Details of the Incident

Antrim Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) player Kavan‍ Keenan,26,of ⁣Millfield,Ballymena,has pleaded not guilty to five of six charges related to a hit-and-run incident that occurred on October ‍26,2024.The incident took place on the Glenravel Road⁢ in Martinstown, County Antrim, ⁣at approximately 9:00 PM.

The charges stem from an incident where a Peugeot Partner van struck a pedestrian, a woman in her 30s, who sustained injuries⁣ described at the time as “perhaps life-changing.” The allegedly stolen van was later recovered and showed evidence of frontal damage.

Court ‍proceedings and Defense strategy

Mr. Keenan appeared at Antrim Crown Court and entered not guilty pleas‍ to charges including causing grievous bodily injury ⁢by careless driving, and failing to stop, remain, and report an accident resulting in injury. During the arraignment, defence counsel ⁣Mr. Taggart informed Judge Laura Ievers KC that a forensic engineer would be commissioned to prepare a‍ report for the defence.

Mr. Taggart also noted “some witness agreement,” suggesting potential common ground in witness testimonies. This indicates ‍a possible focus on the ⁣details⁤ surrounding the accident itself, rather than solely on the act of leaving the⁤ scene.

next Steps and Bail Conditions

Judge Ievers released Mr. Keenan on continuing bail under⁤ the‍ same existing conditions. A review of the case is scheduled for October 17, 2025, with a trial date set for January 28, 2026. Mr. Keenan continues to play‍ football for both Antrim and his club, All Saints GAC,⁣ while awaiting trial.