He was given a hero's reception at Turner's Cross by a capacity 8000 strong crowd as he returned to his hometown of Cork.
The former Republic of Ireland captain played his first game in the city in over a decade when leading a Manchester United reserve team into action against local side Cobh Ramblers, Keane's former club.
He was given a standing ovation as he led United onto the pitch and although his performance was subdued prior to his substitution just before the hour there was no doubting the crowd's adoration for him.
At the final whistle a large swathe of the attendance converged upon Keane, causing scenes of hysteria as he met his hometown fans.
Kenny Cooper got a last minute goa to seal it for United. Mads Timm had given United a first-half lead which was equalised by Robert Brosnan four minutes before the break.