Japanese fans take a bow for Keano . . . in Mayfield
Japanese fans take a bow for Keano . . . in Mayfield
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TEN fanatical Japanese soccer supporters travelled to Cork yesterday - just to pay their respects to Roy Keane, the footballer they failed to see in action at the 2002 World Cup.
The group -- who are local politicians from Ichihara, a provincial city on the outskirts of Tokyo - even got to meet Roy's father, Mossie Keane, as part of a tour of his home town.
Mossie and his wife, Marie, welcomed the Japanese group to Cork - and told them Roy would be delighted to meet them if he was in Ireland.
The Japanese soccer fans toured Mayfield - where Roy grew up - and Rockmount AFC, the club that first help nurture his talents.
Rockmount officials were so thrilled by the interest shown by the Japanese group in their club that they arranged for club officers to greet the Asian delegation at the airport.
"It is great for Ireland that he (Roy) is now back playing for you," Tsuneo Ita, the tour group leader explained. "Roy Keane is considered a great player in Japan. It was a pity we did not get to enjoy his skills two years ago."
Fittingly, Mr Ito met Roy Keane in person prior the 2002 World Cup while he was on a sports visit to Britain and decided to include Manchester on his itinerary.
Ralph Riegel
