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Ronan Keating is pallbearer at brother Ciarán’s funeral and sings heartfelt lyrics-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro
The funeral took place today.
Ronan Keating helped to carry the coffin of his brother Ciaran Keating (Picture: PA)
Boyzone star Ronan Keating was among the pallbearers who carried the coffin of his older brother Ciarán Keating to St Patrick’s Church in Louisburgh, Co Mayo.
The funeral took place today after Keating, who was in his 50s, died in a car crash in the county at the weekend.
He had been on his way to watch his son, Ruairí Keating, play for Cork City FC against Sligo Rovers FC when he became involved in a road collision with two other vehicles.
His wife, Anne-Marie also suffered injuries but they were not life-threatening and she was treated at Mayo University Hospital.
Members of Cork City FC, which Keating’s son Ruairi plays for, as well as representatives of the Marie Keating Foundation cancer charity, are among the mourners.
Ronan, 46, sang This Is Your Song towards the end of the emotional service.
Lyrics 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 rushed to be with his family after Ciaran’s death (Picture: Instagram/Ronan Keating)
The former Boyzone singer 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,’ Ronan said.
He added that Ciaran’s children had made their dad ‘very proud’.
According to Rip.ie an announcement for his death read: ‘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.’
The notice added that he will ‘lie in repose’ at Sweeney’s Funeral Home, Louisburgh.
Ronan will perform at a festival this weekend (Picture: Thomas M Jackson/Getty Images)
Ronan’s return to the stage has been confirmed for later this week, but he has not spoken about the loss of his brother on social media.
Bandmate Keith Duffy was the first to post a tribute.
Posting a picture of a lit candle to his Instagram page, he wrote: ‘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. ❤️❤️❤️❤️’
He shared how Ciarán would join the band touring in the early days, calling him a ‘great guide’ who ‘helped and supported us young innocent kids.’
‘Take your place in heaven buddy with your Mam Marie ❤️🙏,’ the singer added.
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