RJK Antiques was first established in Kilmacthomas, County Waterford in 1949 by the late Patrick Keighery. In 1968 Patrick bought a large stone-front building on William Street in Waterford city and set up a retail furniture and antiques business there. For a while, he ran the shops in both locations but eventually closed the Kilmacthomas outlet to concentrate on the booming city-centre business. Patrick Keighery was a big believer in practical “on the go” experience and Rody served his apprenticeship under Patrick’s supervision. He accompanied him on many trips to London and also did various antique- and valuation-related courses.

He took over the business in the city and started selling by auction in the 1980s. While the antiques shop has been operating successfully for more than 73 years, it is the auctioneering side to the business that has helped the family prosper. As the business progressed, the Keighery reputation spread. What began as a sideline in the 1980s became a fully fledged operation in 1992, when the Keigherys bought a 5,000 sq ft premises adjoining the antiques store, where auctions are regularly held.