A Hardman’s Life, Fights, and Modest Background: This is Roy Keane’s Story

If you consider yourself a true football fan, it’s essential to be familiar with the histories of some of the game’s legendary players like Roy Keane. Known as one of football’s toughest characters, this biography delves into the complete life story of Roy Keane. We’ll cover the journey of one of the toughest footballers ever to grace the game—a United legend and a true alpha male during his playing days.

Our account starts with his childhood and early life, providing a foundation for understanding his remarkable career. We’ll explore the controversies that marked his time on the field and how he eventually cemented his status as a football legend. Known as one of the most polarizing figures of his era, Roy Keane’s story is as captivating as it is complex.

Our biography of Roy Keane covers his childhood, early life, and family background, including his parents, Maurice and Marie Keane, and his wife, Theresa Doyle.

We’ll also delve into the lives of his brothers—Denis, Johnson, and Pat—and his only sister, Hilary. Additionally, we’ll explore his family origins, relatives, and provide insights into Roy Keane’s lifestyle and distinctive personality.

Preamble:

To whet your autobiography appetite, we’ve made Roy Keane’s Biography very engaging. First, we do that by providing you with this gallery of his Early Life and Great Rise. Behold the Life trajectory of Football’s toughest Legend.

During his football days, we know Keano for his temper and dominant nature. A man who, in his playing career, earned a degree for confronting opponents. Including breaking his opponent’s legs. YES, his biggest victim was Erling Haaland’s Dad (Alf-Inge Håland).

Despite the many things this man has done for football, We noticed a gap. Not many fans have read a concise piece of Roy Keane’s Biography. We have created time to make Keano’s Story. Without further ado, let’s proceed with the events of Roy Keane’s Early Life.

Roy Keane Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, he bears the nicknames “Lander” and “Keano”. Roy Keane was born on the 10th day of August 1971 to his Mother, Marie Keane, and Father, Maurice Keane. The Manchester United Legend’s birthplace is the city of Cork, Ireland.

Roy Keane came to the world as the second to the youngest child of his family. People often referred to him as his mother’s golden boy. Or the apple of Marie’s (his Mum’s) eyes.

Behold Roy Keane’s parents. Maurice and Marrie never gave him riches, but the Spirit of Fighting and perseverance.

Growing-Up Years:

Roy Keane spent his childhood alongside his three brothers and one sister. Hilary is the only female sibling of Roy Keane. On the other hand, Roy Keane’s brothers are Denis, Johnson, and Pat. He is much closer to the above-named big brothers than his older sister.

Jam Doughnuts was Roy Keane’s favourite childhood food. As a child, Roy Keane was fond of following certain food everyone eat together. For example, while his family gathered at the dining to eat bread and butter, he preferred his favourite jam doughnuts.

As an adult, and as a little boy, Roy Keane feared no one, except one man. This person was other than his Father (Maurice). Early on, when he did something wrong, Roy would beg that his acts should not reach the ears of his Late Dad. Even at that, Maurice loved his son.

Growing up, Roy Keane supported Spurs and Celtic. His childhood footballers were Liam Brady and Glenn Hoddle.

The latter is a Spurs Legend, while Liam is an Arsenal Legend. Later on, Bryan Robson (A Man United Legend) became the footballer he most admired.

Roy Keane Family Background:

The Irish football legend comes from a working-class household. Put simply, Roy Keane’s parents weren’t rich.

They engaged in manual labour occupations (blue-collar jobs) to feed their home. Early on, the family’s low social status was a little above the Irish poverty line.

Roy Keane’s father, Maurice, was a hard-working man who accepted any menial job he could find.

The father of five children once worked at a local knitwear company. Roy Keane’s Dad also worked with Murphy’s Irish Stout brewery, among other menial jobs.

Roy Keane Family Origin:

First thing first, the Manchester United Legend holds an Irish nationality. Roy Keane is Irish through his birth.

Also, it is because both of his parents (Maurice and Marie Keane) have their family origins from Ireland.

Where in Ireland does Roy Keane come from?

The retired footballer is from the Mayfield suburb in the Irish city of Cork. As observed from Roy Keane’s family origin map, Cork is the second-largest city in the country. More so, Cork is located in the southwestern part of Ireland, and in the province of Munster.

Did you know?… Liverpool’s 2021 EFL Cup-winning goalkeeper, (Caoimhin Kelleher) is also from Cork. Where Roy Keane comes from (Cork) is the Food capital of Ireland. This cool city boasts of one of the finest public venues for street restaurants in the world.

Roy Keane’s Ethnicity:

His lineage is traced to the indigenous Irish people ethnic group who lives in the Evergreen Buildings in Cork. That is where Roy Keane’s ancestry comes from. He belongs to the Irish People ethnicity who are natives or first settlers in Ireland.

Roy Keane Education:

When the time got right, Marie and Maurice enrolled him at Mayfield Community School. This is the name of Roy Keane’s primary school. Where Roy Keane schooled (The Mayfield school) has the address – Old Youghal Road, Mayfield, Cork, T23 DP95, Ireland.

On the 20th of December 2019, Roy Keane paid a visit to his primary school. He gave teachers and pupils a good Christmas treat. Everyone was glad to snap photos with the Legend. That day, Roy Keane left angrily because a kid slouched in his chair during his talk.

Was he Intelligent at school?

Research has it that Roy Keane wasn’t intelligent at school. Truth is, he got confronted by failure in his secondary or high school days. Roy Keane failed his Intermediate Certificate School Examination. That failure brought him shame, and it embarrassed his whole family.

With this type of result, it was possible to get a nice job. And poor Roy Keane left school without the necessary qualifications. Truth be told, Roy Keane’s days of schooling at The Mayfield school were nothing to write home about.

