Dr Keane says doctorate 'a great honour'

Republic of Ireland and Manchester United soccer captain Roy Keane said it was ‘‘a great honour’’ to be conferred with a doctorate in his native Cork today.

Keane, 30, who was made an honorary Doctor of Laws at University College Cork, joked that he had never expected to make it to university, never mind become a doctor.

UCC decided to honour the fiery star for his outstanding talent and success as captain of the football teams on both sides of the Irish Sea.

It will come as a welcome boost for the father-of-four after Manchester United’s defeat at the hands of Arsenal, who clinched the Premiership title this week.

Following the ceremony Keane said: ‘‘Well, I never thought I would make it to UCC, growing up in Mayfield.

‘‘Having said that I have been very fortunate in my career, a lot of people have helped me along the way and I do realise how fortunate I am.

‘So I do appreciate these awards and it is a great honour not just for me but for my family and the people who have helped me in my career.’’

Keane joins former Republic of Ireland manager Jack Charlton and George Best who have been conferred with honorary doctorates in Limerick and Belfast respectively.

He said he thought the Irish Republic squad had a 50-50 chance of getting through the group stage of this summer’s World Cup and into the quarter finals.

Some of the talented youngsters in Mick McCarthy’s squad, such as Robbie Keane, could return from the Japan and South Korea tournament as ‘‘major stars’’, he added.

‘‘I am pretty confident that we can go through but it is important that we do not get carried away,’’ he said.

He added: ‘‘We work pretty hard and Mick and the staff and the team deserve all credit. We will definitely be looking to qualify and after that who knows?’’