Blackpool Hero O’Keefe Speaks To Vital

Blackpool hero Eamonn O’Keefe has been in touch with Blackpool Vital from the sunny beaches of Portugal, just to pass on a message for the supporters.

Although only playing at the club for two years, O’Keefe became a big hit with the fans, scoring 23 goals in just 36 games before he was forced to retire due to injury.




Hi Jack,

Just a quick line to pass on a ‘Hello’ to all who supported me at Blackpool F.C. and who have tried to get in touch. I now live in the Algarve, Portugal, with my wife and our three daft dogs. I’ve been coming here on holiday for nearly 20 years and am keen on golf now (a little slower and creakier than I used to be though…) and have met and befriended a whole bunch of people here – ex-pats, football supporters, keen golfers, etc – all wanting to have a few beers and talk non-stop about football and golf…. bliss!

I’m writing this after meeting a bunch of Blackpool supporters who said that they had wondered what had become off me… Well, I am settled, happy, and in good health – and can’t believe that I didn’t ‘make the move’ a lot sooner! I still have my uses as I am able, through using my own experiences and invaluable friends and contacts, to help point people in the right direction when they come over here, either on holiday or, like me, to live the dream. People often encounter difficulties regarding accomodation, legal issues, vehicles, red-tape… or just wanting to know where the cheapest beer/ best atmosphere is and it can be reassuring that there are friendly and willing to help out if needed – it’s a great community.

Please feel free to e-mail and I hope the snow clears soon,

Yours, from the beach…

Eamonn O’Keefe.

P.S. Good luck for the rest of the season.