime we met even if it was twice in the same day (and me being only 5 foot 2 meant he nearly had to stoop to his knee to achieve this), his shake in his hand as he took "fantastic" photos (usually when we weren't looking)and the airbrushing he did for our Mum all put a smile on my face...just as he hoped for me and for everyone around him. His ambition and determination can only be an inspiration for all of us who he leaves behind. RIP Trent and sincere sympathies to your family.
I will never forget Trent! His infectious belly shaking laugh, his 3-4 stubbly kisses everytime we met even if it was twice in the same day (and me being only 5 foot 2 meant he nearly had to stoop to his knee to achieve this), his shake in his hand as he took "fantastic" photos (usually when we weren't looking)and the airbrushing he did for our Mum all put a smile on my face...just as he hoped for me and for everyone around him. His ambition and determination can only be an inspiration for all of us who he leaves behind. RIP Trent and sincere sympathies to your family.
Posted by Gerry Curran on Jun 3, 2008
What a tragic, distressing taking of a life - which by all accounts was full, fulfilled and giving. Every one of our members who knew Trent tell me of his fun loving, caring, outgoing and tenacious manner - all of which made him a wonderful photojournalist. On behalf of myself as chairperson, and the members of the Dublin Publications and PR branch of the National Union of Journalists I extend my sympathy to his family, and express pride that such a decent bloke choose to be a member of our union.
What a tragic, distressing taking of a life - which by all accounts was full, fulfilled and giving. Every one of our members who knew Trent tell me of his fun loving, caring, outgoing and tenacious manner - all of which made him a wonderful photojournalist. On behalf of myself as chairperson, and the members of the Dublin Publications and PR branch of the National Union of Journalists I extend my sympathy to his family, and express pride that such a decent bloke choose to be a member of our union.
Posted by Gary Loughlin on Jun 3, 2008
It was with the deepest sadness that I found out about Trent\'s death last week. I got to know Trent through the various weddings we captured together along with his colleague and friend Melissa. The first time you ever met Trent he made a lasting impression on you, due not only to the fact that he was towering over you, but he was just so pleasant, funny, thoughtful, caring and just plain down to earth. In all the times I\'ve spent with him, I never once heard him utter a bad word against anyone. Photographer was his life and he loved every second of it. He had a great eye for a picture, as is evident from his portfolio and the many, many happy couples who Melissa and Trent captured on their wedding day. The last time I met Trent was for our Christmas Party last December and he was talking about Kenya and how he was looking forward to going out there. Never in our wildest dreams would we imagine that anything could happen to such a wonderful human being. Trent, you will be sadly missed by everyone here in Galway who knew you or had the pleasure of meeting you even once. I\'m sure by now you\'re already taken the perfect shot of the Pearly Gates on your entry into Heaven. Our loss is their gain. God bless you Trent - may you Rest in Peace. Gary.
It was with the deepest sadness that I found out about Trent\'s death last week. I got to know Trent through the various weddings we captured together along with his colleague and friend Melissa. The first time you ever met Trent he made a lasting impression on you, due not only to the fact that he was towering over you, but he was just so pleasant, funny, thoughtful, caring and just plain down to earth. In all the times I\'ve spent with him, I never once heard him utter a bad word against anyone. Photographer was his life and he loved every second of it. He had a great eye for a picture, as is evident from his portfolio and the many, many happy couples who Melissa and Trent captured on their wedding day. The last time I met Trent was for our Christmas Party last December and he was talking about Kenya and how he was looking forward to going out there. Never in our wildest dreams would we imagine that anything could happen to such a wonderful human being. Trent, you will be sadly missed by everyone here in Galway who knew you or had the pleasure of meeting you even once. I\'m sure by now you\'re already taken the perfect shot of the Pearly Gates on your entry into Heaven. Our loss is their gain. God bless you Trent - may you Rest in Peace. Gary.
Posted by Joan on Jun 3, 2008
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of such a great guy. He was always friendly, smiling, laughing and chatting. Sympathies to his family.
