Having entered the Property industry ten years ago, MKN Property Group has benefited from the Celtic Tiger years. Outside of his work with the company, Construction Director Brian McKeon is helping the next generation of football talent at Clontarf GAA club. MKN Property Group has established itself as a property developer in Ireland over the last ten years or so. A family business, the company has proven itself in the industry during the 'boom' years of the Celtic Tiger. Sean McKeon is the managing director in the firm while his daughter Niamh, and sons John and Brian are also working in the company. Brian is construction director of the company and is based on site. He is also Chairman of the Dublin Branch of the Irish Home Builders Association. A keen Clontarf GAA man, he spoke about the company's development since it began. The firm has undertaken a number of important jobs since it first entered the property business. Most of the company's major work has been based around the capital. "We are working on our biggest scheme at the moment in Swords, Co. Dublin," he explains." "There are twenty people working directly for MKN on site and a further 80-90 subcontractors making up the team. The job we are doing at the moment has been the biggest job so far. It involves 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses and apartments. We normally have two jobs going at any one time. Last year we were involved in Sutton Castle and Auburn in Clontarf. We also have a sister company in Mullingar which is involved in both residential and commercial development." Work on the construction sites means long hours but he ensures that he makes time for Gaelic games outside work. With his own children now introduced into Gaelic football and hurling, Brian and other parents try to ensure that they cater for the welfare of the next generation of Gaelic footballers. His own children are avid followers of the GAA and enjoy their time learning the basic skills of the game at the club. Up until last year, Brian was involved with training the team's under-7s team. At the moment he is involved with the under-9s. He has three children, Sean (8), Pearse (7) and Cathlin (5). At the moment Clontarf GAA club are doing more than their bit to ensure that they look after their future players. Brian McKeon has played his role in this area. Over the last few years he has devoted much of his energy in helping out at his local club and so far he has immensely enjoyed coaching the young players. The support of parents in the organisation of things has helped make sure that things run smoothly." "It's been great really - there are a great bunch of parents involved who are helping to organise things. They are prepared to put in a lot of time and effort into it and we have played lot of friendlies against local teams in the area," he says. "We also organised our own mini-leagues where the various age groups are (boys and girls) divided into teams, they play a number of games against each other and then at the end everybody is given a medal." Over the last few years Clontarf have proven themselves as a progressive football club. As well as building an all-weather Astroturf training pitch, the appointment of a Games Promotion Officer (GPO) has helped the club move forward. The GPO works in the club to try to promote the game among younger players. They have responded though there is a need to constantly assess the training methods to keep the kids interested. "Clontarf are now on their second Games Promotion Officer (GPO). It has worked well. The GPO has an involvment with the schools and this has benefited the club as well. "The GPO also does a number of sessions with mentors to help them when they are coaching. He helps to introduce new games and techniques. Kids can get bored easily so they need to have a lot of variety in the sessions. It's really been about promoting the enjoyment of the game and it's been a good thing for the club." Brian follows the championship closely every year and is aware that Dublin's performances so far have been varied. "I have always been going to games and have seen an improvement this year. I was at the game against Westmeath and they had a high wides tally in that game. The last game I had seen prior to the Westmeath game was the Laois game. "Dublin have the capability to go all the way. I have no doubt they will improve as time goes on. Kerry might put it up to them though this is really a great chance for Dublin to do something," he says." At the moment he is enjoying working with young players at Clontarf GAA club outside of his hectic schedule at MKN. He will be hoping that by the third Sunday in September, he will be celebrating a Dublin All-Ireland victory. Tweet

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