Career Buildup:

Roy Keane’s family are big lovers of sport, especially football. As a child, he witnessed some of his family relatives excel in local football. These relatives of Roy Keane played for Rockmount, a junior Cork club. Some also excelled in other varieties of Sports in Ireland.

Seeing how his family relatives excelled, Roy Keane’s Dad often got excited about it. As a result, Maurice Keane tried to make at least, one of his children to participate in the sport. Maurice chose Roy, his last-born child, and encouraged him to go into boxing or football.

Roy Keane followed his father’s advice. He took football as well as the extra sport, boxing. As a child (aged nine), Roy Keane had already found success in boxing. Research has it he won four out of four fights in the Irish kid’s amateur championship.

The Irish youngster combined boxing and football so well. Because of his determination, he won all of his four bouts in the Irish boxing novice league. While Roy was winning boxing matches, he also excelled playing his football with Rockmount academy.

Roy Keane Biography – Untold Football Story:

Although he had potential, Roy’s push to join a reputable academy didn’t go down well. To start with, the Ireland schoolboys squad dismissed Roy Keane just after his trials. The reason was that he was just too small – says former Irish coach and scout Ronan Scalley.

Moving on, Keane had several trials in Dublin where still, he didn’t make it. Despite that, the youngster didn’t get discouraged. Undeterred, Roy conceived the idea of applying for trials with English clubs. Sadly, that too didn’t work out as planned. They rejected him.

The truth is, all English clubs turned poor Roy Keane down. Most of them did that on the ground that he was too small. After the rejections, the poor boy decided to seek another alternative. With the attitude of not quitting, he decided to mix football with menial jobs.

While Roy searched for a job, he had this strong belief that his career breakthrough was near. After a couple of job searches, Keane found a temporary job that involves physical labour. As he worked, the youngster still kept his football dreams alive.

We decided to research the jobs Roy Keane did in his childhood. The first is a job that involves lugging beer barrels. Secondly, he stripped acid off metal plates. Thirdly, he cycled 15 miles each way to go potato-picking for a bit of pocket money.

Irish Junior National Team Rejection:

Also in his early teens, Roy Keane found himself confronted with failure. He had difficulties getting selected by Ireland’s Under-15 youth football. According to our research, It was during that time he failed his Intermediate Certificate at school.

Noticing they didn’t want him, some of Keane’s coaches (at his academy) made a guess on the reason.

They said that… possibly, the selectors in Dublin looked down their noses at people from Cork. A year later, more to his big relief, Roy Keane was called again for Irish U-15 trials.

Keane at that time knew Ireland’s youth football WAS A MUST FOR HIM. Truly, it was a must before any England can take him seriously. According to Roy Keane, this trial was a MAKE or BREAK.

Roy Keane took the train to Dublin with four of his Rockmount teammates (his club academy at that time). There were five of them called for trials at their Cork-based Irish football academy. Shockingly, the lads got selected and ONLY Roy Keane got rejected.

According to Keane in his 2002 autobiography;

“it was no doubt, the worst disappointment of my life. The door to my dream slammed shut in my face.”

Roy Keane’s Rockmount coaches were shocked about his rejection. To help him, they made some investigation as to why he got rejected again. Everyone was shocked that four boys from Rockmount (his academy) got selected and NOT him (Roy Keane).

Weeks later, the truth came out. At last, the coaches found the problem. First, words came out that Keane was too small to play football for his country’s youth. And more shockingly, Roy Keane got rejected because he could not control his temperament during trials.

Professional Football in Ireland found him:

Roy Keane did physical labour and kept on looking for opportunities for his career. As an 18-year-old, all he dreamt of was signing a contract at a reputable football club. That, he believed, would lay the foundation of his dreams.

In the year 1989, luck finally ran into Roy Keane. After a successful trial, he found an academy (not in England, but Ireland) that accepted him for the short person he was. Roy Keane signed a contract with Irish semi-professional club Cobh Ramblers.

Unlike many footballers there, Keane showed why he was different at the club. As a workaholic, so much hard work made him progress quickly. Roy Keane gave all his life to the club. We found two things to have caused Keane’s rapid success with Cobh Ramblers.

First, he would regularly turn out for Ramblers’ youth even when he was a senior player. Keane wanted to be part of all football matches – for both junior and senior sides. Secondly, he would always play football more times than the average human capacity.

Roy Keane Biography Story – The Journey to Fame:

While playing with Cobh Ramblers, the 18-year-old kept applying for trials at English clubs. One of his coaches arranged a trial for Roy Keane at Brighton and Hove Albion. Despite spending monies on flights, the trials didn’t hold. Yet again, the club said he was too small.

According to sources, information came to Brighton that Roy Keane was “too small” to become a footballer. Rather than giving up, Roy Keane wrote letters to every club at England’s top two divisions. He wrote no fewer than 92 letters to English clubs.

Roy Keane was really desperate for an opportunity for a trial. In his letters, he declared his height and begged for opportunities for trials. Of the 92 letters Roy Keane sent, only one responded. That reply showed rejection – while the rest clubs deliberately ignored him.

Getting England opportunity through the FAI Youth Cup:

Known as the FAI Umbro Youth Challenge Cup, it became his biggest career turning point. In that competition, Roy Keane’s performance attracted the attention of Noel McCabe. This man was a Nottingham Forest scout. He advised Keane to travel over to England for a trial.

Life at Nottingham Forest:

Initially, Roy Keane found life very difficult at the club. The reason was that he was so far away from his family. Oftentimes, Roy Keane would beg his coach to give him a few days to visit his parents. When the request came, Brian Clough would always approve.

