In July 1983, John McGrath's Port Vale paid £10,000 for his services. With eleven goals in 43 games, he was the club's top scorer and Player of the Year in his debut season. The day after picking up his award he put in a transfer request because Vale had been relegated. O'Keefe had also taken a dislike towards new manager John Rudge, as well as the lengthy daily commute from his home to Vale Park. During the following season he played less regularly, but carried two children to safety when a perimeter fence collapsed during an FA Cup 2–1 win at Macclesfield Town on 17 November 1984. On 25 March 1985, he refused to play for the "Vale" against Wrexham because he was due to play for his country the following night.