Wrestling Heritage welcomes memories, further information and corrections.
A Rochdale Pioneer
The Rochdale Pioneers we learnt about in school history lessons were the founders of the Co-Operative movement in 1844. Unlike their predecessors our Rochdale Pioneers didn’t change the face of commerce, but they were one of the great wrestling families of the second half of the twentieth century. They were the Keegan brothers, Jack, Joe and Denis, skilled grafters who rarely achieved top of the bill status but could hold their own with just about anyone.
Eldest, and heaviest of the three wrestling brothers was John, usually billed as a light heavyweight. He was known to the wrestling world as Jack Keegan, born on 30th October, 1921. Named after his father, John Joseph, young Jack followed his father’s interests in boxing and wrestling. Jack also followed his father into working in the engineering trade. By the time he was 18 years old Jack was working as a Machine Tool Engineer whilst his father had progressed from an apprentice fitter in a cotton works to Head Inspector at Guys Aircraft Works.
As the Second World War neared it’s end Jack, serving in the Royal Navy, took two major decisions; in January he married his girlfriend, Leah, and he turned professional wrestler. He was to remain a regular worker, especially in northern England and the Midlands for more two decades.
Early bouts are recorded against Jack and Cliff Belshaw, Billy Joyce and Cyril Morris, no greater evidence is required that here was a man who knew how to wrestle. For most of his career Jack worked for Joint Promotions, moving to the opposition in the early 1960s where he wrestled up and coming stars such as Mal Kirk and established stars such as Jim Holden. By this time Jack was also promoting tournaments in Lancashire clubs.
Away from the wrestling ring Jack and Leah were for many years licences of The Gale Inn on Whitworth Road, Rochdale. Jack Keegan died, aged 89, on 19th September 2011, shortly after brother Joe, who had died on 27th August 2011.
Below, left, Jack v Bill Hargreaves at Bolton rugby ground, and on the right Macclesfield, 1963.
1303
Wrestling Heritage 