The players assembled outside the pavilion.
Keith came out of the dressing room and trotted down the corridor.
As he ran onto the pitch, he was greeted by a guard of honour and sustained applause.
He took his place between the sticks at the scoreboard end of the ground, wearing the number 1 jersey.
He has played here many times before, for O’Dwyer’s and the Dubs.
All-Ireland final referee David Coldrick threw in the ball.
Keith stayed on the pitch for a short time and then jogged off towards the dugout, another warm ovation accompanying him with every step.
Keith is battling pancreatic cancer with the same courage that made him such a first-class goalkeeper.
He played on the Dublin 1998 and 1999 Under-21 Football teams.
They reached the Leinster final in 1998 and the Leinster semi-final the following year, losing each time to a highly talented Laois side.
Many of his teammates from that era came together last Friday night to pay him tribute. And to wish him well.
It was the Battle of the Blues. The ’98 and ’99 Under-21 teams, with some guests also in the mix.
One Dublin team wore sky-blue shirts, the other side in navy-blue jerseys.
It was 20 minutes each way on a perfect night for football, with not even the hint of a breeze.
“I never thought I’d be back here playing in Parnell Park and donning the Dublin jersey again at 45 years of age,” quipped Keith.
“I really appreciate the gesture of the Dublin County Board for making Parnell Park available.
“Fair play to the grounds staff. They have the pitch in such tip-top condition.”
Keith, his wife Karen and daughter Kaelan live in Drogheda now.
But his heart never left Hamlet Lane and the streets of Balbriggan.
“I’m involved in Louth football with the Newtown Blues, but I’ll always be a Dub, true and true,” he smiles.
“I had so many happy years with O’Dwyer’s. I grew up in the parish.
“They have been very good to myself and Karen over the last few months with my illness.
“I’m so pleased their new development is almost ready. That will be great for the club and the community. It will be a hub of the area. A place to go and meet up. A state-of-the-art modern-day facility.
“You’d meet lads after a Dublin match in Croke Park, and they’d say they are going back to their club for a pint.
“That’s such a part of it. The social aspect. The post-match chat. I have always enjoyed that side of it.
“I feel there’s no organisation like the GAA for doing that. Reaching out the hand of friendship. Welcoming people. Making them feel involved. Valued.
“That has been brought home to me even more in recent weeks. O’Dwyer’s and Newtown Blues held events for me. And I’m so grateful for that.”
He always wanted to be a goalkeeper. “Yes, from the time I was a young chap.
“The very odd time I played outfield for O’Dwyer’s, but goalkeeping always interested me.
“With Dublin, I played in goal all the way from Under-12 up.”
He didn’t have far to look for inspiration.
“John O’Leary was with O’Dwyer’s, and he had a huge impact on me.
“I idolised him. He was playing for Dublin, winning All-Ireland’s.
“I loved going to watch him playing for Dublin. He was one of the greatest goalkeepers of all.
“He brought goalkeeping to a very high level, and Stephen (Cluxton) carried it on again.
“It’s all about improving and developing all the time.
“John has been a massive help to me over the years with my goalkeeping.
“But it’s not only that. He has been so kind to me in recent times in particular.
“I can ring him at any time. His phone is always open to me.
“He always makes time for a chat, or go for a coffee.”
As the half-time whistle went in Donnycarney, Keith joked: “I better get out there and give these fellas a good pep talk!”
The banter was flying. The players were enjoying themselves.
Tommy Carr was ringside, the former Dublin captain and manager.
He was the Dublin boss when Dublin won the O’Byrne Cup in 1999. They played Louth in the final at Parnell Park.
It was the first time since 1966 that Dublin won the competition. On that occasion, another member of Dublin goalkeeping royalty, Paddy Cullen, was on duty.
Keith played in that ’99 final. He had a solid defence in front of him – Paddy Moran, Paddy Christie, Tom Lynch, Mick Casey, Ian Robertson and Colin Moran.
“That success was one of the highlights for me. I cherish that O’Byrne Cup medal,” reflected Keith.
“That year, Dublin also reached the National League final. I was on the panel.
“Unfortunately, we lost the final to Cork. It was played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.”
There were two future Dublin managers playing that afternoon – Jim Gavin and Dessie Farrell.
And on this special night, Keith’s family and friends were treated to some splendid entertainment.
There would be plenty to discuss at the post-match function down at The Beachcomber in Killester.
Shane Ryan plucked one out of the clouds and slipped a pass to Ciarán Whelan. Like old times. Back in Pillar’s Parade.
Gary O’Connell is still running marathons. Craig Kilmurray showed the pace of a panther.
Wheelo hit the near post. Denis Bastick nearly took the bar off its hinges.
Johnny Magee’s floated pass enabled Niall Crossan to guide a gem to the top right-hand corner.
Johnny then scored a goal. Reviving memories of his two crucial goals that won the Dublin Senior Football Championship title for Kilmacud in their dramatic final replay against Plunkett’s in 2008.
His daughter, Lauren, was looking on from the terraces. Just seven days before, on the very same pitch, she helped Kilmacud to their third successive Dublin Ladies Football Senior Championship crown.
Like all, she was treated to an exhibition of football. There were a tidy collection of points and some spectacular goals.
There were side-steps and step-overs. Wonderful fielding, precise passing. The master craftsmen having a ball.
Late on, a shout went up: “Next score the winner!”
“There was great talent on display here tonight,” declared Keith. “Fellas who played for Dublin at all levels. And who gave so much to the county.
“It means everything to me that they took the time to show up here. They made me feel so proud.
“Words just can’t express my gratitude to them, and to everybody who made this night possible.
“It was lovely for all the lads to meet up again. I have played with so many of them coming up through the grades.
“We have shared so many great days. Special times. Days, and people, that you’ll always remember.”
All feel blessed to have met Keith along his footballing journey.
Number 1 in more ways than one.
