Former Manchester United star Roy Keane has made a heartwarming gesture by personally visiting a sick fan in hospital after the family had only requested a video message.
The football legend surprised Pat O'Sullivan with an unannounced appearance at Mercy Hospital Cork.
Pat's family had reached out to Cork's Red FM hoping to secure a brief video from Keane for their father.
Instead of simply sending a recording, Keane took the extraordinary step of flying to Cork to meet his longtime admirer in person.
Former Manchester United star Roy Keane has made a heartwarming gesture by personally visiting a sick fan in hospital after the family had only requested a video message
The visit left the family deeply moved, with Pat's son Rob revealing that his father considers Keane his "idol".
The unexpected encounter happened after Rob contacted the radio station last week with what seemed a modest request.
"Roy didn't just send a message, he showed up in person, no fuss, no fanfare," Rob O'Sullivan told Red FM Breakfast with KC.
The football icon flew to Cork specifically to visit Pat, taking time out of his busy schedule.
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Rather than a brief appearance, Keane stayed for "ages" with the family.
Pat's face "lit up like never before" as Roy sat with him in his hospital room.
The pair spent significant time together, with Rob describing how they were "trading stories" like old friends.
"When I looked at him, I was in awe. I couldn't believe he was right in front of me and about to make my dad's dream come true," Rob said.
The visit created what Rob described as "a moment we'll never forget" for the entire family.
"My dad cried twice," Rob shared. "He fully understood Roy was there."
The timing of the visit proved particularly fortunate as Pat's health had recently deteriorated.
"Since I last spoke to you guys, my dad's speech has actually gone really bad. So the timing was perfect since he and Roy could actually have a bit of a conversation," Rob explained.
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"My dad looked at him, stared at him and just couldn't believe his hero was there sat next to him."
The visit clearly meant everything to Pat, who was overwhelmed to find himself face-to-face with the man he had admired for so long.
Listeners to Red FM were touched by Keane's act of kindness, with many praising the former footballer in the comments section.
Roy Keane has been hailed as a 'true hero' as visiting superfan Pat O'Sullivan
"That's what you call a true Irish hero," wrote one listener under a clip of Rob's radio interview on Instagram.
Another pointed out this wasn't unusual behaviour for Keane: "Roy has been doing stuff like that for years and never looks for any praise or publicity for it."
A third person shared a similar experience: "He did the same with my uncle when he was in Marymount Hospice when he was in his final days with MND. My uncle was naturally delighted."
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