CIARAN Keating's family have paid heartbreaking tribute to a "dearly loved husband" and "devoted father".
The beloved big brother of Boyzone star Ronan died in a car crash in at Ballymiles, Co Mayo on Saturday afternoon.
Ciaran, a car salesman in his 50s, had been driving to watch his son Ruairi, 28, play football for Cork City when the tragedy occurred.
Devastated Ronan "dropped everything" to return to Ireland when he learned of his brother's death in a heartbreaking phone call.
Ciaran's heartbroken family this evening confirmed he will be laid to rest on Thursday.
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And in a touching tribute to their late mum Marie, grieving relatives have requested donations to the breast cancer foundation they established in her name.
Devastated family said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and tragic passing of Ciarán Keating.
"Dearly loved husband of Annemarie, devoted father of Conall, Ruairí and Aisling and adoring grandpa to Bobbi, May, Reggie, Archie T. and Sonnie.
"Ciarán is predeceased by his beloved mother Marie, father-in-law Kevin, brothers-in-law Colm, Joey and Shane.
"He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, his father Gerry, mother-in-law Claire, sister Linda, brothers Gerard, Gary and Ronan, daughters-in-law Amilia, and Emily, Aisling's partner Matthew, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and many many friends.
"May His Gentle Soul Rest In Peace."
Confirming funeral arrangements, they added: "Ciaran will lie in repose at Sweeney's Funeral Home, Louisburgh on Wednesday from 5pm, concluding with Vigil Prayers at 7pm.
"Removal on Thursday morning at 11.30am, walking to St. Patrick's Church Louisburgh for 12 noon Mass of the Resurrection.
"Family flowers only, donations in lieu if desired, to the Marie Keating Foundation mariekeating.ie/donate/ or care of Sweeney Funeral Directors, The Glebe, Louisburgh."
The Foundation paid tribute to Ciaran, one of its founders, who often acted as a relief driver for the charity in the west.
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Charity chiefs said: "The whole team and Board of the Marie Keating Foundation are devastated to learn of the tragic death of Ciaran Keating.
"Together with his family, Ciaran established the Foundation following the death of his mother Marie to breast cancer 25 years ago.
"Ciaran was such a great supporter of our work and often acted as relief driver of our Mobile Information Unit in the West when time allowed.
"He joined us recently to celebrate 25 years of the Foundation at our annual celebrity golf classic in the K-Club.
"He will be missed greatly and our deepest sympathies are extended to his wife Annemarie, his children Ruairi, Conall and Ashling Marie, to his father Gerry, his brothers Gerard, Gary and Ronan, to his sister our friend and colleague Linda and extended family and friends.
"May he Rest in Peace."
STAR'S PAIN
Meanwhile, heartbroken Ronan, 46, is due to return to the stage on Saturday at a festival in Finland, event chiefs confirmed.
The dad-of-five will perform at Seinäjoki Speed Days.
In a Facebook post, gig bosses confirmed: "We have received a lot of inquiries regarding Ronan Keating's appearance at the Speed Drive 20 year event.
"We recently heard some sad news when Ronan's brother passed away in an accident. The whole Speed Drivers team is sorry for the loss and wishes strength to the loved ones.
"We have contacted Ronan Keating today and he has confirmed that he still wants to perform at Vauhtiajoki as agreed on Saturday 22.7.2023.
"Ronan Keating is performing on Saturday at 20.05 on the main stage of Vauhtiajojen!!"
TOUCHING TRIBUTES
Ronan's Boyzone bandmate Keith Duffy lead tributes and said Ciaran was a "great guide" in the band's early days.
He said: "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."
The One Show star Ronan was flooded with heartfelt messages from his friends and colleagues.
Magic FM radio host Harriet Scott posted: "I am so very sad for my friend and his beautiful family. Life can be so cruel.
"Please join me in sending love and support to the Keating family."
TV presenter Gethin Jones commented: "Bloody hell. So so sorry."
Strictly star Nadiya Bychkova posted: "RIP," with a heartbroken emoji.