On many occasions, Keane expressed his gratitude at Clough’s generosity to his requests. Months later, the Irish footballer stopped being homesick. Roy Keane improved with his performance with Nottingham Forest. With his family visiting, he never became homesick.

Keane’s Highs and Lows with Nottingham Forest:

The Irish footballer had many match-winning moments. Thanks to his bravery, his coach, Brian Clough, played him more and more. At a particular moment, good things stopped coming his way. One of Keane’s worst moments was his FA Cup final loss to Spurs.

More and more disappointment followed. Again, another of Roy Keane’s worst Nottingham moments was his costly error against Crystal Palace. Because of a distraction, the Irish Baller gifted a goal to the opposition, allowing them to draw the game.

A Shocker!!! – Roy Keane’s Coach punched him:

On returning to the Nottingham dressing room after the game, something terrible happened. Roy Keane’s coach, Clough, punched him in the chest in anger.

That punch knocked the Irish footballer to the floor. Recounting what happened in his autobiography, Roy Keane said:

After the match, I walked into the dressing room. Upon seeing me, Clough raised his hands and punched me straight in the face.

The manager screamed at me saying… “‘Don’t pass the ball back to the goalkeeper, don’t do that again”.

As he screamed, I lay on the floor looking at him. I was hurt and shocked at his actions. Again, I was too shocked and could do nothing other than nod my head in agreement. I said to myself …. that My honeymoon with this man was over.”

Despite this incident, Roy Keane clarified that he bore no hard feelings against his Boss. He also said that he sympathized with the manager. Shockingly, Roy said that he received the punch because of the pressures of coaching.

More so, Roy Keane said he was grateful to his Coach for giving him his chance in English football. During this time, Roy Keane had begun to attract attention from the top English clubs.

The Ugly Negotiations and Transfer Clause Story:

With Forest struggling in the league, Roy Keane negotiated an escape clause new contract. Because of the lengthy negotiation, Brian Clough described Keane as a “greedy child”. He accused the Irish footballer of demanding high wages. In the Coaches’ words’

Yes, Roy Keane is the hottest prospect in football right now.

However, he is not going to bankrupt this great club.

Despite putting his best, Roy Keane could not save Nottingham Forest from relegation. Because of this relegation, his controversial transfer clause became activated.

Roy Keane Biography – Manchester United Story:

Despite all that happened, Not Forest fans voted the Irish as their Player of the Season. Moving on, Blackburn Rovers accepted a £4 million deal with Roy Keane. A mistake made the deal not to progress. They had an incorrect paperwork needed to complete the transfer.

Upon hearing about the mistake, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson acted. He phoned Roy Keane and asked if he would like to join his club.

With Roy giving a positive answer, the Ex-Man United manager ensured all paperwork was ready. Next, Alex Ferguson snatched Roy Keane from Blackburn for £3.75 million.

Getting into the United First team:

Despite the £3.75 million record transfer fee, there was no first-team guarantee for Roy Keane. Paul Ince and Bryan Robson held United’s midfield at that time.

These two legendary footballers played a crucial role in helping United secure their first Premier League title since 1967.

When an injury struck Bryan Robson, he got replaced by Roy Keane. The Irish footballer established himself as a first-choice selection. By the end of the 1993-1994 season, Roy Keane had won his first-ever trophy as a professional footballer.

Red Card Story – Roy Keane Vs Gareth Southgate;

Did you know?… Roy Keane received his United first red card after he stamped Gareth Southgate. The walk-off after the tackle was just another day at Roy Keane’s office. The English FA suspended him for three matches and fined him £5,000.

Big-Name Arrivals and Captaincy:

During the summer of 1995, Sir Alex overhauled United’s midfield. That period saw the arrival of new players like Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and David Beckham, etc. With that current squad, Roy Keane became the most experienced midfielder.

After Eric Cantona’s unexpected retirement (97/98 season), Roy took over as club captain. The beginning of his leadership at Manchester United saw him becoming more hardcore.

As Captain, Roy Keane guided Man United to a treble. That 1998/1999 season, he helped Man United win the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League titles.

The following season, Keane got involved in a prolonged contract negotiation with United. With an initial £2 million turned down, they finally met his high wage demands. This came after he threatened to leave the club.

After the contract renewal, Roy got angered by a statement from some Man United officials. They explained that the club’s increase in their ticket price was because of Keane’s new contract. Feeling angered by the statement, Keano asked for an apology from the club.

Criticizing Manchester United Fans:

In November 2000, Keane criticized Man United supporters for their lack of vocal support. He complained of limited support during home games, especially when Man United gets dominated by opponents. In his words;

“Away from home, our fans are always fantastic. I often call them the hardcore fans.

However, at home, they’ll have drinks and probably the prawn sandwiches. Then, most of them don’t realise what’s going on in the field.

Again, I don’t think some of the people who come to the mighty Old Trafford can actually spell ‘football’. Or understand it.

Because of what Keane said, an England debate started about the atmosphere of stadiums. That debate gave rise to more United fans’ involvement in cheering for their players.

Also, the term “prawn sandwich brigade” became part of the English football vocabulary. The term was used to describe Fake Fans. That is, people who claim to be fans of football simply because it is fashionable rather than having any genuine interest in the game.

Roy Keane’s Issue with Erling Haaland’s Dad:

The Irish footballer missed most of the 1997–98 season because of Alf-Inge Håland. He is Erling Haaland‘s Dad who played for Leeds United at that time. Because of a failed attempt to tackle Haaland’s Dad, Roy Keane got a cruciate ligament injury.

