A heartwarming story about Roy Keane performing ‘Christmas miracles’ has emerged
Famed for his no-nonsense attitude as both a footballer and a pundit, Roy Keane has long been associated with intensity rather than tenderness. Yet a recent revelation has shed light on a compassionate side of him that seldom attracts headlines.
While Keane occasionally allows glimpses of his kinder, gentler self on social media, an Irish doctor has now shared an extraordinary memory from his Manchester United days that paints him in a very different light.
Dr Niamh Ni Loinsigh recounted how Keane once arrived unexpectedly at a children’s hospital in his hometown of Cork, where his presence made a profound difference to a gravely ill patient, providing “the boost and the energy that they needed”.
She explained that she had “debated long and hard” about whether to make the story public, but decided it was worth telling because “people need to hear something nice”.
In an online video, 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.”
READ MORE: Wayne Rooney’s unconventional Christmas dinner has EVERYONE divided
She went on to add: “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.”
Her account was met with widespread praise, prompting others to reflect on similar encounters with the Manchester United legend.
One person commented: “Lovely story. I was working in CUH children’s 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 replied: “Just a fantastic story a true Cork legend.” Someone else shared: “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.”
Another message concluded: “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.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
