Page 34 - Lansdowne Yearbook 2020-21 Master Digital Edition

TRIBUTE TO of the Intermediate Shield after him.
He then found rugby through a friend in
MOSS KEANE college, playing for the UCC junior rugby
team as ‘Moss Fenton’, during the GAA’s ban
on foreign games. When asked what he first
Mick Kearney thought about rugby he answered: “It was
like watching a pornographic movie – very
Maurice Ignatius (Moss) Keane frustrating for those watching and only
(27th July 1948 – 5th October 2010) enjoyable for those participating.” He made
his international debut for Ireland on 19
I feel privileged to pen a tribute to Moss Keane January 1974 against France in Paris, a game
who died 10 years ago on 5th October 2010. Ireland lost 9–6 in the 1974 Five Nations
I have included some personal memories and Championship.
some additional memories from people who Moss became the third Irish forward after
knew him well – Ollie Campbell, legendary out Willie John McBride and Fergus Slattery
half who played with Moss for many years, Dr to reach 50 international appearances. He
Con Murphy, legendary Cork team doctor, Des didn’t miss a game in the what was then the
Fitzgerald, legendary Irish and Lansdowne 5 Nations for 11 seasons, a great testament
tight head prop and finally the legend that is to his fitness and resilience. Moss was also a
our own Patrick ‘Basher’ Boylan. part of the famous Munster side that defeated
Born at Currow in Co. Kerry, Moss started out the All Blacks in Thomond Park in 1978. He
as a Gaelic footballer, playing at college level toured New Zealand with Phil Bennett’s
for University College Cork and in the process British and Irish Lions in 1977, making one
winning a number of medals including three Test appearance, and was also a key man in
Sigerson Cups, one Cork County Championship Ireland’s 1982 Five Nations Championship win
and a Munster Club Championship, he also and their historic Triple Crown victory in 1982.
played in an All-Ireland Club Final. He
represented Kerry Gaelic footballers at U-21 Ollie Campbell:
and Junior level as a full back, winning Munster ‘Moss Keane is one of the most loved Irish
Championships at both levels, playing in an rugby international of his or any generation
All-Ireland at Junior level. In 2011 the Kerry and he enriched the lives of all those he
County Board named the cup for the winners came in contact with. He met his wife Anne
34 YEARBOOK 2020-2021