Double celebration at opening of new Frank Keane Group VW outlet

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Group VW outlet 

More than 400 guests gathered last week in Sandyford, to herald the opening of the 
new 2,500 sq. m Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles 
retail outlets by the Irish Motor icon, Frank Keane. It was a happy coincidence that 
the night also was an occasion to celebrate Frank’s 90 th birthday. 
Founder of the Group, Frank Keane, was presented with a pair of specially 
commissioned paintings to mark his landmark anniversary, by Alan Bateson, Brand 
Director for Volkswagen Passenger Cars Ireland. 
Alan, speaking at the special event, said, “I would like to thank Frank Keane Group 
for investing in this outstanding facility. Passion, energy and a desire to be the best; 
just some of the qualities that made Frank Keane a leader in the Irish automotive 
sector. Despite 50 years of unparalleled success, Frank Keane Group remains at its 
core a family business and one we are proud to call part of the larger Volkswagen 
family.” 
Frank Keane Group’s new Volkswagen showrooms in Sandyford, south Dublin is set 
on 1.75 acres and built to fit Volkswagen’s exacting corporate identity, the state-of- 
the-art facilities boast space for more than 20 vehicles, 15 workshop ramps and a 
standalone valeting centre. 
Frank Keane Volkswagen employs more than 60 people in Sandyford, a 140% 
increase since they started selling Volkswagens in the area six years ago. In total, 
more than 140 people are employed across their Volkswagen operations in Dublin. 
These new facilities currently hold a total of 17 DC and AC chargers. In addition, the 
buildings are future proofed to increase their EV infrastructure by over 100%. 
Always the Motorman, Frank found time to sell a brand new Volkswagen T-Roc to a 
customer, rubber stamping the successful formula that has inspired more than 50 
years of automotive excellence. 
Founded in 1967, Frank Keane Group is one of Ireland’s leading automotive 
organisations. The Group has been delivering superior quality and outstanding 
customer service for more than 50 years. 
I first met Frank at the Spring Show in 1974 and I can vouch that his enthusiasm for 
his motor products has never waned, evident in these very impressive new premises 
One of the most recognisable names in the Irish Motor Industry, Frank Keane 
became interested in cars at an early age through his fascination with motor racing. 
In 1967, he was awarded the BMW franchise for Ireland. In December 2011, Frank 

Keane Group was awarded the Volkswagen franchise and operated from a premises 
on the Long Mile Road. In 2014, it opened its first flagship Volkswagen store in Liffey 
Valley. Three years later, it celebrated its 50 th anniversary in business. The Group 
now employs more than 400 people across its Irish operations. 
Billy Riordan, CEO of Frank Keane Holdings Limited, said: “We have worked 
tirelessly over the past few years to make this dealership a reality, and we are thrilled 
to finally be able to share it with our loyal customers. Volkswagen has a long and 
storied history of producing some of the most reliable and innovative vehicles on the 
market, from the iconic Beetle to the cutting-edge ID.4 and eye-catching ID Buzz. 
Volkswagen has always been at the forefront of automotive technology, and we are 
proud to be able to bring these incredible vehicles to our customers here at our new 
dealership.” 
Among the guests of honour on the night was broadcasting legend, and personal 
friend of Frank Keane, Pat Kenny who recounted stories of his own Volkswagen 
Beetle driving days. Guests were keen to get their picture taken with the Irish Car of 
the Year and Irish Van of the Year winning ID. Buzz while a string quartet provided 
the soundtrack.