Roy Keane has poignantly described the loss of his mother, Marie, as an experience where his heart has been ripped out, while also finding solace in the knowledge that she is now reunited with loved ones who cherished her as much as they did.

Marie Keane, who was 79 years old, passed away at Marymount Hospice in Cork on Friday, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion to her family, having been predeceased by her husband Mossie in 2019, with the couple having shared a beautiful life together since their wedding at the Church of the Resurrection in Farranree, Cork city, in August 1963.

The former Manchester United and Ireland star revealed that he rarely disobeyed his mother's wishes, but on this occasion, he intended to go against her desire for a low-key funeral by making a 'fuss' of her, as a testament to the profound impact she had on his life and the lives of those around her.

Keane shared that his mother was born and raised in Fairhill, Cork city, where she was the second oldest in a family of nine, taking on significant responsibilities from a young age, and later found love with Mossie Keane, with whom she shared a deep and abiding love from the very beginning of their relationship.

Roy Keane recounted the story of how his parents met, with his mother's brother introducing Mossie Keane to the family, and how they fell deeply in love, going on to have five children together, with his mother often joking that his father was the sixth child, as he was spoiled more than any of the others.

He confessed that he and his siblings, Denis, Johnson, Hilary, and Pat, were not prepared for their mother's passing, often wondering who was her favorite among them, with each sibling having their own theory, but ultimately, their mother's love and loyalty were unwavering and unconditional.

The ex-Ireland assistant manager described his mother as 'pretty cool all the time' but excelling as a mother, with Roy Keane reflecting on the 'great memories' of growing up with her guidance and love, which had a profound impact on his life and the lives of his siblings.

Marie Keane was laid to rest in Cork, with her funeral attended by family and friends who came to pay their respects to a woman who had touched the lives of so many, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion.

Roy Keane shared that his mother did not always give them what they wanted, but she always provided what they needed, being strict when necessary, with a keen sense of humor and a unique ability to discipline them when they misbehaved, often using a shoe as a humorous and effective deterrent.

He also fondly recalled an occasion when his mother chased down some youths who had stolen a tree from their bonfire, impressively catching them and retrieving the tree, showcasing her determination and spirit, which was a hallmark of her personality.

Keane cherished the memories of summer holidays spent in Garrettstown, Co Cork, with his family, where they would walk, get chips, and enjoy each other's company, with his parents being in great form, creating a sense of joy and contentment that has stayed with him throughout his life.

Another fond memory was of trips to Dublin for the All Ireland Final when Cork would win, although they never had tickets to the match itself, with Roy Keane acknowledging that 'you can't have everything,' but the experience was still special and memorable for him and his family.

The funeral took place at the Church of the Resurrection in Farranree, Cork, with Marie Keane being remembered for her ability to communicate volumes with a simple eye roll and her wicked sense of humor, which remained with her until the very end, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Roy Keane expressed gratitude to those who left tributes to his mother on Rip.ie, including a gentleman who shared a story of meeting Marie Keane while on holiday in Portugal, where she introduced herself and left a lasting impression on him, showcasing her kindness and warmth towards strangers.

One message of sympathy that stood out was from Nicky Byrne of Westlife, which Roy Keane found particularly touching, as it highlighted his mother's fearlessness in approaching strangers, especially celebrities, with her characteristic confidence and charm.

He emphasized that his mother provided great help and support to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and neighbors, with Roy Keane also acknowledging the care and support given to his mother by his aunts, uncles, and the wider Lynch family in recent years, which was a testament to the strong family bonds and sense of community that surrounded her.

Roy Keane shared a photo with his mother, Marie, on social media, showcasing the close bond they shared, with the image capturing the love and affection that existed between them, and which has been a source of comfort and strength for him and his family during this difficult time.

Fr Sean O'Sullivan highlighted the strong bond between Marie and her family, noting that she cherished them not for their achievements but for who they were as individuals, with Roy Keane reflecting on the lessons he learned from his mother about the importance of family, love, and relationships.

Roy Keane has previously shared photos with his mother on social media, giving glimpses into their close relationship, with the images serving as a reminder of the happy times they shared and the memories they created together.

Fr O'Sullivan expressed that there is a place in our hearts that forever belongs to our mother, making the loss of a mother particularly difficult, as it leaves a void that can never be filled, but which can be honored and remembered through the memories and lessons she leaves behind.

Marie Keane was predeceased by her husband, brother Pat, niece Estella, and nephew Thomas, with her passing leaving a profound impact on her family and community, who will deeply miss her love, guidance, and presence in their lives.

She will be sadly missed by her grown-up children, sisters, brothers, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, daughters-in-law, brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbors, and friends, who will all remember her kindness, generosity, and love, and who will strive to keep her memory alive through their actions and words.

The interment took place at St Catherine's Cemetery in Kilcully, Co Cork, with the funeral serving as a celebration of Marie Keane's life, love, and legacy, which will continue to inspire and guide her family and community in the days and years to come.

Roy Keane's tribute to his mother was a heartfelt expression of the impact she had on his life and the lives of those around her, with his words serving as a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and relationships.

The funeral was a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones and of honoring their memory and legacy after they are gone, with Marie Keane's life and love serving as a shining example of the difference one person can make in the lives of others.

As Roy Keane and his family navigate the difficult days ahead, they will undoubtedly find comfort in the memories they shared with Marie Keane and in the knowledge that her love and spirit will continue to guide them, even in her absence.

The outpouring of tributes and condolences from friends, family, and strangers alike is a testament to the profound impact Marie Keane had on those around her, with her kindness, generosity, and love leaving a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come.

In the end, it is not the years we live but the love we share that truly matters, and Marie Keane's life was a shining example of the power of love to transform and uplift those around her, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide her family and community in the days and years to come.