As Roy Keane lay prone on the ground because of the injury, Erling Haaland’s Dad mocked him. He accused Roy Keane of faking the injury to escape punishment. As Alf-Inge Håland did that, little did he know Roy Keane would end his career – four years later.

In Keane’s autobiography in August 2002, he said in it that he intended “to hurt” Håland. In his words;

I’d waited long enough. I fu**king hit him hard. When I hit him, I said, “Take that, you Fu*king C*nt”.

And don’t you ever stand over my face sneering about fake injuries

After Roy Keane’s Autobiography went public, the English FA banned him for a further five matches. In addition, they fined Roy Keane £150,000. Despite widespread condemnation, Roy Keane still maintained that he had no regrets about the incident. In his words;

“My attitude was simply to fu*k him up. What goes around comes around in this football game. Haaland got his just rewards from me.

He fu*ked me over and I gave him an eye for an eye”.

Did you know?… Erling Haaland’s Dad never played a full game after Keane broke his legs. In fact, Roy Keane caused him a long-standing injury that ended his football career.

Accusing own Teammate and Fight with Jason McAteer:

The 2001–02 season was very bad for Manchester United. That season, the club finished trophyless for the first time in four years. After one of the defeats of the season, Roy Keane blamed his teammates for focusing on monies rather than football.

Keane said there was a huge fixation with wealth. More so, he claimed that his teammates have suddenly forgotten about the game. That they’ve lost the hunger that got them all the Rolexes, Cars and Mansions.

That season, Keane publicly advocated the breakup of the 1998/1999 treble-winning team.

The United captain believed that the teammates who were instrumental to United’s victorious 1999 Champions League final no longer had the motivation. That needed motivation to work hard for the great club.

During that time, there came a classic brawl between Roy Keane and Jason McAteer. Truth be told, that referee must be extremely strong to hold Keane from this fighting. Also, special thanks to David Beckham for holding back Roy.

The Surgery and Fake Repentance:

During one of his suspensions, Roy Keane used the break to undergo a hip operation. He had severe problems with his hip, and that caused him to take painkillers over the years.

On the dangers of his injury, Doctors told Keane that it was career-threatening. They explained that the only solution to full recovery was for him to do a hip replacement surgery.

During his time of rest (after the operation), Roy Keane reflected on his life. He thought about his career injuries and suspensions. Because of his angry outbursts and hard tackles, he knew these injuries would still come.

Roy Keane feared that his career would come to an abrupt end if he didn’t stop his on-field behaviour. As a result of sober reflection, he (for a short moment) became a changed man. Roy Keane began to avoid any form of disputes and confrontations with other players.

Noticing his new behaviour, people began calling him “the new Keane”. Also, some fans felt that Roy Keane had become less influential in midfield because of his new life.

Truth is, everyone noticed his new personality was affecting his game. Not surprising to many, Roy Keane later brought back a bit of his old self. Rather than go more physical, he increased his hot temper nature.

Roy Keane’s Issue with Patrick Vieira:

Throughout the 2000s, the Irish midfielder had a fierce rivalry with Arsenal’s then Captain. The most notable of their quarrel took place in 2005 at Highbury. At that moment, there was extremely bad blood between Arsenal and Man United.

Roy Keane Patrick Vieira’s quarrel started in the tunnel. Because Vieira confronted Gary Neville over his fouling of José Antonio Reyes, Roy Keane took offence at that. That made him verbally confront Patrick Vieira.

Football fans who watched Sky did hear Roy Keane commanding referee Graham Poll. He told the referee as follows;

“Go Tell Vieira to shut his fu*king mouth!”

After that match, Roy continued his verbal attack on Vieira. He criticized Vieira’s decision to play for France instead of Senegal. Responding to Keane, Vieira said he was better than Roy Keane, who walked out on his national team in a FIFA World Cup.

Last Days at Manchester United Player:

After a robust challenge at Liverpool’s, Luis García, Roy Keane got injured again. While he was away, he used his time to criticize Man United’s management and players. Roy Keane argued with Alex Ferguson over welfare during a Pre-Season camp in Portugal.

Further tension between Keane and the club happened during his MUTV appearances. First, he used that medium to announce he was prepared to play elsewhere. Secondly, Keane criticized United players for poor performance. In Roy Keane’s words to Rio Ferdinand;

“Just because you are paid £120,000-a-week, you think you are a superstar?

Especially after playing well for 20 minutes against Tottenham?”

Roy Keane’s outburst against his old club was deemed as too damaging. Because of the negative effect it had, he was banned from appearing on the club’s TV station.

Two weeks later, after another quarrel with Ferguson, Keane decided he would leave the club. Everyone, including Ferguson and United chief executive (David Gill), wished him well for the future.

Later in an interview, Keane accused the club of wanting to eject him because he was old. More so because of his strained relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson rather than the mere MUTV incident.

Final Days as a Professional Footballer:

After leaving Man United, Roy Keane joined Celtic. This is the team he had supported as a child. With his new club, the Irish midfielder continued his unkind and criticism behaviour.

Roy Keane’s teammates feared him as he always criticised some of them during matches. Although it lasted for six months, his career with Celtis was truly amazing.

Fans would always remember his Celtic introduction and this long-range goal, (a shot from 20 yards).

Finally, that sad day of retirement from professional football came to pass. Because of medical advice, Roy Keane hung his boots on the 12th day of June 2006.

Overall, Keane led Manchester United to win nine major honours. Having done that, he became the most successful captain in Manchester United’s history.

On the downside, Roy Keane shares the record for the most red cards received in English football history. In total, the Irish footballer has been dismissed 13 times in his career. The rest of Roy Keane’s Biography, as they say, is now history.

