Former Ireland soccer superstar striker Robbie Keane has announced that his mother Anne has died.
The father-of-two took to social media to share the heartbreaking news about his mother's passing which happened in St James's Hospital yesterday, and said that he got his resilience from her. He called his beloved mum the "rock" of the family who adored her children and grandchildren.
Many responded in tribute to Anne with both Celtic FC and La Galaxy, former teams of Robbie's, sending their condolences. The former Ireland captain gave special thanks to his mum and also remembered his dad Robbie Keane Sr and said he would be waiting for Anne "with open arms".
Read more: Robbie Keane and wife Claudine stun at Royal Ascot
He said: "It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you of my beloved mother Anne’s passing. My wonderful mother was our rock. She adored her children and grandchildren and was the most generous and selfless person I’ve ever met. She had an infectious sense of humour and constantly put smiles on our faces. You always wondered where I got my resilience from but after seeing your determination and fight despite everything that was thrown at you in life and especially the past few weeks, I know it was from you mum, you were always so strong, a true warrior.
"Words can't adequately express how lucky we were to have a mum like you. Thank you for all of the love, laughter and memories which I will cherish forever. I am heartbroken to say goodbye but I know that dad will be waiting for you with open arms and that you will both continue to guide us all from above. Rest in peace mum. I will love and miss you always."
An RIP.ie notice said: "Formerly of Glenshane Grove, Dublin 24 and Captain's Drive, Dublin 12. In the tender care of the staff of St. James's Hospital. Beloved wife of the late Robbie and mother of Natasha, Graham, Rob and Amy. Sadly missed by her loving family, daughters-in-law Eileen and Claudine, sons-in-law, Alan and Kyle, grandchildren Lee, Adam, Craig, Abby, Sadie, Robert, Hudson, Charlie and Lucy, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends."
In his post he shared beautiful family pictures with Anne, including individual shots with Robbie, his wife Claudine and their sons Robert and Hudson. He also shared a poem about the loss of a mother, which said:
It's been the hardest thing to lose you
You meant so much to me
But you are in my heart Mum
And that's where you'll always be
I know that Heaven called you
But I wish you could have stayed
At least the memories I have of you
They will never fade
I did not want to lose you
But you did not go alone
Because a part of me went with you
When Heaven called you home
So just remember one thing
We are not apart
You're with me in my memories
And in my broken heart
Anne will be reposing in her home on Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm with her funeral mass on Thursday in St Agnes's Church, Crumlin at 11.30am.
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