NEIL KEENAN | Neil’s Tales

Basketball Confessions

Being from an Irish Catholic family, Neil’s education began in Catholic schools, where from a young age he progressed rapidly as he was a quick learner, had a good memory and was one with good grades. 



The problem was that learned too fast and thus became easily bored with a repetitious curriculum of stale memorizing. This strict atmosphere stifled his restless spirit and opened the opportunities for humorous classroom rebellion.

The poor old Nuns and teachers could barely turn to the blackboard without Neil’s mimicking antics and causing classroom laughter. 

The teachers knew who the culprit was but catching him in the act was always difficult. Neil did get the cane on the hands occasionally, a seat in the corner facing the wall, banishing to the hall or told to report to the Principal, Father O’Railey, who actually became a lifelong friend because of repeat visits and frank religious conversations.

On one occasion Father O’Railey ran into Neil in the hall. “You again. What did you do this time?” he queried. “Don’t tell me.” “Can I go to the school yard and shoot some baskets?” asked Neil. “Go ahead but no more trouble.” the Father said.



This was the beginning of Neil’s welcome punishments.  He spent hours honing his basketball skills and raising the school’s athletic reputation in the State and in New England.  All this while his classmates peered out windows enviously waiting for recess.

On another visit to the Principal’s office Father O’Railey commented that he hadn’t seen Neil at Confession lately, maybe you need a little less basketball and a bit more soul searching and admission of your wrong doing actions.



Neil was quick to respond, “Father, in Bible studies you told me that God is omnipresent, omniscient, omni-this and omni-that.  HE sees all and knows all, so why do I have to confess what I do when HE already knows it ALL?”

Father O’Railey paused knowing that the innocence of youth had exposed the truth behind religious control dogma and policy and would open a can of worms in an ethics debate with a 9-year old kid, so he just said, “Good point. That is something that we will talk about sometime later.  Now go and shoot some hoops.” The Father obviously knew how to play “Dodge’em”.

“Thank you Father.” Neil chirped and commented, “You know the Bible says for us to do our best and that is what I do in class and on the court,” thus declaring the depth of a young boy’s understanding of life.

From an early age Neil formed such comprehension. And though he was never a devout follower, he did meet in his lifetime with two Popes and other religious leaders receiving their blessings. That alone is an accomplishment few ever attain.



Later in his career, Neil got into a high level religious debate concerning biblical knowledge with a Bible scholar. The debate was fierce with email challenges flying back and forth. Neil was definitely outclassed but he had a trick up his sleeve. 

Whenever Neil got stumped or needed help with Church policy or interpretations, Neil would ask his friend, Pope John Paul II, for advice. 

Little did his debating opponent or anyone else know that Neil was using the Ultimate Source to gain a definitive advantage but for the Irish “It’s only a fight if you WIN!”

And even Pope John Paul was impressed by Neil’s astute questioning. 

May God Bless.

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