Joseph Jude Keenan was handed a 100-hour community service order (CSO) after he admitted trying to take the blame for a hit and run accident his son caused
08:54, 30 Jan 2026Updated 08:55, 30 Jan 2026
Kavan Keenan(Image: ©INPHO/Leah Scholes)
The father of Antrim GAA star Kavan Keenan received a 100-hour community service order on Thursday following his admission to attempting to take the blame from a hit and run incident his son caused.
Ballymena Magistrates Court was told how a Peugeot Partner van collided with a pedestrian on the Glenravel Road in Martinstown, shortly before 9pm on 26 October 2024.
A prosecution lawyer informed the court that the van left the scene, but police investigations directed officers to the Keenan family residence at Millfield in Ballymena.
Upon gaining entry to the property, the damaged vehicle was discovered parked behind the house, with 56-year-old Joseph Jude Keenan initially claiming he had been behind the wheel.
The court was told, however, that eyewitnesses had described the driver as “having an athletic build” and it became apparent quite swiftly that the van was actually being operated by his son, 26-year-old Kavan Keenan, reports Belfast Live.
During a previous hearing, Keenan senior pleaded guilty to attempted obstruction of police.
In separate proceedings, Antrim GAA player Kavan Keenan awaits sentencing at Antrim Crown Court after admitting to causing grievous bodily harm through careless driving.
He also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance along with failing to report and failing to remain at the scene of an accident that resulted in injury.
During Thursday’s court proceedings, defence barrister Patrick Taggart explained that after the collision on the Glenravel Road, Keenan jnr was unaware he had hit a pedestrian, only noticing the vehicle damage when he stopped approximately half a mile further along.
Those who challenged him at the location “were understandably upset” and after awaiting police arrival, he departed for home.
Mr Taggart stressed, however, that contact information, including names and addresses, had been provided “and the police did not attend until 1am.
“There was clearly an effort to protect his son but his son did the right thing and put his hand up,” the barrister informed the court, noting that Kavan Keenan’s plea and sentencing at the Crown Court hinges on the current industrial action by the Criminal Bar Association.
Mr Taggart revealed that Keenan snr lost his employment due to media coverage surrounding the case, though he currently trains several youth Camogie teams.
Handing down the 100-hour community service order, District Judge Nigel Broderick informed the defendant that “thankfully, the police quickly realised” he wasn’t the driver being sought “but nevertheless, the attempt was made and it’s a serious matter.”