Boyzone singer Ronan Keating was comforted by his wife Storm as many joined together to pay their respects at his brother Ciaran's funeral.
The family held the funeral at St Patrick's Church in Louisburgh, County Mayo yesterday (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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Part of the statement from the club read: “All at Cork City FC are deeply saddened at the passing of Ciaran Keating, father of our player Ruairi Keating.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to Ruairi and the entire Keating family at this exceptionally difficult time.
"We ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this difficult time."
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At Ciaran's funeral, Ronan carried the coffin into the service, later telling Ciaran's children they had made their dad 'very proud'.
"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," he said.
"Three incredible human beings."
As well as Ruairí, Ciaran was dad to Conall and Aisling, and granddad to Bobbi May, Reggie, Archie T. and Sonnie.
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Before heartbroken Ronan was comforted by his wife, he 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.
Lyrics in the emotional tribute included: “You were our friend, Walk with you till the end, And one day we’ll all sing along, ‘Cause this is your song.”
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Ciaran’s son, Conall, 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."
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
Callum Jones