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Ronan Keating has been bearing the coffin of his brother Ciaran, who is being laid to rest in Ireland, after he was tragically killed in a car crash. Ciaran, in his 50s, died in a two-vehicle collision in Co Mayo on Saturday, 15 July.
It is understood the car salesman's wife Ann Marie was also injured in the accident. The funeral for the older brother of Boyzone singer and The One Show presenter Ronan was being held at St Patrick's Church in Louisburgh, Co Mayo, from midday.
Other mourners seen attending alongside Ciaran's friends and family have included members of Cork City FC, which Ciaran’s son Ruairi plays for, as well as representatives of the Marie Keating Foundation cancer charity. Ronan is expected to sing towards the end of the ceremony.
The fatal crash happened on the N5 at Ballymiles, near Swinford, at around 3.35pm on Saturday. The driver of the other vehicle was seriously injured and was taken to Mayo University Hospital. A man and woman, both passengers from each car, also received treatment.
Ronan was supported by Boyzone band mate Keith Duffy as well as celebrity friends, following the accident. Keith paid tribute to Ciaran on Instagram last weekend, saying: “I can’t comprehend the loss and devastation of my brother @rokeating and all the Keating family. All my family are praying and thinking of our Keating family right now.
“Ciaran, from the early days you toured with us you (were) a great guide on our journey in the early days. You helped and supported us young, innocent kids. Take your place in heaven buddy with your mam, Marie.”
Grange Hill and EastEnders actor Sean Maguire added a comment to Keith’s post, writing: "Oh no. How awful. Ciaran was a sweetheart. He was such fun, loved the guy. Sending love to you & the Keating’s." Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova also sent her support as she replied to the post with a broken heart emoji and a simple “RIP”.
Ronan and Ciaran's mother, Marie Keating, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 1996 and died of the disease in February 1998, aged 51. The Marie Keating Foundation was set up by the family in the years after her death to help raise awareness of symptoms of the disease and support people having treatment.
In a statement, the cancer charity said Ciaran will be “missed greatly”. It said: “The whole team and board of the Marie Keating Foundation are devastated to learn of the tragic death of Ciaran Keating."
It's believed Ciaran was driving to see his son, Ruairi, play for Cork City FC when the tragedy occurred. In a statement, the football club said: “All at Cork City FC are deeply saddened at the passing of Ciaran Keating, father of our player Ruairi Keating. We extend our deepest sympathies to Ruairi and the entire Keating family at this exceptionally difficult time."
Ronan is set to return to the stage this Saturday, to perform at a Finnish festival. The star is still officially playing Finland's Vauhtiajojen Race and Rock Festival, with festival bosses confirming the appearance in a social media post.
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