Marie Keane, mother of Roy Keane, has died
Marie Keane, the mother of former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, has died peacefully at Marymount University Hospital in Cork, her family announced on Friday, reports BritPanorama.
She passed away surrounded by her loved ones, receiving care from the hospital’s medical staff and nurses. Marie Keane was known for her close relationship with her son, frequently visiting him during his football career.
Marie is survived by five children: Denis, Johnson, Hilary, Roy, and Pat. Her husband Maurice, known as “Mossie,” predeceased her in 2019; the couple were married on August 10, 1963, and raised their family in Mayfield.
Both Maurice and Marie were devoted supporters of Roy’s football career, attending matches throughout his tenure at Manchester United, where he made 480 appearances from 1993 to 2005, while also representing Ireland on 67 occasions. At Maurice’s funeral in 2019, family members spoke of their pride in watching Roy captain Manchester United to multiple victories.
During his time at Old Trafford, Roy collected 12 major honours. Sir Alex Ferguson referred to him as the finest player he had managed. Following Ferguson’s criticisms of Roy in his autobiography in 2013, Marie expressed disbelief, defending her son vigorously, stating, “I can’t believe Sir Alex would say such things about Roy.”
Marie Keane’s visitation will take place at O’Connor Bros. Funeral Home on North Gate Bridge on Monday, March 30, from 6pm to 7pm. A requiem mass is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, at 11am in the Church of the Resurrection, Farranree. The family has requested that mourners make donations to Marymount Hospice instead of sending flowers.
In every memory, a hint of the deep connections within the game lingers. Football echoes in family ties, and Marie Keane’s legacy extends far beyond her life’s end, resonating in the heart of a son who always knew the strength of home.
