Keane of Kilnamona

Matthew (Matt) Keane
Police Constable to Postmaster

The first generation of the Kilnamona Keane's to settle in the nation's capital was occasioned by Matt, son of Matthew, Ballyashea.  Matt was born in 1854.

Matt joined the Royal Irish Constabulary (R.I.C.) in June 1874 at the age of 20. The records of the RIC state that he was 5 feet 10 inches tall, a farmer by trade or calling and was posted to the Dublin District in December 30 1874. 

Matt married Mary Kennedy, from County Meath on 30 October 1888.  He became acting sergeant in May 1892 and sergeant in December 1894.  His file record shows that he was fined 20 shillings on 13 December 1878 and again 20 shillings on 9 August 1884 (a princely sum in those days; for what can only be guessed at!!) (cf. Royal Irish Constabulary Register, London, No. 40,382). 

Over:- Late 1920's  photo of Matthew with grandchild, Máire, daughter of Leo's.

At least Matt served in Finglas, Co. Dublin, Blessington, Co Wicklow, and Swords, Co. Dublin. He retired on pension on December 5 1902. The family settled in Swords and managed the local post office - in the 1911 census Matthew was described as a Sub-Postmaster living in Main Street having nine in family. Matt died in 1948, aged 94 years. He visited his native parish in earlier years, probably for the last time on the death of Johnnie Matthew in 1930.

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Some family notes on cover page of a book (history of Ireland) presented by Mat (sic) to Molly (his wife Mary) on her birthday 14th December 1887. Additional details on grandchildren events are also included.

Over: the headstone over Matthew Keane's grave in Swords County Dublin (photo April 2005).

           For more on Matt's family go to Matt's Family

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