1971: Born Cork, August 8th.
1987: Joins semi-professional League of Ireland club Cobh Ramblers after building reputation with Cork junior club Rockmount.
1990: Signed by Brian Clough for Nottingham Forest for £25,000. Wins Barclays Young Eagle of the Month award for December.
1991: Makes Republic of Ireland debut in 1-1 draw with Chile in Dublin.
1992: Arrested after rowdy scenes outside a Nottingham nightclub but released without charge.
1993: In January, is thrown out of another nightclub after being caught up in a brawl. In July, joins Manchester United for then British transfer record £3.75 million (had played 154 matches, scoring 33 goals for Forest).
1994: Marks first season with Manchester United by helping club complete their first League and FA Cup double. Helps Republic of Ireland reach second round of World Cup in United States, figuring in all four matches.
1995: Sent off for first time in career for stamping on Crystal Palace's Gareth Southgate during FA Cup semi-final replay. Hit with disrepute charge by Football Association (later fined £5,000). Shown red card twice in first three months of 1995-96 campaign, at Blackburn in August and at home to Middlesbrough in October.
1996: In March, was sent off on his 30th appearance for the Republic of Ireland against Russia in Mick McCarthy's first match as manager.
In May, helps United clinch historic second double with 1-0 FA Cup final win over Liverpool. Fails to report for McCarthy's testimonial and Republic training after going on holiday to Italy, is denied Republic captaincy and left out for six matches by the national boss.
1997: In April, misses penalty for Republic against Romania and escapes without punishment after being involved in alleged head-butting incident. In May, helps Manchester United to Premiership title. In August, is named United skipper following Eric Cantona's departure. In early hours of September 25th, is caught up in a scuffle at a Stretford hotel following 2-2 draw with Chelsea but witness statements are withdrawn and no action is taken. Also interviewed by police over claims that he threatened a neighbour during a row over Keane's straying dogs. On September 27th, injures himself against Leeds. On October 2nd, Manchester United announce he will miss the rest of the season with cruciate ligament damage.
