Ronan Keating pays heartbreaking tribute to his late brother as family attend funeral

Ronan Keating has paid tribute to his late older brother, Ciaran Keating, following his tragic death from a car accident last week.

The sibling of the Boyzone singer was 57 when he passed after being involved in a horrific car crash in Ireland. It was reported that Ciaran was travelling alongside his wife, Annemarie, to watch their 28-year-old son, Ruairí, play in a football match at Cork City FC.

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Devastated family members and friends of Ciaran attended a funeral service on Thursday at St Patrick's Church in Louisburgh, County Mayo. During the service, Ronan sang a rendition of This Is Your Song – originally written for his mother, Marie, who died of cancer in 1998 – in tribute to his brother, according to the MailOnline. "I shouldn't be singing it in these circumstances but we are and we will," he reportedly told mourners.

The One Show presenter Ronan, 46, was one of six pallbearers who carried his brother's coffin into the church ahead of the service. Members of the public, thought to be other family members, friends, and players from Cork City FC, followed closely behind. Once inside, Ronan was comforted by his wife, Storm.

MORE: Ronan Keating supported by BBC co-stars after his brother Ciaran's death 

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Ciaran, a father of three, was killed during the crash which took place near Swinford, County Mayo, en route to his soon's football game. His wife, Annemarie, was taken to Mayo University Hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. The driver of another car involved in the collision was also treated for injuries at the scene.

Shortly after the devastating news broke, a tribute to Ciaran from Cork City FC was shared online. It read: "All at Cork City FC are deeply saddened at the passing of Ciaran Keating, father of our player Ruairí Keating.

© Oliver McVeigh - PA Images

"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."

Meanwhile, other tributes to Ciaran were shared online including some of Ronan's close friends and colleagues. Fellow Boyzone singer, Keith Duffy, wrote on social media: "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."

Keith then shared his own personal memories of his bandmate's older brother, and mentioned how supportive he was in the boyband's early days. "Ciaran from the early days you toured with us you where a great guide on our journey in the early days," he said on Instagram. "You helped and supported us young innocent kids. Take your place in heaven buddy with your Mam Marie." 

At the service, a grief-stricken Ronan reportedly tribute to his later brother's three children, telling them, "Your strength over the past few days has been incredible and you've done your dad very proud."