Michael Thomas Joseph Keane, born December 29, 1982, in Dublin, Ireland, is a former professional footballer who played as a left-sided midfielder. His career spanned from 2000 to 2008, during which he played for clubs including Preston North End, Grimsby Town, Hull City, Rotherham United, and St. Patrick’s Athletic. Keane began his career at Preston North End under manager David Moyes, making over 50 appearances before moving to other clubs. His football career ended in 2008 after being released by St. Patrick’s Athletic, following a controversial sacking deemed unlawful due to discrimination over his weight. After retiring, Keane transitioned into coaching, earning UEFA A and B badges, and managed several amateur teams in Dublin. He later worked as a taxi driver in Dublin. Now in Jail.

In April 2025, Keane, then 42, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for sexually assaulting a 20-year-old college student in his taxi in November 2023. The incident occurred after he picked up the woman in Dublin city center and drove her to an isolated area on Bull Island, where he assaulted her by touching her inappropriately. The victim managed to fight him off by punching him and demanded to be taken home, after which Keane charged her a fare of €77.77. She reported the assault immediately, and evidence, including a bruise on her hand and CCTV footage, corroborated her account. Keane initially denied the allegations, claiming the detour was at the victim’s request, but later pleaded guilty. The court heard a victim impact statement describing the profound fear and trauma she experienced. Despite character references, including some linked to Preston North End (though the club denied current involvement), Judge Martin Nolan deemed the offense serious, warranting imprisonment. Keane lost his taxi license and was added to the sex offenders register. He has two prior convictions from the UK in 2007 for theft and assault causing actual bodily harm.