Matthew Keenan

Rua D8 Youth Worker

matthew@solasproject.ie | 086.410.6219

Matthew joined Solas project in July 2023 as a youth justice worker on the Rua D8 team. With prior experience as a youth worker in Oberstown Youth Detention Centre and Education Authority, he is passionate about supporting young people; particularly those at risk of involvement with the justice system. In his own words:  

“To me, youth justice means helping and supporting young people in a non-judgemental way and being a positive and accepting presence when so many others have let them down. It takes patience and investment in the process but seeing small positive changes in people over time is the biggest reward.” 

Matthew holds a BA in Youth Work from Dundalk Institute of Technology and is also invested in the policy side of justice work, having written his thesis on the lack of after-care supports for young people involved within the Youth Justice System.  

Originally from County Armagh, outside of work Matthew loves running, DJing, and going on hikes with Toby his Jack Russell.