A heartwarming story that shows the Manchester United legend’s softer side
Roy Keane, renowned for his uncompromising demeanour both on the pitch and in the pundit’s chair, has revealed a gentler side that often goes unnoticed by the public.
Whilst Keane occasionally offers fleeting insights into this aspect of his character on Instagram, a doctor has come forward to share a remarkable act of compassion he carried out during his Manchester United days.
Dr Niamh Ni Loinsigh recalled how the former Republic of Ireland captain turned up unannounced at a children’s hospital ward in his native Cork, giving a critically ill youngster “the boost and the energy that they needed”.
The medic confessed she had “debated long and hard” about revealing the story, but believed “people need to hear something nice”.
In a video shared online, Dr Ni Loinsigh stated: “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.”, reports the Irish Mirror.
“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 garnered widespread praise for Keane, with numerous people recounting their own experiences with the former Republic of Ireland captain.
One person wrote: “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 added: “Just a fantastic story a true Cork legend.”
Someone else commented: “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.”
A further response stated: “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.”
