Moss Keane: Rugby Player, Dead at 62...

Maurice Ignatius "Moss" Keane
(27 July 1948 - 5 October 2010)




Moss Keane was a former rugby union footballer who played for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions.

Born in County Kerry, Ireland, Keane started out as a Gaelic footballer, playing at college level for University College Cork and winning a number of medals which included multiple Sigerson Cups. He represented Kerry at U-21 as full back. He then found rugby through a friend in college, making his international debut on 19 January 1974 against France in Paris, a game Ireland lost 9–6.

Keane became the third Irish forward after Willie John McBride and Fergus Slattery to reach 50 international appearances. He played his 51st and final international against Scotland on 3 March 1984 in Dublin. Unfortunately for Keane, Ireland lost the match 32–9. Keane was also a part of the famous Munster side that defeated the New Zealand in Thomond Park in 1978.

He toured New Zealand with the Phil Bennett's British and Irish Lions in 1977, making one Test appearance, and was also a key man in Ireland's 1974 Five Nations Championship win and their historic Triple Crown victory in 1982.

In 2009 it was reported that Keane was being treated for bowel cancer.

Keane died after losing a long battle against cancer and is survived by his wife Anne and his two daughters Sarah and Anne Marie.


RIP

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