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of such a great guy. He was always friendly, smiling, laughing and chatting. Sympathies to his family.
Posted by Joe Lawrence on Jun 3, 2008
It is so sad to think that such a joyous, happy, fun loving, kind, gentle and generous guy such as that Trent, has been so suddenly being curtailed. Trent was a very good friend of my brother- David, who I know will miss him dearly. But as David said, Trent lived life to the full and enjoyed each day with a tremendous vigour. May we all adopt some of his energy and passion for life in remembering him. May he rest in peace forever.
It is so sad to think that such a joyous, happy, fun loving, kind, gentle and generous guy such as that Trent, has been so suddenly being curtailed. Trent was a very good friend of my brother- David, who I know will miss him dearly. But as David said, Trent lived life to the full and enjoyed each day with a tremendous vigour. May we all adopt some of his energy and passion for life in remembering him. May he rest in peace forever.
Posted by Reuben Kyama on Jun 3, 2008
Very sad news, indeed. We have lost yet another soul! My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. Rest in peace, --reuben
Very sad news, indeed. We have lost yet another soul! My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. Rest in peace, --reuben
Posted by PROFOCA (Professional Foreign Correspondents Association) on Jun 3, 2008
We just read about the murder of Trent Keegan in Nairobi, one more of the many who have died in the line of duty and one more whose memory will be honoured in November 2008 during the Stockholm Journalist Memorial to be held by our association in the Cathedral of Stockholm. God bless Trent and all the colleagues killed in the line of duty. José Luis Belmar Secretary General
We just read about the murder of Trent Keegan in Nairobi, one more of the many who have died in the line of duty and one more whose memory will be honoured in November 2008 during the Stockholm Journalist Memorial to be held by our association in the Cathedral of Stockholm. God bless Trent and all the colleagues killed in the line of duty. José Luis Belmar Secretary General
Posted by polly fitzpatrick on Jun 3, 2008
It is with such a heavy heart that I write this. I just can\\\'t believe that Trent has been killed. Living in Edinburgh with Trent and co. was like living in happy land as far as we were concerned. None of us could ever have imagined that any of us would meet such a tragic end. Least of all Trent. I mean, you\\\'d always feel so safe with Trent. He was just so tall, and so gentle, always so friendly to everyone. Trent was open to everyone, really and truly, never judgemental. Ever since I heard the awful news of Trents death I have just been drifting around in a state of remeniscence. I have so many wonderful memories of times spent with Trent.When he moved to Ireland he visited my family many times. He easily became friends with my sisters and parents too.I remember the first time my family met Trent was when he came home with me one Christmas when we were living in Ednburgh. My Mum and Dad just found him so refreshing. I can still see my dad doing his red face laugh at some of the things Trent would come out with. And my Mum was mortified at all the washup Trent insisted on doing while he was staying wth us! When my sister Aine and I moved to New Zealand, Trent, Trish and Mike all looked after us SO well and made us feel so at home. These are some of my happiest memories of my life.I feel writng this tribute to Trent is so final. There is so much to remember about being friends with Trent. I feel very lucky to call Trent my friend and I am thinking of all our lovely friends scattered across the globe today. Thats a lot of heavy hearts I am sad to say. Trish,Mike and Nikki I send my love and support and I will be in touch. Much Love , Polly Fitzpatrick x
It is with such a heavy heart that I write this. I just can\\\'t believe that Trent has been killed. Living in Edinburgh with Trent and co. was like living in happy land as far as we were concerned. None of us could ever have imagined that any of us would meet such a tragic end. Least of all Trent. I mean, you\\\'d always feel so safe with Trent. He was just so tall, and so gentle, always so friendly to everyone. Trent was open to everyone, really and truly, never judgemental. Ever since I heard the awful news of Trents death I have just been drifting around in a state of remeniscence. I have so many wonderful memories of times spent with Trent.When he moved to Ireland he visited my family many times. He easily became friends with my sisters and parents too.I remember the first time my family met Trent was