Boyzone star Keith Duffy has paid tribute to the late brother of Ronan Keating.
Ciaran Keating, who was in his 50s, died in a car crash in County Mayo, in the west of Ireland, at the weekend.
It is understood his wife was injured in the collision, which reportedly happened as they were travelling to watch their son Ruairí play football for his club, Cork City.
Ronan Keating, who now presents The One Show, has “dropped everything” to support his family, according to a source quoted by The Sun newspaper.
After Ciaran Keating’s death was confirmed by Cork City on social media, Duffy shared a tribute alongside an image of a candle on Instagram, saying he could not “comprehend the loss” nor the devastation his former bandmate and the family were feeling.
“All my family are praying and thinking of our Keating family right now,” Duffy wrote, adding that Ciaran had “toured with us” and was a “great guide on our journey in the early days”.
He continued: “You helped and supported us young innocent kids. Take your place in heaven buddy with your Mam Marie.”
Marie Keating was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, and died less than 18 months later in February 1998 aged 51.
Her family – including Ronan, Ciaran, daughter Linda and two other sons, Gerard and Gary – set up the Marie Keating Foundation in her memory.
A source quoted by The Sun said Ronan, 46, had been left “devastated” by the news of his brother’s death.
“It’s the phone call no one wants to take about their loved ones,” the source told the newspaper. “Ronan dropped everything as soon as he heard the devastating news.
“He is trying to stay strong for the sake of the family and is doing everything he can to support his sister-in-law and his nephews.”
In their tribute, Cork City said: “We extend our deepest sympathies to Ruairí and the entire Keating family at this exceptionally difficult time.
“We ask that the family’s privacy be respected. Funeral arrangements will be confirmed in due course.
“May he rest in peace.”
The two-vehicle accident happened in Ballymiles, near Swinford, at about 3.35pm on Saturday.
The male driver of the second vehicle was taken to Mayo University Hospital to receive treatment for serious injuries, a Garda spokesperson said.
A man and woman, both passengers from each car, are also receiving treatment. However, their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Garda forensic investigators have examined the scene and the vehicles involved.
