When Keane began his international career in 1948 there were, in effect, two Ireland teams, chosen by two rival associations. Both associations, the Northern Ireland – based
IFA and the Republic of Ireland – based
FAI claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland and selected players from the whole island. As a result, several notable Irish players from this era, including Keane, played for both teams.
IFA XI On 17 November 1948, Keane made his international debut with the
IFA XI in a 3–2 defeat against
Scotland at
Hampden Park. His teammates on the day included several fellow
dual internationalists, including another Swan,
Jackie O'Driscoll and another former
Limerick player,
Davy Walsh, who scored both goals for the IFA XI. This, however, was Keane's one and only appearance for the IFA XI.
FAI XI Between 1948 and 1949, Keane also made 4 appearances for the
FAI XI. He won his first FAI cap on 5 December 1948, in a 1–0 defeat in a friendly against
Switzerland at
Dalymount Park. He also played for the FAI XI on 22 May 1949, in another friendly at Dalymount against
Portugal and helped the FAI XI win 1–0. He won his third FAI XI cap on 2 June 1949, in a 3–1 away defeat against
Sweden. This was a qualifier for the
1950 FIFA World Cup. He made his final appearance for the FAI XI on 12 June 1949, in a 4–1 home defeat against
Spain. ==Honours==