A Community in Mourning
Marie Keane, the mother of former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane, has passed away at the age of 79 at Marymount University Hospital and Hospice in Cork. The Keane family confirmed that Marie died peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on Thursday evening.
The news generated an immediate outpouring of sympathy and support from across the football world and Irish society. Marie Keane was deeply respected in the Farranree community of Cork where the family grew up, and her passing has been felt as a personal loss by many who knew her beyond her famous son's achievements.
Tributes From Football
Former teammates and colleagues of Roy Keane from his playing career at Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, and the Republic of Ireland national team shared personal messages of condolence. Many spoke of Marie's warmth, generosity, and the grounding influence she maintained throughout her son's high-profile career in professional football.
The Football Association of Ireland expressed its deepest sympathies, recognising Marie's role in nurturing one of the most influential figures in Irish sporting history. Manchester United similarly offered their condolences, acknowledging Marie's support during Roy's years at Old Trafford.
Funeral Arrangements
A Requiem Mass has been announced for Tuesday, 31 March 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection in Farranree, Cork. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time while expressing gratitude for the widespread expressions of sympathy and support that have been received from communities across Ireland and beyond.