Ronan Keating supported by Boyzone bandmate after brother's heartbreaking death

17 July 2023 , 06:19

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Keith Duffy shared an emotional message for his Boyzone bandmate Ronan Keating on Sunday (Image: WireImage)

Keith Duffy has paid an emotional tribute to Bozyone bandmate Ronan Keating's late brother.

Ronan's big brother Ciaran Keating was named locally as the victim of a car crash on the N5 near Swinford over the weekend.

He was travelling with his wife to watch their son play football when the collision took place, it's been reported.

The One Show host Ronan reportedly rushed back to Ireland on Saturday after learning his sibling had died in the fatal car crash.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday night, Keith shared an image of a candle as he remembered Ciaran and sent love to the Keating family.

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Ronan Keating with his late brother Ciaran

The former Coronation Street actor told his 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."

Former Grange Hill and EastEnders actor Sean Maguire was one of the many to comment of Keith's moving post, writing: "Oh no. How awful. Ciaran was a sweetheart. He was such fun on your, loved the guy. Sending love to you & the Keating’s." BBC presenter Gethin Jones added: "Bloody hell. So so sorry x."

Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova added: "[broken heart emoji] RIP." One of Keith's followers also paid tribute to Ciaran, penning: "I met Ciaran once in Mayo and thought he was an absolute gentleman. Didn’t know he was Ronan’s brother at the time. He spoke to me about his children and his grandchildren and he was exceptionally proud of them. RIP Ciaran and god bless all the family."

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.

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."

Zoe Delaney