Funeral held for mother of former footballer Roy Keane

David Beckham, Gary Neville and Robbie Keane are among those who have expressed condolences.
The coffin is carried from the funeral of Marie Keane, mother of former footballer Roy Keane, at the Church of the Resurrection in Farranree, Cork (Brendan Gleeson/PA)
PA Wire
Grainne Ni Aodha
31 March 2026

A funeral mass has been held in Co Cork for the mother of former Irish footballer Roy Keane.

Marie Keane died “peacefully” at a hospice on Friday while surrounded by her family.

The former captain of Manchester United and the Republic of Ireland posted a photo of him with his mother to social media after her death, accompanied by the caption “you’ll always be the boss”.

Condolences have poured in for Keane, who is also a well-known football pundit, from ex-players including Sir David Beckham, Gary Neville and Robbie Keane.

Former footballer Roy Keane leaves the funeral of his mother (Brendan Gleeson/PA)
PA Wire

TV presenter Patrick Kielty and comedian Des Bishop also expressed support to Keane following his mother’s death.

He attended the funeral mass at the Church of the Resurrection at Farranree on Tuesday morning along with family members.

Former Republic of Ireland footballer David O’Leary was among those who attended the ceremony.

The burial took place at St Catherine’s Cemetery in Kilcully after the ceremony.

The family has asked people to make donations to Marymount University Hospice in lieu of flowers.

Marie Keane was predeceased by her late husband Maurice, her brother Pat and her niece and nephew, Estella and Thomas.

She is survived by her five children, her sisters and brothers, grandchildren and great grandchildren.