Love Life:

Upon having peace of mind in his shaky early career, he conceived the idea of finding the woman after his heart. At the start of the 1990s, Theresa Doyle had become Roy Keane’s girlfriend. Research has it that Roy and Theresa met and began dating in the year 1992.

Prior to their meeting, Roy Keane had no ex-wife. He has never been in any divorce – as rumour has. Theresa Doyle became his girlfriend in the year 1992. After dating for five years (1992-1997), both Roy Keane and Theresa Doyle agreed to tie the knot.

Roy Keane’s Wedding with Theresa Doyle:

As the Irish papers put it, the Soccer star had a secret wedding. Roy Keane and Theresa Doyle’s wedding location was at his Irish home city of Cork. At the time of their marriage, Theresa Doyle had given birth to two children.

Roy Keane’s children before marriage include two daughters. They are Shannon Keane and Caragh Keane. Shannon Keane (born in 1994) was three years old on the day of their wedding. On the other hand, Caragh Keane (born in 1996) was just a year old.

Both of Roy Keane’s daughters were present at the wedding, which was a special occasion attended by close family and friends. Roy Keane married Theresa Doyle at the Church of Our Lady Crowned, in Mayfield.

The location of Roy Keane’s wedding (Mayfield) is his childhood neighbourhood. This was where Roy Keane’s parents raised him and where his Dad and Mum lived for many years.

In that wedding ceremony, Roy Keane’s brothers (Denis and Pat) were groomsmen. On the other hand, his only sister (Hillary Keane) was the bridesmaid. Finally, Roy Keane’s eldest brother (Johnson Keane) was his best man at his wedding.

No Honeymoon for Roy Keane and Theresa Doyle:

Shortly after, her Dad (Nicky Doyle) handed her to the Irish footballer, the church service closed. That Thursday evening before 5 pm, all guests went to a private dinner at a hotel. While family members and friends expected a honeymoon, Roy Keane didn’t want it.

After the wedding, Roy took his new wife (Theresa) to one of his newly acquired mansions. Keane’s mother (Marie) and father (Mossie) lived in the £150,000 house he bought for them in 1996. That was where Roy and his new Wife (Theresa) stayed after their wedding.

Having told you about their wedding, we’ll use the next section to unveil facts about the woman Roy Keane married. Without further ado, let’s begin.

About Theresa Doyle – Roy Keane’s Wife:

According to sources, she (with an Irish family background) was born in Nottingham. This is a city in central England’s Midlands region. Roy Keane’s wife has two nationalities. First is British (England), and the second is Irish (Ireland).

Before their meeting in 1992, Theresa Doyle has been a Dental assistant. Roy Keane’s wife is very good at her dental assistant job. It involves taking x-rays and impressions. Theresa Doyle helps patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment.

Since their wedding in 1997, Roy Keane rarely mentions his wife (Theresa) in public. The first time he spoke publicly about her was in the year 2000. Discussing with Sunday Times, Roy Keane said the following words;

“First, I don’t really mention her name in public, but in fairness to my wife, she has been a rock in my life.

My wife is just brilliant. Theresa reads me better than I read myself.

I wouldn’t say she knows and likes every part of the package. The truth is, Theresa knows I haven’t got a halo over my head.

Actually, that is the thing she likes the most about me. Again, she knows I am not the nastiest person in the world.”

How did Roy Keane meet his Wife, Theresa Doyle?

At the time Theresa Doyle knew him, her future husband was playing for Nottingham Forest. Describing when he first met his wife (Theresa Doyle), Roy Keane once said these words;

“I spotted a beautiful girl, a Nottingham-born beauty, in a nightclub in town. Then, I found her name is Theresa Doyle. But,… she blanked me.” 

The truth is, Theresa wasn’t interested in the Cork star. She ignored Roy when he tried to chat her up. For Roy Keane, it was love at first sight. He was desperate to get her, but knew he had to deal with something first.

Did you know?… Theresa Doyle was already in a relationship when she met Roy Keane. At first, she ignored Roy’s several advances on her. Because she rejected him, Roy Keane felt it was because he fought a lot and made bad tackles on the field.

Fortunately, both Roy and Theresa kept running into each other in Nottingham. Because she refused him again, the Irish footballer devised a plan. Roy Keane decided to meet some of Theresa Doyle’s friends. He pleaded for them to help communicate his feelings to her.

It was during this meeting he found out that Theresa Doyle was a dental assistant. More so, that she was in a serious relationship – with another man. Even at that, Roy Keane (just like his late Dad) didn’t give up.

Luckily for him, Theresa Doyle broke up with her boyfriend. Roy Keane pushed again, and she finally agreed to give him an audience. On the day they first went out together, Theresa fell in love with Roy Keane. The rest, as they say, is history.

Is Theresa Doyle on social media?

The simple answer is NO. As of 2022, Roy Keane’s Wife is not on social media. Her husband (in 2021) shocked the world when he set up an Instagram page. Upon activating the page, Roy Keane uploaded pictures of his family, including his grandchildren.

Possibly respecting her privacy, pictures of his wife, Theresa Doyle, are absent on his wall. This tells us more about her personality. The fact that Roy Keane’s wife loves to live a quiet life. Now, let’s tell you about the children Theresa has with the Irish Legend.

Roy Keane’s Children – with his Wife, Theresa Doyle:

Before their marriage, Theresa had two children (Shannon, Caragh) from Roy Keane. Later on, their number of children increased to five. According to their birth order, Roy Keane’s children are Shannon, Caragh, Aidan, Leah and Alanna.

Starting with his firstborn child (Shannon), we’ll tell you some Facts about Roy Keane’s Children. Now, without further ado, let’s begin.

