23rd April 2025

Matt Eastley

THE TWO SIDES OF FR ‘MUGSY’ McKEOWN

Fr. McKeown (Mugsy) was a controversial figure at St. Mary’s, known as a strict discipline master and an unconventional history teacher. However, some students remember a different side of him. To offer a more balanced view, Bert Moniz hosted a conversation between 1954 intakes Paul Connolly, Mike Moore, and Rudy Stocking, where they shared their experiences, including the priest-man’s more human side.   

Paul’s experience on a Cycling Trip to Lourdes

The trip from Sidcup to Lourdes was organised by Maths teacher Fred McAndrew, with Mugsy as the accompanying priest. Four students – Seamus McAleese, Reg Morel, Charlie Ireland, and Paul – joined them on the journey, staying in schools and hostels for six days each way. They also enjoyed some adult beverages (in moderation) with their mentors. Paul found Mugsy to be friendly, easygoing, and funny. He didn’t enforce rules like night prayers.
During the trip, Paul’s bike gears malfunctioned, causing him to fall far behind the group. He had to find a local train, filled with villagers, animals, and produce, to catch up using his broken French. Mugsy saw it as a character-building experience, which Paul carried with him as self-reliance that paid off during his career.

Rudy’s Boxing Triumph and a Surprise Social

Rudy recounts two significant interactions with his former teacher. The first was during an inter-school boxing match, in which he received a badly bleeding nose in the first round. Instead of quitting he continued – and won on points. After all was done, rather than celebrating, Mugsy commended him for his courage in taking on the challenge.
As a young adult, Rudy moved to Canada but returned for a holiday to visit family. On a whim, he decided to visit Mugsy, who was retired and living in Devon, without giving notice (no cell phones then). Mugsy welcomed him warmly, cooked for him, and patiently listened to his Canadian stories while they consumed a little whiskey. Rudy, who often thought about the spiritual side of life, found this visit helped him understand how Mugsy could compartmentalize strict discipline and compassion by knowing the rules and playing to them.

Mike’s Swimming Experience and Marriage

Mugsy taught St. Mary’s students life-saving skills at Eltham Baths. He never got in the pool but made his students jump in at the deep end and paddle to the side. After sending them back to the changing rooms, a few had to return for their towels and were shocked to find Mugsy swimming lengths underwater. It became clear that he wanted his students to learn through their own experience, not from him.
After leaving school, Mike began touring with his rock band. He returned home to marry and asked Mugsy to officiate. Mike remembers how he replied without hesitation, saying he was pleased and honored. This was not the feared history teacher, but the caring priest, a man who knew how to compartmentalize his life of service.