Keane rarely speaks about his family, but became visibly emotional when shown a photo of his parents from the early stages of his career on the Stick to Football podcast last year.
“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…”
The ex-United and Republic of Ireland midfielder said his mother was "The only boss I listen to” in the past as he maintained a close relationship with her.
A notice on RIP.ie confirmed the news on Friday as the Keane family enter mourning.
“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.”
The family has asked that mourners make donations to Marymount Hospice rather than sending flowers and the visitation will be followed by a requiem mass on Tuesday, March 31, at 11.00 am in Farranree.