Roy Keane had drive and determination in abundance as an underage player and what he lacked in stature he made up for in skill, a former team-mate claimed yesterday as tributes began to pour in following the announcement of his retirement.

Len Downey, of Gurranabraher on the northside of the city, who played football alongside Keane as a teenager at Rockmount FC, said even as a youngster Roy had a hunger for success which separated him from the pack. "He was smaller than the rest of us but what he lacked in height he made up for in desire."

President McAleese, in Lesotho, where she has begun a three-country tour of Africa said: "Roy Keane has brought immense joy and pride to football fans throughout Ireland and around the world with his magical talent and leadership qualities on the football pitch whether at club or international level. He is one of Ireland's greatest sporting heroes and I offer him my very warmest good wishes on his retirement from professional football."

At the Cotton Ball pub in Keane's native Mayfield fans described his retirement as the end of an era. Joe Healy from Mayfield said the footballer was a "legend" to locals and an inspiration to aspiring players throughout the city. "He was a great ambassador for Cork. He was only here last week in Ballinderry Park. Roy is a local boy made good and we are very proud."

Kieran O'Sullivan, acting assistant manager at Rockmount FC where Keane played as a teenager, said Roy was a big loss to the game but that everyone understood he had to follow medical advice. He claimed Roy was the "pride of his Cork" for his achievements on the pitch adding that unfortunately his career had to come to an end at some stage.

John Meade, secretary of Cobh Ramblers at the time of Keane's transfer to Nottingham Forest, said officials at the club always knew that Roy would prove to be a huge success in England. "We were always of the opinion that it would turn that way. We said that in three years' time he would be worth £3 million and within 12 months he was sold for £ 3.7 million."

Former Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Sean Martin, who presided over Keane's Freedom of the City ceremony last year said the Mayfield man was an "icon for a generation of Cork people".

The FF councillor said there was "a great buzz" in City Hall when Roy was granted the Freedom of the City alongside Sonia O'Sullivan. He admitted he was honoured to be given the opportunity to acknowledge such a sporting hero.

Cork Labour TD, Kathleen Lynch, summed up the feelings of thousands of Corkonians when she said that the 34-year-old would be remembered for his passion as much as for his ability. "The fact that he was so passionate about the sport gave everyone else their enthusiasm.

"I suppose it was inevitable that he would go but he was near enough to the top of his game so it is a nice way to go."