Tributes Paid To Munster Rugby Legend Moss Keane

Sports - Rugby

Tuesday, 05 October 2010 15:59

Written by Stephen Davis

Tributes have been paid to the former Irish and Munster rugby international Moss Keane who has died today aged 62.

Throughout his accomplished rugby career Keane represented Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions. He won 51 caps for Ireland and was part of the Ireland team that won the Triple Crown in 1982. A proud native of Kerry and Munster, Keane played on the famous Munster team that defeated the All-Blacks in Thomond Park in 1978.

He also played Gaelic Football representing Kerry at under-21 level and winning Sigerson Cup honours while attending University College Cork.

Reacting to the news of Mr. Keane’s death, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said: “I am saddened to learn today of the untimely  passing of Moss Keane who was one of the great gentlemen of Irish sport.  He will be sadly missed by his many fans and admirers across the sporting world.”

“Moss Keane was one of the finest rugby players Ireland has ever produced. He was among rugby's best knows characters and a legend of the game at home and abroad,  representing Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions with great distinction. He was also an accomplished Gaelic Footballer in his younger days. Moss will, of course, always be associated with the heroic Munster side of 1978 that defeated the All Blacks in Thomond Park”, added the Taoiseach.

The Irish Rugby Football Union also expressed their sympathies on behalf of Irish rugby to the family of Moss Keane.

Commenting on the news of Moss' passing, IRFU President Caleb Powell said: "Quite simply Irish rugby has lost one of its most genuine characters and legends of the game.

"Moss had ability on the field that no one could doubt from his record at club, provincial and international level. Lansdowne, Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions all benefited from his presence and ensured that his reputation will live long in the memories of not only Irish rugby, but world rugby.

He added: "My own memories of Moss were his great belief in the ethos of the game which was evident in how he related to players from all levels in our club Lansdowne.  It did not matter whether you were an Ireland international or playing for the third Bs, he always had time for everybody in the club and he will be sorely missed.”

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith TD, today joined with those paying tribute to the late Moss Keane.

Moss Keane worked for 37 years in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, having graduated from University College Cork with a degree in Dairy Science, and played a key role in the Department’s Dairy Inspectorate, working initially in the Department’s Dairy Laboratory and later as part of the Department’s Dairy Inspection service dealing directly with the dairy processing industry.

Minister Smith said that “throughout his career, Moss demonstrated the same application and diligence to his work as he did on the rugby field and earlier on the GAA pitch.  He was a very valued member of staff and was very popular with his colleagues in the Department and in the industry”.

Moss Keane is survived by his wife Ann and daughters Anne Marie and Sarah.