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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Robert Hynes

Roy Keane explains how Denis Irwin used to annoy him when rooming together

Roy Keane has revealed how Denis Irwin's love of golf used to get under his skin.

The Cork natives used to room together while playing for Manchester United and also when on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

But Keane says the former defender used to constantly watch golf tournaments when they were away for games, which annoyed him massively.

READ MORE: Roy Keane recalls his 'wet n wild' World Cup 'highlight' that had nothing to do with football

The former United captain said: "I used to room with Denis Irwin. Denis was my roommate with Ireland and obviously at United. I don't think players room together anymore. Players have their own rooms now but back then you did.

"Denis used to annoy me quite a bit."

After admitting that Irwin is one of the nicest people you could ever meet, Keane continued: "But he's annoying. He used to love the golf. He used to always watch the golf. There always seemed to be a golf tournament on.

"There were no iPads and all that but I'll forgive him for that.

"Denis was mad for the golf, but the again good company of course."

Roy Keane (Sky Sports)

Keane and Irwin were clearly close pals throughout their playing days, ex-United sports psychologist Bill Beswick revealed how the pair once clashed on the training ground. 

"The first day I went to Manchester United, I was watching eight versus eight possession," said Beswick.

"Roy Keane - who's a warrior, not just an athlete, not just a competitor but a warrior, the mindset of a warrior - his team have got possession.

"Denis Irwin has got the ball. He's looking up, he's trapped, he's going to lose the ball.

"Roy Keane makes a beautiful run and signals 'Denis!' where he wants the ball. Denis doesn't see him, doesn't hear him, doesn't respond and loses the ball.

"Roy Keane ran 40 yards to challenge his teammate: 'Get your head up.' I was shocked."

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