Loving hubbie closes deal on Keane jersey

A DEVOTED husband bought one of the last Manchester United jerseys worn by Roy Keane for €4,000 at a church auction yesterday - as a surprise Christmas present for his wife.

The man’s identity was being kept under wraps last night so as not to spoil the surprise.

He bought the jersey during a fundraising auction in Cork organised by the Mayfield church where Keane was baptised and married.

Father Robert Young, parish priest of Our Lady Crowned, said the man’s wife - a dedicated Manchester United fan - has been in a state of “shock and despair” since Keane’s departure from the club on Friday.

But she will get a signed number 16 Keane jersey on Christmas morning.

He praised Keane for the unsolicited donation which will help the church’s €1.2 million restoration fundraising drive.

“I’d like to acknowledge Roy’s generosity. I got a beautiful letter from him, encouraging me as one of the priests here in Mayfield, and the community, in what we’re doing with the church renovation,” he said.

The parish plans to storm glaze the stained-glass windows, put in a wheelchair ramp and disabled toilet, put down new flooring, create a bigger space around the baptismal font, and carry out rewiring and painting.

“Roy has certainly led the way in the fundraising. I’d like to wish him and his family well from the parish, express our thanks, and acknowledge the wonderful contribution he has made to sport,” Father Young said.

The jersey, which came with a certificate of authentication, was auctioned by sports commentator Ger Canning at the Moran Silver Springs Hotel.

The auction was on course last night to raise between €12,000 and €15,000.