'You'll always be the boss' - Heartbreak as Roy Keane says goodbye to beloved mother Marie

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

Marie Keane, neé Lynch, late of Carhoo, Rathpeacon, Cork, passed away peacefully on Friday March 27, 2026, 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.

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Speaking to mourners on Tuesday, Keane said losing his mother was a huge loss to their family that felt like having their "hearts ripped out of their chests".

The funeral mass took place at the Church of the Resurrection at Farranree on Tuesday morning followed by the burial at St Catherine’s Cemetery in Kilcully.

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”.

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Keane spoke very highly of his mother Marie at her funeral admitting him and his four siblings Denis, John, Hilary and Pat "weren't ready for Mam to go".

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.

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

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

Hundreds of people from all over Ireland left their condolences on RIP.ie, expressing their grief and sorrow following her passing.

One mourner wrote,

"Sincere condolence to Roy and the Keane family on the passing of your wonderful Mam. Roy she was your Hero and you are Hero to us all in the Rebel County. We are all thinking of you at this sad time. RIP Mrs Keane. Lots of love to you and all the extended Keane family."

While another wrote,

"Our deepest sympathy to Annette, the Keane and Lynch families on the sad passing of Marie. We always enjoyed Marie’s regular visits to the Canteen where we enjoyed her warm personality and good humour. Her presence lightened up our day. God rest her soul."

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Marie Keane was predeceased by her late husband Maurice (Mossie), 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.

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