One of Cardiff’s most famous sons will be commemorated with the unveiling of a road named in his honour this weekend.
Cardiff City’s FA Cup winning captain, Fred Keenor, will be recognised for the massive part he played in the capital’s history when the road leading to Cardiff City Stadium is renamed Ffordd Fred Keenor.
Cardiff Council deputy leader, Cllr Neil McEvoy will be joined by former Welsh internationals and Bluebirds favourites, Nathan Blake and Phil Dwyer and Fred Keenor’s nephew Graham Keenor for the unveiling of the road sign on the drive that leads to the Bluebirds’ ground, off Leckwith Road.
The unveiling will take place on Saturday, December 4 at 2pm ahead of high-flying City’s Championship clash with Preston North End at 3pm.
Cardiff-born Keenor famously led Cardiff City to glory and lifted the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium in 1927 after the Bluebirds beat Arsenal 1-0 to become the only team outside of England to win the coveted trophy.
Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Neil McEvoy, said: “I am a massive Cardiff City fan so for me, personally, it is a great honour to be involved in a project that honours one of the greatest players in the club’s history and indeed, someone who has played a huge part in Cardiff’s history as a city.
“It’s amazing that it has taken 83 years for his contribution to be recognised. I’m delighted that we do now have a lasting tribute to this Cardiff hero and I’m really looking forward to the day in the not too distant future when a statue in his honour is erected in the city. The big conclusion from this is that football is no longer the Cinderella sport in terms of civic recognition.”
Fred’s nephew, Graham Keenor, said: “I’m very excited about the naming of this road after Fred. It’s wonderful to finally have recognition for my uncle and his family. It’s also really great for all Cardiff City fans.
“I regularly keep in contact with Fred’s only surviving son, Bryn, who is 83 and lives in Tunbridge Wells, about developments here regarding commemorating his father. It’s absolutely tremendous for him and he is very grateful.”
The Council has also thrown its support behind the plan to build a statue in honour of Keenor and has pledged £15,000 to the appeal to raise funds for the project.
