Key moments
In a heartbreaking development, Marie Keane, the mother of former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at Marymount University Hospital and Hospice in Cork. Surrounded by family, her death marks a profound loss for the Keane family and the wider football community.
Roy Keane, who made 480 appearances for Manchester United between 1993 and 2005 and earned 67 caps for the Ireland national team, was known for his close bond with his mother. He regularly visited her in Cork, demonstrating the deep familial ties that have always been a cornerstone of his life.
Marie Keane was predeceased by her husband, Maurice ‘Mossie’ Keane, who passed away in 2019. The couple married on August 10, 1963, and their enduring partnership was a source of strength for Roy throughout his career. He served as one of the pallbearers at his father’s funeral, a testament to the family’s strong connections.
The visitation for Marie Keane is scheduled for March 30, 2026, at O’Connor Bros. Funeral Home, followed by a requiem mass on March 31, 2026, at 11:00 am in the Church of the Resurrection, Farranree. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Marymount Hospice, honoring the care provided during her final days.
Roy Keane has previously expressed emotional sentiments about his parents during a podcast episode, reflecting on their unwavering support throughout his football journey. Sir Alex Ferguson, his former manager, once described Roy as the ‘best player’ he had ever worked with, further highlighting the impact of his upbringing on his professional success.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any specific tributes or memorials planned by the football community. However, it is clear that Marie Keane’s legacy will live on through her son and the countless lives she touched throughout her life.