[3] He was educated at St. Francis Seminary, went to work for P. Falk & Co. manufacturing jewellers for seven years to 1883, and went to Melbourne for a period before returning to Adelaide.
[4][5] He was manager and editor of early Catholic publication the Catholic Monthly, served as vice-president of the West Adelaide Football Club and was a long-time contributor to The Southern Cross, serving as its acting editor in 1900.
[2][3] Keogh first entered politics in December 1900, winning election to the Grey Ward of the Adelaide City Council by a large majority.
[6][7] He was also defeated for his city council seat in December 1902 in a major and unpredicted upset.
[8] In 1902, he became secretary of the South Australian branch of the Licensed Victuallers' Association, a position which he held until his death.