Irish singer Ronan Keating has been spotted carrying the coffin of his brother, Ciaran Keating, after he tragically died in a car crash.
The family held the funeral at St Patrick's Church in Louisburgh, County Mayo today (20 July), four days after Ciaran's car was involved in a two-vehicle crash.
Ciaran had been travelling with his wife, Ann Marie, to see their adult son Ruairí play football when the incident took place. Ann Marie and the other driver were both injured in the crash, and Ruairí's football club, Cork City, later confirmed Ciaran's death.
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Ronan was joined by his and Ciaran's other family members at the funeral today, and after carrying the coffin into the service Ronan told Ciaran's children they had made their dad 'very proud'.
As well as Ruairí, Ciaran was dad to Conall and Aisling, and granddad to Bobbi May, Reggie, Archie T. and Sonnie.
Speaking to the mourners, Ronan said: “As a parent all you want to do is raise your children as best you can, Ciaran and Anne Marie have done a spectacular job.
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“Three incredible human beings. Your strength over the last few days has been so incredible, and you’ve made your dad very proud."
Ronan then sang a song in honour of his brother, explaining it had been written 25 years ago when Ronan, Ciaran and their siblings lost their own mother, Marie.
“I shouldn’t be singing it in these circumstances but we are and we will," he said.
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Lyrics in the track included: “You were our friend, Walk with you till the end, And one day we’ll all sing along, ‘Cause this is your song.”
Ciaran’s son, Conall Keating, also spoke at the funeral as he delivered the eulogy, which he began by saying that his mother was watching.
“My dad gave his most difficult speech 25 years ago when he spoke about his beloved mother, and now I must give the most difficult speech about my beloved dad,” he said.
“He has been taken from us far too soon. Our lives have been changed forever. And our hearts are broken. The kids deserve to have him in their life much, much longer, and he was looking forward to that."
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Conall went on to say that his dad's death was 'not what [they] expected', adding that the family was 'all heartbroken'.
“He was a great man and I am honoured to call him my dad," Conall said, bringing his speech to an end. “He will be remembered forever and carried with us for the rest of our lives.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Emily Brown