Big softie Roy Keane helps kids cool off on trip to Youghal beach

Roy Keane happily posed for pictures with a group of children who were enjoying the glorious sunshine in Youghal.

Roy Keane is known for his dry wit in his punditry but off-camera he seems to have a softer touch delighting a ten-year-old by buying him and his friends ice creams on the beach in Youghal, Co Cork.

Darragh Morey from Farranaree in Cork City said Keano was a "nice fella" who gave him "the best ice cream of his life."

Darragh, who plays for St Mary's in Cork city, said that as a huge Manchester United fan he had always wanted to meet up with the Mayfield-born former player.

I was ecstatic. I was so excited. My heart was beating so fast. I wanted to meet him my whole life because he is one of my favourite players.

"I was with my family and relatives and friends. Most of us got in the picture as well and my dad is gone viral with it. Five thousand likes!"

Darragh says he loves the Keane brand of sarcasm on ITV. However, he emphasises that the former Republic of Ireland player "is a nice person in person."

"I love him. He was a great player. Some people think he is rude when they see him on TV but he is a great fella.” 

Darragh has already framed the photograph of his meeting with Roy.

My friends were screaming and they were just as excited as me. My friends were jealous of me.

Darragh said it had been a "brilliant" summer so far. He enters fifth class in September and looks forward to telling his classmates about his meeting with his favourite player.

Meanwhile, his father Eddie Morey said that Keane treated the children well buying them all ice creams and posing for a snap.

Keane, in spite of his hard-man image, is known for his benevolence in his native Cork.

Last December the former Ireland deputy manager made a surprise visit to the Penny Dinners soup.

Caitriona Twomey, who runs the facility which gives out 2,000 meals a week, said that Keane has always been hugely generous behind the scenes without ever looking for praise or acclaim.

" He is very kind-hearted. He has time for everyone.”