when he came home with me one Christmas when we were living in Ednburgh. My Mum and Dad just found him so refreshing. I can still see my dad doing his red face laugh at some of the things Trent would come out with. And my Mum was mortified at all the washup Trent insisted on doing while he was staying wth us! When my sister Aine and I moved to New Zealand, Trent, Trish and Mike all looked after us SO well and made us feel so at home. These are some of my happiest memories of my life.I feel writng this tribute to Trent is so final. There is so much to remember about being friends with Trent. I feel very lucky to call Trent my friend and I am thinking of all our lovely friends scattered across the globe today. Thats a lot of heavy hearts I am sad to say. Trish,Mike and Nikki I send my love and support and I will be in touch. Much Love , Polly Fitzpatrick x
Posted by Louise Gallagher on Jun 3, 2008
I first met Trent four years ago and I was his girlfriend on and off since then. We had arranged a holiday in Kenya together and I was just boarding the flight to Nairobi when I heard about his death. Trent was one of a kind. He was energetic with a huge talent for being optimistic and enjoying life. He didn't just think about the future- he made things happen. He believed that nothing was impossible. He was spontaneous and always looking for his next adventure. Trent was curious and open-minded, a constant source of stories about places he had been and people he had met. He was a great storyteller and good company at all times. He was the most sincere, honest person I have ever met. I am devastated and will miss him a lot. My thoughts are with his family.
I first met Trent four years ago and I was his girlfriend on and off since then. We had arranged a holiday in Kenya together and I was just boarding the flight to Nairobi when I heard about his death. Trent was one of a kind. He was energetic with a huge talent for being optimistic and enjoying life. He didn't just think about the future- he made things happen. He believed that nothing was impossible. He was spontaneous and always looking for his next adventure. Trent was curious and open-minded, a constant source of stories about places he had been and people he had met. He was a great storyteller and good company at all times. He was the most sincere, honest person I have ever met. I am devastated and will miss him a lot. My thoughts are with his family.
Posted by Stephen Maguire on Jun 3, 2008
I was in Spain when I heard the shocking news about Trent's death from his good friend Jim Gallagher - a close friend of mine. I worked with Trent just once - on a story in Limerick for my newspaper the Irish Sunday Mirror. I remember his complete professionalism and how nothing was a bother for him. I will always remember how he got so excited as we tracked our subject across Limerick before finally getting the shots we needed. I also recall how he e-mailed me a few days later saying how good it was working together. It seems so unfair that such a decent human being with so much to live for has been taken from us so prematurely.
I was in Spain when I heard the shocking news about Trent's death from his good friend Jim Gallagher - a close friend of mine. I worked with Trent just once - on a story in Limerick for my newspaper the Irish Sunday Mirror. I remember his complete professionalism and how nothing was a bother for him. I will always remember how he got so excited as we tracked our subject across Limerick before finally getting the shots we needed. I also recall how he e-mailed me a few days later saying how good it was working together. It seems so unfair that such a decent human being with so much to live for has been taken from us so prematurely.
Posted by Phil on Jun 3, 2008
Only climbed with you a few times Trent but you were a gentle giant and one of the good guys for sure. This is very sad news.
Only climbed with you a few times Trent but you were a gentle giant and one of the good guys for sure. This is very sad news.
We'd just like to say how sorry we were to hear about Trent and the circumstances in which he passed away. He would lighten up the dullest day. We had the pleasure to live next door to Trent in Liosmore; he took the most beautiful photos of us and our family when we got engaged. He was an inspiration and he will be dearly missed by us all. We have just returned from his Memorial mass on the Prom in Galway, he would have been so proud to have seen all the people who came to say goodbye. Our thoughts are with his Family and friends in New Zealand, especially in these very hard next few days when Trent goes home to his final resting place, you are all in our thoughts, god bless Trent wherever you may be, xx