About Shannon Keane:

The first child and daughter of Roy Keane and Theresa Doyle is a professional artist. Shannon Kane’s date of birth is the 5th day of July 1994.

Judging by Roy Keane’s daughter’s date of birth, it means she was born two years after her parents began dating. Firstborn children (especially daughters) always have a special place in their Dad’s heart.

Shannon Keane is a fan of Harlem Globetrotters, an American exhibition basketball team. Regarding her personality, she is a private person like her Mum (Theresa Doyle). She has a personal website (shannonkeane dot com) – which is not visible to the public.

Judging that she is a renowned artist, it is possible for Shannon to advance her career in Crypto and NFTs. Shannon Keane’s occupation takes the most of her time. Here are some of Roy Keane’s Daughter’s artistic works.

During the celebration of Shannon Keane’s 27th birthday, her Dad (Roy Keane) said this. In his words;

Happy birthday to my eldest child. You’ve brought me the most trouble, and also the most joy.

About Caragh Keane:

Coming next after Shannon is Caragh. She is the second child and daughter of Theresa and Roy. Just like Shannon, Roy Keane did enjoy some cool Daddy moments with Caragh. Behold little Caragh as she makes the world see a soft side of her Daddy.

This is one of Caragh Keane’s best childhood memories. As a child, she appeared to like doing jigsaw with her tough Daddy. Also, having a pen stuck up and hold still in her nose as a small child.

Caragh is a university graduate and a former student of St. Bede’s College, Manchester. As of 2022, she works as a teacher at The University of Manchester. Caragh is a member of the Chartered College of Teaching.

Also on her qualification, Roy Keane’s daughter (Caragh) is a University of Cambridge graduate. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainability from the university. Behold the Number 2 (as her Dad calls her), during one of her graduation days.

Previously, Caragh Keane worked as an account executive with Uber. Also, she has been a partnerships Manager with the Intern Group. Caragh’s first job was Marketing And Public Relations Assistant with Hotelr.

About Aidan Keane:

Coming to the world after Caragh, he is the only son of Roy Keane and Theresa Doyle. On the 24th of November 2021, words came out that Roy Keane’s son has part of his Dad’s DNA. That DNA is the temper that is often seen in his father during his playing days.

In response, Roy Keane agreed to the fact that temperament is in his family. In fact, it is a Keane family trait. One that was passed down to him by his late father, Maurice. Also, one which he himself has passed down to his son, Aidan. In Roy’s words;

“My son Aidan has a short temper and I see it as an emotion. If somebody steps up and punches you in your face, then you should get angry.

We all have things in our family’s DNA. Although my Father was a good man but he had a short temper.

My son has a short temper, and he is the nicest kid you’d ever meet, I love him and I’m unbelievably proud of him, but Aidan has got a short temper.

I’m not going to say the popular words ‘I am what I am,’. If I do, then it means, I’m never going to learn.”

About Leah Keane:

Coming to the world after Aidan, Leah is the fourth child of Roy Keane and Theresa Doyle. Leah Keane was born on the 12th day of July 2001. From what we’ve researched, she is one of Roy Keane’s favourite children. This is Leah Keane, from a little baby to an adult.

Father-daughter moments were always special for both Leah and her Dad. Once upon a time, Roy Keane made a plea to his beloved daughter Leah to ‘stop getting so old‘.

This came as he wished her a happy 20th birthday on the 12th day of July 2021. By implication, It means Roy Keane’s daughter’s (Leah) date of birth is 29th July, 2001.

About Alanna Keane:

Also known as the baby of the house, she is Leah’s immediate younger sister. Put simply, Alanna Keane is the youngest child of Roy Keane and Theresa Doyle. She is Daddy’s right-hand pal, someone who accompanies him to the ferry.

Judging that Leah Keane’s age was 20 as of 2021, it means Alanna Keane should be between 17 to 19 years old as of 2022. As I write this Bio, Alanna Keane does not have an Instagram account. Also, it appears Roy Keane’s last-born child doesn’t have a boyfriend.

Recently (in 2021), Roy Keane shared the above photo picture with his daughter Alanna. Both Dad and his last-born child spent time on a ferry. Roy Keane captioned the picture as;

” On the ferry heading to my home with my youngest Child.”

The Former Irish footballer wasn’t expecting the reply, which didn’t go down got from fans on his Social media handle. One fan of Roy Keane said;

Hope Alanna’s boyfriend can handle her father in conversation. God help who asks her on a date.

Personality:

The Football Legend is a true hardman who once got furious at Manchester United and Man City players hugging. He wants them to put on aggressive faces and behave like they are going to war.

Truth be told, there is a soft side to Roy Keane. Severally, he has shown the world reasons why shouldn’t always be called a hard man. Those who have made us notice that soft side are Roy Keane’s grandchildren as well as his children from his first wife, Theresa Doyle.

About Triggs – Roy Keane’s Dog:

Asides from Jose Mourinho, no other football coach or player has made their dog as famous (since the new millennium) as Keano did.

Roy Keane once had a dog named Triggs. This dog once held the title of “Football Most Famous dog”. Triggs was a female Labrador Retriever (a British dog breed) who was very close to Keane.

Roy Keane’s Dog (Triggs) became famous in May 2002, that FIFA World Cup year. Because of a public quarrel with Mick McCarthy (Ireland’s national team manager), Roy Keane was sent home by his Boss. As a result, he didn’t take part in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Saipan incident (known as the public quarrel between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy) brought Triggs into it. Suddenly, the dog became famous. Roy Keane, upon reacting to the incident, made a human comparison with his dog. In his words;

“Unlike humans, dogs don’t talk shit.”

Because of that comment, the football world got to know Triggs. She became the famous dog in the history of football after Pickles – another dog who became popular after it dug up a stolen Jules Rimet Trophy in the year 1966.

