Anne Keane, mother of Irish football legend Robbie Keane, was remembered as "family orientated" and a "true Irish mammy" during her funeral mass today.
Mrs Keane passed away in St James' Hospital earlier this week. Robbie announced his mother's death on social media earlier on Monday night, remembering her as "a true warrior".
Her funeral mass was held in a packed St Agnes' Church in Crumlin Village this morning. Niall Quinn, Nikki Byrne, Georgina Ahern, Brian Ormond and Pippa O'Connor were among mourners gathered at the mass.
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A picture of Anne with her nine grandchildren, Robbie's jersey from the Ireland versus Germany 2002 World Cup match and a candle were among gifts brought to the altar to represent her life.
Fr Tom Clowe described Mrs Keane as a "true Crumlin lady, a true Dublin woman". He said: "As her family described, she was a "true Irish mammy, she was the glue that held everyone together.
"She was so proud of her children and grandchildren. She was devoted to her family and looked after everybody. She checked in on everyone everyday and made sure they were okay."
Speaking on behalf of the family, Robbie made an emotional tribute to his mam at the end of the mass, saying that she "did everything for her children".
"There are so many words to describe my mother, kind, caring, loving, generous, selfless, strong and resilient," he said. "But the words that sum her up the most is that she is family orientated. She lived and loved her family. Family was everything to her.
"As a child growing up, we knew with no uncertainty how much we were loved. And although we worked for everything we got, my mother was always determined for us to have the best life possible.
"She held two jobs, worked so hard and everything that she did was for her children."
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Robbie recalled being scouted for the first time as a teenager and his mum giving him invaluable advice on how to navigate the new chapter of his life. "I was 15-years-old when the scout contacted my family and asked me to go to England to play football," he said.
"There were a few teams interested but my mum assured me that I should follow my heart and go to where I felt at home. The chance to go and play for the first team, and although Liverpool came calling, I took my mum's advice and went to Wolves. She always knew best.
"She worked so hard to make sure that my suitcase was full with new clothes for my new adventure at Wolves. I repaid her with my first contract when I was only 16. My only request, written in pencil, was that my parents could visit me four times per year and I could get my mam central heating.
"She was so proud and I knew I wouldn't have had the opportunity without the many sacrifices my mum and dad made for myself, Graham, Natasha and Amy."
Robbie also remembered his parents' inviting camera crews into their home to film them while they watched him in the 2002 World Cup. "I remember at the World Cup in Japan, my parents flash up on the TV screen, they were being interviewed at home and a camera crew were filming them watch the entire game," he said.
"I picked up the phone and called my mum and said 'what were you thinking letting camera crew into the house?' I was surprised at the time but now I know they were proud as punch and wanted the world to know it. Now I treasure those video clips and I'm delighted to have them to look back on."
Robbie continued by saying his mum remained "completely devoted" to his father since his passing almost 20 years ago.
"She celebrated each of his birthdays and anniversary every year. It gives us great peace of mind to know they are reunited again in Heaven."
He finished by saying: "Words cannot express how lucky we were to have a mum like you. Thank you for all the love, laughter, encouragement and memories that we will cherish forever.
"We are heartbroken to say goodbye but we know that dad is waiting for you with open arms and you'll both continue to guide us from up above. Rest In Peace mam."
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