Heartache for Irish football icon Roy Keane as 'beloved mother' Marie dies 'surrounded by loving family' & tributes paid

IRELAND legend Roy Keane is mourning the sad death of his mother Marie whom has passed away “surrounded by her loving family”.

Her rip.ie post explains that the 79-year-old died peacefully at Marymount University Hospital and Hospice.

The post reads: “Keane (Carhoo, Rathpeacon, Co. Cork); on March 27th 2026, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and in the tender loving care of the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Anne’s Ward at Marymount University Hospital and Hospice; Marie (née Lynch); dearly loved wife of the late Maurice (Mossie) and beloved mother of Denis, Johnson, Hilary, Roy and Pat.

“Predeceased by her brother Pat, her niece Estella and her nephew Thomas.

“Sadly missed by her loving family, sisters Ina, Annette and Josephine, brothers Jack, Leo, Michael and Noel, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, daughters-in-law Linda, Theresa and Mary, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, her great neighbours and friends.”

It then states that her funeral mass is to take place on Tuesday March 31 at 11am. It will be held at the Church of the Resurrection, Farranree.

She is to be laid to rest at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Kilcully.

The family have asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Marymount University Hospice in her memory.

Roy, 54, has always been a private person who’s tended to shy away from sharing too much about his family life.

But when he did speak of Marie, it was obvious how deep his love was for her. He once affectionately referred to her as “the only boss I listen to” in a sweet selfie he shared on Instagram.

And last year, he memorably choked up while showing his punditry pals on Stick to Football old photos from early in his career when his parents had come to see him play at the old Wembley Stadium.

He went into reflective mood while passing the photos around the group. Roy noted: “You’re on about photos, look at that there.

“You’re on about family, the ups and downs of football. But when you see your family at Wembley after you’ve won a big game…”

Ian Wright, Jill Scott and Gary Neville had to take over the conversation as they noticed Keane was rendered speechless due to being overcome at the sight of his parents looking on proudly at the home of English football.

As noted in the rip.ie post, Roy’s father Maurice or ‘Mossie’ died back in August 2019.

His funeral mass heard that Mossie and Marie were 57 years married the month of his passing.

Nephew Paul said that his uncle was smitten with Marie from his “first glance” when he first encountered her at his friend Pat Lynch’s home.

Pat’s sister Marie was hard at work under the kitchen table cleaning the floor for her mother when a young Mossie spotted his future bride.

The following week at a local dance Marie was chatting to a suitor but “Mossie sized up the opposition, made his move and yer man got blown out.”

They moved to Mayfield where they reared their family in hard times but always managed to get by.

Mr and Mrs Keane moved from Mayfield to Rathpeacon, Co Cork in the 1990s. They were present at all of Roy’s major sporting moments over the years.

They were also in attendance when he received an honorary degree from UCC and the Freedom of Cork City from the local authority.

It hasn’t taken long for countless tributes to be paid to Marie since word of her death broke.

Jim recalled: “R.I.P Mrs Keane, remember her when she did her shopping in Dunnes Blackpool, she would buy pork, onion and tomato for Roy when he’d come over to visit her, lovely lady.”

Meanwhile Rhona added: “Sad news, but her legacy lives on through her children’s achievements.”

Will commented: “So sorry to hear this sad news condolences to all the Keane family and friends.” Lastly, Paul wrote: “This is very sad news, so sorry for your loss Roy and family.”

Click here to read article