Keane recalls glory days (and nights) on Leeside

In keeping with his role as guest of honour at the launch of the Cork City FC Patronage Scheme in support of the club’s underage Education and Development Fund, it was appropriate that Roy Keane found time to reflect on his early days in football and, in particular, the critical move from Leeside to Nottingham which paved the way for the creation of a legend.

Keane recalled how, at the outset of his career, his determination to get on an FAI/FÁS soccer course saw him break the rules by signing for both Cork City (“Upstairs in Le Chateau — I wasn’t drinking!”) and, within a couple of days, Cobh Ramblers.

“The FAI charged me which was maybe the start of things to come,” he grinned. “Rightly so, I’d signed for two clubs. They fined me one hundred pounds and Cobh paid it. And going to Cobh was my chance to go on the FÁS course. Playing League of Ireland was a great education. With Cobh we were in the First Division and it was tough but it was great for me when I went to Forest at 19.