
Timeline
The Keanes Story

1948 - Patrick Keane opened his Watch and Clock Repairs store in 1948 on 25 Patrick Street over Mckechnie Cleaners. Patrick Previously worked for Micky Roche’s Jewellers until he was persuaded by his wife Eileen to establish Keanes Jewellers. Gerard Keane - his son would help out in the business as a young boy and had an early start to the business.
In 1951 Keanes Jewellers moved from Patrick St to 94 Oliver Plunkett Street. By 1951 Patrick Keane was selling watches, diamond rings and wedding bands along with the watch repairs gained a loyal clientele throughout the years. This was to be the corner stone of an enterprise whose watchwords were “look after the customer and the business will look after itself.” Within a few years he extended into the adjoining shops, 93,94 & 95A.
Patrick Keane, son of Patrick Keane Snr joined the business and became a watch maker.
The opportunity arose to expand to Killarney and the company purchased the premises at 2, High Street Killarney from the very well-known Kerry footballer and trainer Jacky Lyne. The business established there has gone from strength to strength and is now one of the leading jewellers in Kerry and celebrated 50 years of business in 2016.
The Clancarthy buildings went up for sale and Keanes Jewellers bought 93,94,95 Oliver Plunkett Street. Keanes arranged to finance the purchase and the business entered a new era. The four small shops were converted into one large shop which became an immediate success and was supported at once by customers both old and new. The enormously increased windows were dramatic and under guidance of Pat Keane the displays took an enormous step forward, culminating in Keanes winning the National Jewellery Display Award.
Ger joined the business straight from KPMG having just completed Chartered Accountancy. When it comes to diamonds and diamond rings, an area which Keanes have a reputable reputation, Ger has taken over that responsibility for the last few years and now sources stones from around the world after learning from his Father Mr Gerard Keane.
Patrick joined the business after two years of corporate banking in Dublin and followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps and is recognized for his vast experience and knowledge of luxury time pieces.
On the 11th of November 2002 the company expanded to Limerick to what was the former Benetton shop at 10 O’Connell Street, one of the most focal locations in the city. The reputation which Keanes has for quality, excellent service & reasonable prices is maintained in Limerick.
Keanes Jewellers Celebrated 70 years in the Cork store!