Martin Keown's strong Galway roots in his own words as Arsenal legend sets record straight

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A video clip from Saturday's Football Focus has taken the internet by storm, where Martin Keown finally put a long-standing misconception to rest. The former Arsenal stalwart clarified how his name should be pronounced, after years of everyone getting it wrong.

"It's 'Kee-owen'. Martin Kee-owen," he insisted during a chat with presenter Kelly Somers on the show.

The mispronunciation of Irish names is no new hurdle on English shores—just look at the likes of Paul McGrath (that 'th' needs proper respect), Andy Kee-oooh or Matt Doherty for proof.

Despite Somers quickly slipping back into the usual way of saying Keown, it's safe to say this might spark more correction conversations.

Those in the know about this three-time Premier League champion understand that his connection to Ireland is strong—in fact, it rivals many who have donned the emerald kit.

Back in the early '90s, Keown had the notion to switch allegiances to the land of his Galway mother and Fermanagh father, but FIFA's rigid regulations at the time nixed that idea. Having played for England's Under-18s, he was stuck, unlike Declan Rice who decades later swapped after sporting the senior Ireland jersey in three matches.

"The decision was made very young," Keown reflected in an interview as Euro 2020 approached, commenting on a tournament where he represented England, while Ireland sat it out, missing by a whisker.

Keown discussed his Irish roots in the same interview, stating: "People have told me I'm probably more Irish than half the Irish team. I don't know.

"I grew up in what was very much an Irish community. I had to listen to the Chieftains every Sunday morning with my cooked breakfast."

He further noted: "I could very easily have played for Ireland and at one stage efforts were made to try and switch to the Republic of Ireland."

(Image: INPHO/Cathal Noonan)

However, FIFA did not approve, and he debuted for England ahead of Euro 1992, followed by a five-year period without a senior cap.

"It's a difficult decision for anyone to make when they're so young and for a long time it looked as though I'd made the wrong decision," he reflected.

"But once I broke into the England team on the football front, I think, eventually, I made the right decision.

"Obviously I have got so many family members who are Irish, and if I have a holiday the first place I go to is Ireland. There will always be strong links."

The Keown family finally saw one of their own don the green jersey when Martin's son Niall earned two caps for the Ireland Under-21s in 2016.

He played full matches in the Euro Under-21 qualifiers against Slovenia (1-3) and Italy (1-4), where he shared the field with Callum O'Dowda, Darragh Lenihan, Jack Byrne and Sean Maguire, all of whom later won senior caps.

"Dad used to get a lot of stick from his family for playing for England, I was aware of all that so it wasn't really a big decision for me to represent Ireland," Niall shared.

"I have lots of family in Galway, we went there for holidays a lot and they are very proud that I have decided to represent Ireland.

"There was no big discussion with dad about this, it was just the natural thing for me to do.

"I was named as backup for an England U18 squad but once (then Under-21 boss) Noel King and the FAI got in touch, my decision was made."

Niall's career took an unfortunate turn when he had to hang up his boots four years later due to a knee injury, but he has since channelled his passion into coaching at the Oxford United academy.

Meanwhile, his father Martin's connection to the Emerald Isle is as deep-rooted as ever. The ex-Gaelic footballer made a nostalgic trip back to his old GAA club Eire Óg in Oxford in 2016 to present medals, and if his recent comments are anything to go by, his Irish spirit is still fiercely alight, much like his days at Arsenal.

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