Later in life, Roy Keane’s dog got involved in a Police investigation. What happened?… Triggs’ behaviour caused an argument between Roy Keane and a neighbour. Years later, Triggs died from cancer – precisely in September 2010.

Roy Keane was “inconsolable” at the time the dog died. The Ex-Man United Legend said this, as he remembered his beloved Triggs after her death.

“My late dog, Triggs, was incredible. She went through so much with me, and just talking about her might bring a tear to my eye. But honestly, she had a wonderful life.”

Lifestyle:

The midfield Hardman once lived a glamorous life. Back in the day, Roy loved to spend his monies mostly on acquiring houses. Also, Roy Keane loves cars. He is a fan of the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage. Now, let’s tell you about this classic ride of Keano.

About Roy Keane’s Car:

Did you know?… The midfield Hardman once celebrated winning the treble in 1999 by splashing out on an Aston Martin DB7 Vantage. This car, with a luxury black leather interior, was a hot cake (back then) in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Back then, the average price of the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage was around $36,000. The Luxury car would forever hold a special place in Roy Keane’s heart. After enjoying it for a while, he agreed for the car to be sold (for £23,950) via AutoTrader.

About Roy Keane House:

These two words ‘Home and Family’ are centred around the life of the Irish football pundit. In short, Roy Keane loves beautiful homes, especially ones that have nice box balls – as seen below.

On the 18th of July 2021, Roy Keane, while displaying his six-pack, made a statement that;

Real men water their box balls.

At the time of posting it on social media, fans got to know the type of house Roy Keane lives in.

Speak of Roy Keane’s previous houses, he, his wife and children once lived in a modern four-bedroom house in Bowdon, Greater Manchester. Years later, he moved to a mock Tudor mansion in Hale, a village in Manchester.

Inside Roy Keane’s House:

As revealed in 2021, Keano’s home looks modest and portable. During one of Ian Wright‘s visits, football fans got to see the interior of Roy Keane’s house. We picture both parties cooling off while watching football.

Roy Keane Family Life:

As was previously stated, Keano’s household members bring out his softer side. This section of Roy Keane’s Biography reveals more information about his family members. Now, Without further ado, let’s begin.

About Roy Keane’s Mother:

Marie met her husband Mossie, who is Keane’s Dad in 1958. She met her husband inside her family’s home. At that time, Mossie was good friends with Marie’s brother, Pat Lynch. Mossie first sighted Marie when she was cleaning the table and floor for her Mother.

The following week at a dance, Marie (Roy’s future Mum) was sitting, and chatting with one of her admirers. Because of that, Mossie became jealous. Then, he bulldozed his way to win her heart. Fast forward to twelve years later, Mossie and Marie became happily married.

The wedding between Roy Keane’s Mother and Father happened on August 10th 1963. This blissful marital union produced five lovely children. Marie Keane’s children are Denis, Johnson, Hilary, Roy and Pat.

About Roy Keane’s Father:

Mossie is one of 15 children born to his parents in the Evergreen Buildings of Cork. Early on in his life, Roy Keane’s Father lost three of his siblings. From 15, they reduced to 12, and he became the youngest of them.

In case you’re not aware, Maurice was his real name. Mossie, as we all know, was just a nickname. Unlike his son and some family relatives, Mossie Keane has no footballing background. Even at that, he was very fond of football and other sports, especially boxing.

Sadly, Roy Keane’s Father is no more. Mossie died at the age of 79 (in the year 2019) at the Heather Care Home of Cork’s Orthopedic Hospital. Roy Keane’s Father was sick for a long time before he suffered from a stroke.

Before his unfortunate death, Roy Keane’s Dad had some true proud moments. One of which was seeing his son, captaining the greatest club in England, Manchester United. Also, for his son’s courageous act of leading the team to many successes.

The late father of Roy Keane was so cherished by all his children, whom he saw as stars. In the weeks leading to his death, all family members kept a constant vigil by his bedside. At that time, poor Maurice Keane battled with the pains of his illness.

Roy Keane’s Brothers and Sisters:

Altogether, his siblings are five in numbers. Denis Keane is the firstborn child and son of Late Mossie and Marie. Next is Johnson Keane, who is the second son and child of the family. The above two names (Denis and Johnson) are Roy Keane’s older brothers.

Roy Keane’s only sister is Hillary Keane. Hillary is the third child and only daughter of her Mum Marie and late Mossie Keane. Roy Keane follows his older sister (Hillary) in terms of birth order. Finally, we have Pat Keane who is the last born of the family.

About Roy Keane’s Nephew:

Among all of them, Paul Murphy is the most popular. He played a crucial role in attending to mourners at Maurice Keane’s burial. Roy Keane’s nephew, Paul Murphy, gave a fascinating speech during his Uncle’s burial. He said that Maurice was known for his infectious smile.

Also, that late Maurice Keane had a great love for his one and only wife, Marie. Including his five children, grandchildren and of course, great-grandchildren.

Paul Murphy’s speech excited those attending the funeral at the Church of the Resurrection in Farranree on Cork’s northside.

About Roy Keane’s Uncles:

Among all of them, Pat Lynch is the most popular. For the purpose of clarity, he is Roy Keane’s mother’s (Marie) brother.

Truth be told, without Pat Lynch, Roy Keane’s late Dad wouldn’t have met his Mum. He was best friends with Maurice Keane, even before his death.

As earlier recalled, Late Mossie’s visit at Pat Lynch’s family home was the reason why he became an uncle to Roy Keane. Marie Keane’s brother remains close to Roy and his family even after his brother-in-law’s death.

