Roy Keane delivers heartfelt tribute to his mother at funeral
Roy Keane paid a poignant tribute to his mother, Marie, at her funeral mass in Cork, describing her death as “the heart being ripped out of the chest” of their entire family, reports BritPanorama.
The 54-year-old former Manchester United captain delivered the eulogy at the Church of the Resurrection in Farranree, visibly emotional as he shared memories of his mother, who passed away at the age of 79 at Marymount Hospice on Friday.
In his remarks, Keane portrayed Marie as a “cool, kind and caring” figure who played multiple roles in their lives. He stated, “Our mam played so many different roles in our lives. She was a wife, mother, sister, daughter, mother-in-law and grandmother. She was pretty cool at all of them.”
Despite knowing his mother would have preferred a quieter farewell, Keane reflected on their shared experiences, saying, “I know our mam wouldn’t want us to make a fuss today.” He recounted how Marie married her husband, Maurice, in the same church back in 1962, with a framed photo from their wedding day displayed beside her coffin.
His memories included childhood moments where, though not always granting their desires, Marie ensured they had what they needed. “She didn’t always get us what we wanted, she always got us what we needed,” he recalled. The congregation responded with laughter as Keane shared anecdotes, including how Marie had a knack for using a shoe as a flying object, and her fierce protection of family, vividly recalling a moment where she chased down youngsters who had stolen wood from his siblings.
Keane’s tribute also highlighted Marie’s enduring sense of humour, which remained until her last days. He told attendees, “Not only was she kind and caring, but she had a good sense of humour, right up until the end.”
The former Ireland captain fondly reminisced about family holidays at Garretstown beach, expressing that their simple pleasures made life feel joyful: “We thought life was great just so simple.” He also found comfort in knowing his parents were reunited; Maurice had passed away in August 2019, and the intervening years had been challenging for Marie. “I never once heard her complain – not once. Ultimately, our mam and dad were at their happiest when they were together. And they are together,” Keane said.
Hundreds attended the service, including notable figures from the football world such as former Ireland and Arsenal defender David O’Leary and ex-Cork District Court judge Olann Kelleher. Tributes poured in from across the football community, with heartfelt messages from Sir David Beckham, Jamie Carragher, and others reflecting on Marie’s impact.
Even well beyond the pitch, Keane’s connection to his parents remains a significant aspect of his life, as he previously expressed emotion regarding their support during his career, underscoring a bond marked by love and respect.
As the tributes flowed and stories were recounted, it became clear that the legacy of a mother remains in the heartfelt reflections of her son — a poignant reminder of how the personal intertwines seamlessly with the public, transcending the football field and touching the very fabric of family life.
