Ronan Keating to return to the stage in days with festival appearance amid heartache over brother’s crash death
RONAN Keating will return to the stage just days after his beloved brother’s death in a horror car crash.
The Boyzone star’s sibling Ciaran was killed when the car he was travelling in collided with another car at Ballymiles, Co Mayo on Saturday afternoon.
Ciaran, a car salesman in his 50s, had been driving to watch his son Ruairi, 28, play football for Cork City when the tragedy occurred.
Devastated Ronan “dropped everything” to return to Ireland when he learned of his brother’s death in a heartbreaking phone call.
Ronan, 46, is due to return to the stage on Saturday at a festival in Finland, event chiefs confirmed.
The dad-of-five will perform at Seinäjoki Speed Days.
In a Facebook post, gig bosses confirmed: “We have received a lot of inquiries regarding Ronan Keating’s appearance at the Speed Drive 20 year event.
“We recently heard some sad news when Ronan’s brother passed away in an accident. The whole Speed Drivers team is sorry for the loss and wishes strength to the loved ones.
“We have contacted Ronan Keating today and he has confirmed that he still wants to perform at Vauhtiajoki as agreed on Saturday 22.7.2023.
“Ronan Keating is performing on Saturday at 20.05 on the main stage of Vauhtiajojen!!”
Tributes have poured in for married dad-of-three Ciaran.
No public funeral arrangements have yet been confirmed.
Ronan’s Boyzone bandmate Keith Duffy lead tributes and said Ciaran was a “great guide” in the band’s early days.
He said: “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.
“Ciaran from the early days you toured with us, you were 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.”
The One Show star Ronan was flooded with heartfelt messages from his friends and colleagues.
Magic FM radio host Harriet Scott posted: “I am so very sad for my friend and his beautiful family. Life can be so cruel.
“Please join me in sending love and support to the Keating family.”
TV presenter Gethin Jones commented: “Bloody hell. So so sorry.”
Strictly star Nadiya Bychkova posted: “RIP,” with a heartbroken emoji.
Ronan, a dad of five, had earlier been playing golf on Saturday with wife Storm, 41, in St Albans, Herts.
He left her and their kids at their Hertfordshire mansion and dropped TV commitments after being informed of the tragedy.
The news came after he appeared as a coach on the pre-recorded final of The Voice Kids.