Not so 145;Keane146; on a patch-up

Now, Keane reportedly was headed back to his England home. His professional team, English giants Manchester United, denied reports that they had provided him a specially chartered plane from Japan.

Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, a populist who triumphed in elections here last week, offered himself up as a mediator. Ahern8217;s spokesman later said, however, that neither side had expressed any interest in his services. In a country where Keane8217;s steely gaze dominates World Cup advertisements on many street corners, people expressed denial that he could really be gone.

8220;How could Keane want to walk away? How could mick want him to go? The whole thing8217;s crazy,8221; said soccer fan Shane O8217;Dea.

The Football Association of Ireland8217;s secretary, Descasey, said the nation was 8220;clinging to the hope that there is a possibility, albeit a very slim possibility, that something might be done to achieve a compromise.8221;