Boyzone star Keith Duffy pays tribute after Ronan Keating’s brother is killed in tragic car accident
Irish singer and Boyzone star Keith Duffy has paid tribute to Ronan Keating's brother, Ciaran Keating, after he lost his life in a car accident.
The tragic incident took place as Ciaran had been travelling with his wife, Ann Marie, to see their adult son Ruairí play football for his club, Cork City.
Cork City confirmed that Ciaran had died in the crash, while Ann Marie is believed to have suffered injuries when their vehicle collided with another car on the N5 at Ballymiles, near Swinford, at about 3.35pm on Saturday (16 July).
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The other driver was seriously injured and was transported to Mayo University Hospital.
Tributes have been flooding in for Ciaran in the wake of the news, with Boyzone star Duffy among those sharing their condolences.
He posted an image of a candle on Instagram, saying he 'can't comprehend the loss and devastation' that Ronan and the Keating family must be feeling.
"All my family are praying and thinking of our Keating family right now," Duffy wrote.
He went on to share kind words about Ciaran, saying: "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."
Duffy and Ronan rose to fame together when they joined Boyzone in 1993 alongside Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch and Stephen Gately.
Three years later Ronan and Ciaran's mother, Marie Keating, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She died less than 18 months later at the age of 51, prompting her children to set up the Marie Keating Foundation in her memory.
As well as Ciaran, Ronan is brother to one sister, Linda, and two other brothers, named Gary and Gerard. Ciaran was the eldest of the siblings, born in 1966, and his own son Ruairí is now 27 years old.
Cork City offered its 'deepest sympathies' to the entire Keating family after Ciaran's death, which the club described as an 'exceptionally difficult time'.
The accident took place ahead of Cork City's evening Premier Division League of Ireland match against Sligo Rovers.
"All at Cork City FC are deeply saddened at the passing of Ciaran Keating, father of our player Ruairi Keating," the club said in its statement.
"We ask that the family's privacy be respected. Funeral arrangements will be confirmed in due course. May he rest in .peace," it added.
Emily Brown