Roy Keane Mourns Mother Marie's Passing, Pays Tribute to 'The Boss'
Manchester United icon Roy Keane has shared a poignant tribute to his beloved mother, Marie Keane, following her death on Friday. Marie passed away peacefully at Marymount University Hospital and Hospice in Cork, surrounded by her loving family and under the tender care of medical staff.
A Simple Yet Profound Message
On Saturday evening, the former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland captain posted a touching photograph of himself alongside his mother, accompanied by the heartfelt caption: 'You'll always be the boss.' This simple message reflects the deep bond Keane shared with his mother, whom he would regularly visit in his hometown.
Family Legacy and Support
Marie is predeceased by her husband, Maurice 'Mossie' Keane, who died in 2019 at age 79 after suffering a stroke. Roy served as a pallbearer at his father's funeral. Marie is remembered as the beloved mother of Denis, Johnson, Hilary, Roy, and Pat.
Keane's parents were unwavering supporters of his illustrious football career. They watched proudly as he made 480 appearances for Manchester United between 1993 and 2005 and earned 67 caps for Ireland. In January 2022, Roy shared another photo with his mother during a visit home, captioning it: 'The only boss I listen to.'
A Lasting Marriage and Family Pride
Marie and Mossie married on August 10, 1963. At Mossie's funeral, his nephew recounted their enduring love, noting that the couple celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary shortly before his passing. The family raised their five children in Mayfield during challenging times, always managing to persevere.
Mossie was known for his infectious smile and immense pride in his children, frequently singing their praises. His nephew highlighted that Mossie's proudest moment was seeing Roy captain Manchester United to numerous successes.
Emotional Memories and Public Defence
During an episode of the podcast Stick to Football last year, Keane became visibly emotional upon encountering a photograph of his parents while reviewing football memorabilia. He reflected on the importance of family after significant victories, choking up before being comforted by co-hosts Ian Wright, Jill Scott, and Gary Neville.
Sir Alex Ferguson once described Keane as the best player he ever worked with, acknowledging the Irishman's role in securing 12 major trophies during his 12-year tenure at United. However, Ferguson's autobiography also criticized Keane's 'savage tongue' and suggested he overstepped by criticizing teammates on the club's in-house TV station.
Marie fiercely defended her son in a 2013 interview with the Irish Sun, expressing disbelief at Ferguson's comments: 'God almighty, I can’t believe Sir Alex would say such things about Roy. I just can’t believe it.'
Marie Keane's legacy as a devoted mother and steadfast supporter of her family endures, leaving a profound impact on those who knew her.
