20 July 2023 , 12:17
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Ronan Keating has paid tribute to his late brother following his heartbreaking death over the weekend.
The Boyzone singer carried big brother Ciaran Keating's coffin towards St Patrick's Church in Louisburgh, Co Mayo, for his funeral today.
Paying a tearful tribute to his brother, as well as his three children Conall, Ruairi and Aisling, Ronan performed This Is Your Song in honour of his late singer.
He told mourners: "Ciaran and Ann Marie have done a spectacular job - three incredible human beings. You strength over the past few days has been incredible and you've done your dad very proud."
The Boyzone singer carried his brother's coffin (PA)Lyrics in the song performed by Ronan included: "You were our friend, walk with you till the end, and one day we’ll all sing along, ’cause this is your song." Ronan said the song was written after their mother, Marie, died in 1998. "I shouldn’t be singing it in these circumstances but we are and we will," he emotionally added.
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The One Show host, 46, reportedly rushed back to Ireland on Saturday after learning Ciaran Keating had died in a fatal car crash. Ronan's big brother was travelling with his wife to watch their son play football when the collision took place on the N5 near Swinford.
On Sunday night, Ronan's Boyzone bandmate Keith Duffy sent his love to the Keating family as he shared his memories of Ciaran.
Ciaran, who was in his 50s at the time of his death, was travelling with his wife to watch their son Ruairí play football for Cork City FC when the fatal car accident occurred at around 3.55pm on Saturday. It's reported he suffered fatal injuries in the collision on the N5 at Ballymiles on a stretch of road known as an accident black-spot.
Ronan Keating pictured with his older brother Ciaran (second from left) (instagram.com/rokeating)Ann Marie, Ciaran's wife, was taken to Mayo University Hospital to receive treatment for non-life threatening injuries while the male driver of the second vehicle is understood to be receiving treatment for serious injuries in hospital. A male passenger in the second vehicle has also been hospitalised.
In a statement Cork City FC said: "All at Cork City FC are deeply saddened at the passing of Ciaran Keating, father of our player Ruairí Keating. We extend our deepest sympathies to Ruairí and the entire Keating family at this exceptionally difficult time. May he rest in peace. We ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be confirmed in due course."
Keith Duffy was the first of Ronan's Boyzone bandmates to pay tribute to Ciaran on social media, telling his Instagram followers: "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. [love heart emojis]. Ciaran from the early days you toured with us you where 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."