Athlone Chamber of Commerce held their annual Athlone Business Awards in the Sheraton Athlone Hotel on 4th November 2023. At the awards, Jim Keane, founding partner of RBK, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2023.
Presented by Alan Shaw, President of Athlone Chamber of Commerce, he outlined that the award recognised Jim’s legacy in Athlone and the Midlands that impacts on the daily lives of so many people.
In his speech, Alan spoke about Jim’s early life, his capacity to overcome challenges, clearly shaped the business person he became and he surrounded himself with strong people, shaping his life, both personally and in business.
“First employed in 1966 as a Trainee Accountant with Paddy Russell, Jim quickly rose to becoming Partner and later Managing Partner of RBK, now the largest independent accounting firm in Ireland. During his professional career, Jim’s business advice was sought after and highly regarded.
A career that spanned over 45 years has seen RBK develop into a firm of over 250 staff, Jim also played a key part in the development of Athlone Town Centre, Manor Mills in Maynooth, as well as Irishtown Athlone including RBK House. Giving back to his community was also a key attribute in receiving the award.
He has truly left a mark on Athlone and the Midlands. He has been a leader with vision, passion and drive and supported throughout his career by his wife Brid and family.”
On receiving the award, Jim said, “I am honoured, privileged and very, very humbled to receive the award. I want to particularly thank my RBK colleagues, both past and present, for they loyalty, dedication and commitment to being with me in the trenches and the scrum throughout my working life. I see this as an award to all of you as much as to me.”
Managing Partner with RBK, Joe Cleary, said, “On behalf of my fellow Partners and all the team here at RBK, I would like to congratulate Jim on being presented with this Lifetime Achievement Award. Our aim is to continue the strong ethos of the firm that was developed and embedded by Jim. We extend our continued good wishes to Jim and his family. We would also like to congratulate all the finalists and winners of the various awards presented on the night.”
