Ronan Keating Pays Heartfelt Tribute to His Late Brother Ciaran
Grieving Boyzone star Ronan Keating delivered a moving performance of This Is Your Song at the funeral of his brother, Ciaran Keating, who tragically died in a car accident in County Mayo. The emotional service was held at St Patrick’s Church in Louisburgh, where Ronan sang in honor of his brother after helping carry his coffin into the church.
“This is not a song I should be singing in these circumstances,” Ronan told mourners before beginning, “but we are, and we will.” The ballad, originally written following the death of their mother Marie in 1998, carries deeply personal lyrics about love, loss, and remembrance.
A Heartbreaking Goodbye
Ronan, 46, was supported by his wife Storm, 41, and surrounded by family and friends as he bid farewell to Ciaran, 57, who has been described by loved ones as a “hero.” Overcome with emotion, Ronan carried the coffin alongside family members, dressed in a black suit and dark glasses, before performing his touching tribute.
Ciaran died while traveling with his wife Annemarie to watch their son Ruairí, 28, play football for Cork City FC. The crash occurred on the N5 near Swinford, a road notorious for accidents. Annemarie was injured but survived the collision.
Tributes from Family
Before singing, Ronan offered a heartfelt tribute to Ciaran’s three children—Conall, Ruairí, and Aisling—telling them they had made their father “very proud.” He praised their strength in the days following the tragedy, describing them as “three incredible human beings.”
Ciaran’s son Ruairí described his father as the family’s “hero, rock, and leader.” His brother Conall, an actor, gave an emotional eulogy, recalling his father’s love, laughter, and the plans they will now never get to share—from attending Formula 1 races together to playing more rounds of golf. “He has been taken from us far too soon,” Conall said. “Our hearts are broken, but we will carry him with us forever.”
Community Mourning
The service, led by Father Mattie Long, included personal tributes and symbols of Ciaran’s life placed at the altar—a Leeds United jersey, a golf club, a barbecue spatula, and a family photo. A single rose from a bush planted by Ciaran and Annemarie for their first grandchild rested on his coffin.
Members of Cork City FC, friends from the local community, and representatives of the Marie Keating Foundation, a cancer charity established by the family in memory of their mother, gathered to support the grieving family. Ronan’s father, Gerry, also gave a tearful tribute, calling the news of his son’s death “the worst message I’ve ever received in my life.”
A Life Cut Short
Ciaran, a father of three and grandfather to Bobbie May, Reggie, Archie T, and Sonnie, was remembered as a man full of humor, energy, and love for his family. He had worked in the pub trade in Lecanvey and was a devoted supporter of his children’s sporting careers. His untimely passing has left a profound void for his family, friends, and community.
Messages of Support
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment world. Keith Duffy, Ronan’s former Boyzone bandmate, shared an emotional message recalling Ciaran’s support during the group’s early days, writing: “Take your place in heaven buddy with your Mam Marie.” Actor Sean Maguire described Ciaran as a “sweetheart” and “such fun.” Other celebrities, including Nadiya Bychkova and Gethin Jones, also expressed their condolences.
A Devastated Brother
According to friends, Ronan “dropped everything” to rush home upon hearing the devastating news. He is said to be “absolutely devastated” but determined to stay strong for his family, supporting Annemarie and his nephews during this heartbreaking time.
For Ronan, who lost his mother to cancer in 1998, Ciaran’s death is another painful chapter in a family marked by both love and loss. As he sang This Is Your Song, his voice carried the grief of a brother, the strength of a father, and the love of a son—ensuring that Ciaran’s memory will live on.
Conclusion
The funeral of Ciaran Keating was not only a farewell but a powerful reminder of the strength of family, community, and music in times of sorrow. While his life was cut tragically short, Ciaran’s legacy of love, laughter, and devotion will be remembered forever by those who knew him best. Ronan’s tribute ensured that his brother’s song will continue to echo in the hearts of many.