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In 2009 it was reported that Keane was being treated for bowel
cancer. He died aged 62 on 5 October 2010. Many tributes were made
including Taoiseach Brian Cowen saying "one of the great gentleman of
Irish sport, would be sadly missed by his many fans and admirers
worldwide, Moss Keane was one of the finest rugby players Ireland has
ever produced, He was among rugby's best known characters and a legend
of the game at home and abroad". The IRFU paid tribute to
Keane, describing him as one of Irish rugby's "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,
" IRFU President Caleb Powell said, "UCC, 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."
Keane is survived by his wife Anne
and his two daughters Sarah and Anne Marie. His funeral took place on 7
October in St Michael's Church Portarlington. Former Ireland
international players, including Willie John McBride, Ollie Campbell,
Tony Ward, Mick Galwey, Dick Spring, Donal Lenihan, Donal Spring and
Ciaran Fitzgerald were in attendance. Keane's coffin was adorned with
the jerseys of Ireland, Munster, UCC, Kerry and Currow.
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