'It’s a moment we’ll never forget': Roy Keane pays fan special visit in hospital

Much-loved Cork man Roy Keane proved that his heart is as big as his legacy following a surprise visit to a lifelong fan in hospital.

When his father Pat was in hospital, son Rob O’Sullivan, contacted RedFM Breakfast with KC’s head producer Victoria Nichols in an appeal to make contact Roy Keane, his father’s hero.

While Rob had wished for a simple message from the sporting legend to boost his father’s morale, Keane had something else in mind, taking it upon himself to go above and beyond with a personal visit.

Keane quietly arrived at the Mercy Hospital earlier this week.

Walking into the hospital room unannounced, the football icon spent quality time with the delighted patient, chatting about football, life in Cork, and sharing a few laughs.

Witnesses say Pat’s face ‘lit up like never before’ as Keane sat by his bedside, offering words of encouragement and even reminiscing about his own days growing up in Mayfield.

“Roy didn’t just send a message—he showed up in person, no fuss, no fanfare,” said Rob O’Sullivan, Pat’s son.

“Dad’s been through so much, and to see his idol walk through that door was unbelievable. Roy stayed for ages, talking to him like they were old friends. It’s a moment we’ll never forget.” 

The RedFM Breakfast with KC team, who had facilitated the initial request, were equally stunned by Keane’s gesture.

“We put the call out hoping for a quick video, but Roy took it to another level,” said host KC.

“This is the kind of thing that shows who he really is—a legend on the pitch and a man with a heart of gold off it. Pat and his family deserve this happiness, and Roy made it happen.” 

Pat O’Sullivan, a lifelong football fan, remains in hospital, but his family says Keane’s visit has given him a renewed sense of strength and joy: “Roy Keane gave my dad a memory to hold onto.”