Top class from the Manchester United legend
Roy Keane
Roy Keane, known for his tough persona during his football career and his straight-talking style as a pundit, has shown a softer side that many may not be aware of.
Keane, who briefly shares glimpses of this side on his Instagram account, is remembered by a doctor for an extraordinary act of kindness he performed while playing for Manchester United.
Dr Niamh Ni Loinsigh recounted how the former Ireland skipper made an unannounced visit to a children’s hospital ward in his hometown of Cork, providing a seriously ill child with “the boost and the energy that they needed”.
The doctor admitted she had “debated long and hard” about sharing the story, but felt “people need to hear something nice”.
In a video posted online, Dr Ni Loinsigh said: “This is a Roy Keane appreciation post. Trigger warning, I will be discussing childhood illness and Roy Keane may also be a trigger for some of you, but most of you know that Roy Keane is a hero in Cork.
“The closest thing I ever witnessed to a Christmas miracle was facilitated I think by Roy Keane.
“This was 20 years ago and we were looking after a patient who was very, very unwell and it came to a point we weren’t really sure if they were going to make it.
“Unannounced and without any fanfare, Roy Keane came to visit the children’s ward and he gave that child the boost and the energy that they needed to just keep going a little bit more I think.
“On Christmas Eve, the professor of paediatrics rang me in tears and I feared the worst, but no he said that this child was completely better and was going home. So thanks Roy.”
The post was flooded with comments praising Keane, with many sharing their own encounters with the former Republic of Ireland skipper.
One user shared: “Lovely story. I was working in CUH childrens ward in the playroom 20years ago! ! ! The day Roy came to visit! He was lovely with the kids, must say we were all a bit star struck.”
Another chimed in: “Just a fantastic story a true Cork legend.”
A different person tweeted: “My nephew met Roy and the United team after a terrible life changing accident and he’s went from strength to strength. Great man and still the greatest United captain.”
Yet another comment read: “He is the most understood and lovely man…. I’ve shared many a dog walk with him and he’s been so so nice and charming.”