Roy Keane Grandchildren:

The Irish soccer legend, as of 2022, is a grandfather to two grandkids. Before Euro 2020, Roy Keane proved to the world of having a tough exterior and a soft touch inside. This came when he shared this adored photo of himself with his grandchildren.

Roy Keane is the type of Granddad who would do anything to make his grandchildren smile. Even though it means dressing up in his grandkid’s favourite Paw Patrol characters for their birthday party.

Untold Facts:

This final phase of Roy Keane’s Biography unveils more information about him. Without further ado, let’s begin.

Roy Keane Arrest Record and Facts:

The arrest happened on the 19th of May 1999 just after Man United won the League. Roy Keane spent the night in the police cell and was bailed by Alex Ferguson.

Roy Keane Autobiography:

In October 2014, the Cork hardman released the second part of his book. Roy Keane’s autobiography titled “The Second Half” is filled with controversies around him during his Premier League great’s career.

Upon its release, everyone knew his clashes with Ferguson would be a headline maker. As earlier recalled, Roy Keane left Manchester United unceremoniously. This came after he received much battering from Alex Ferguson.

About that faithful day he received the news of leaving United, Roy Keane said this in his own autobiography.

Alex Ferguson was there, in his office. David Gill was there too – with him. I went in and said, ‘So, what’s up?’

And the manager looked at me and said, ‘Look, Roy, I think we’ve come to the end. ‘

As simple as that. They had it already planned. It was another little hand grenade they threw at me.

Did Roy Keane do Boxing?

Yes, he did. Roy Keane’s Boxing record came in his childhood – as explained in this Biography. Even as a Man United captain, he encouraged boxing drills as part of players’ workouts. Paul Scholes, as observed in this photo, can attest to that.

The Roy Keane MUTV Rant:

We capture these words on his rant on Manchester United players.

Rant on John O’Shea: “John is just strolling around when he should have been busting his gut to get back.”

Rant on Darren Fletcher: “Truly, I can’t understand why people in Scotland rave about this guy, Darren Fletcher.”

Rant on Kieran Richardson: “Kieran is a lazy defender who deserved to get punished. Truly, he wasn’t doing his job.”

Rant on Alan Smith: “What is Alan doing at that side of the pitch? He is wandering there as if he is a lost person. Alan doesn’t know what he is doing.”

Rant on youth players getting involved in the game: “When they [the Manchester United youngsters] sign contracts, they begin to think they have made it in life. The truth is, they haven’t. These players owe it to the manager, the staff and the fans.

Rant on experienced players involved in the game: “The younger Man United players have been let down by some of the more experienced guys – who are not leading. There is a big shortage of characters. Just maybe, that’s what I might do when I come back from injury – play badly.”

Roy Keane Pundit Salary:

Outside of Gary Lineker (£1.35 million per year), Alan Shearer (who earns £395,000 a year) is the highest-paid Match of the Day pundit. Although Roy Keane’s Sky Sports pundit salary is not made public, our guess is in the region of £350,000 per year.

Roy Keane’s Religion:

The Irish football pundit is a devout Christian. Roy Keane is a Catholic. As a child, Roy Keane attended the Church of the Ressurection in Farranree, Cork, Ireland. As earlier recalled, Mossie Keane (Roy Keane’s Late Father) had his funeral mass in this church.

Also on Roy Keane’s religion, his family (when they visit Ireland) worships at the Church of Our Lady Crowned, in Mayfield.

As earlier stated, this is the Irish Catholic church where Roy Keane celebrated the holy mass of his wedding with his wife, Theresa Doyle.

Is Roy Keane related to Robbie Keane?

No, the two football Legends are not family-related. Neither are they brothers – despite the fact that they share a last name (Keane). Although both footballer Legends are from the Republic of Ireland.

Robbie Keane was born in South Dublin, and his parents are Robert and Anne Keane. On the other hand, Roy Keane’s parents are Maurice and Marie and he was born in Cork, Ireland.

Is Michael Keane and Roy Keane related?

Roy Keane is related to Michael Keane only professionally. For example, they both played for Manchester United. Michael Keane and Roy Keane are not family-related. Michael was born in Stockport, United Kingdom. He is not from Cork, Ireland (Where Roy comes from).

EndNote:

Keano was born into a working-class family in Mayfield, a suburb of Cork, Ireland. He was born to his Late Father, (Maurice Keane) and Mother (Marie Keane). Maurice worked at a local knitwear company, Sunbeam factory in Cork and at Murphy’s Irish Stout brewery.

Roy Keane’s parents have five children. Roy Keane’s siblings are Denis, Johnson, Hilary, Roy (himself) and Pat.

As a promising Athlete, Roy had his hands in boxing and football. Although he chose the latter, Roy had issues getting into a club in England.

After several disappointments, Nottingham Forest (a club that raised Brennan Johnson) accepted him. While Roy Keane was there, he met his wife, Theresa Doyle.

Both lovers dated for years before getting married in 1997. Theresa and Roy Keane’s Children are Shannon, Caragh, Aidan, Leah and Alanna.

From Nottingham, he went on to become one of the most iconic footballers in the modern Man United era.

During his playing days, fans knew Roy Keane for his work rate, energy, physicality, and hard tackles. Also, Roy Keane has a hot temper and a tendency to pick up cards.

Appreciation Note:

Thank you for taking the time to read our classic Biography of Roy Keane. Please reach us (via comments) if you spot anything that doesn’t look right in our version of Roy Keane’s Biography. In addition, we’ll love to get your feedback on Keano’s Story.

Please stay tuned for the Life Stories of more Classic footballers and Irish football stories. The Life History of Evan Ferguson and Ryan Giggs will excite you.