Keano's back - and the fans are ecstatic. Back in Cork that is. To sign his autobiography at Easons.
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| Roy Keane, seeming to confirm what most Cork people think of him, at his book signing at Easons in Cork today. Photograph: Alan Betson, Irish Times |
Two thousand fans gathered in central Cork - some queueing since dawn - to meet the city's favourite sporting son. Easons had allocated 350 tickets, not nearly enough for the Keane-mad Corkonians. Arriving an hour early - at 2 p.m. - Keane met children with special needs, hugging some of them and signing not just his book but Ireland shirts and other soccer paraphernalia.It seems unlikely that Keane, who will be spending two hours signing his book, will be able accommodate everyone. He is due on a flight at 7 p.m. But Easons are doing their best to make the Manchester United captain available to as many people as possible.The doors on the shop were closed as the excitement reached fever-pitch. Children were seen crying, overcome with emotion at seeing Mayfield-born Keane.This was the sort of reception pop stars get. "He's gorgeous", a young girl exclaimed."So what did you say to Roy?" "What do you think?" Just about everyone asked him. And is he going to play for Ireland again? Roy just smiled.He's glad to be back and in his modest way obviously loves the adulation from people who plainly care about and support him.Wonder how he'd feel about supporters heaping adulation on him if he happened to be around Dublin 4 of a Wednesday evening? We're sure to find out sooner or later. But for now, the only thing passing Keano's lips is a smile.