Singer Ronan Keating's older brother, who is in his 50s, is killed in car crash while travelling with his wife to watch their son play football
- Ciaran Keating was going to see son Ruairí play an Irish Premier League match
Ronan Keating's older brother died in a car crash yesterday as he travelled with his wife to watch their son play football.
Ciaran Keating, who was in his 50s and from Louisburgh, Ireland, was the older brother of the Boyzone star and One Show host.
He suffered fatal injuries as he was travelling at around 3.35pm with his wife on the N5 near Swinford, Co Mayo, on a stretch of road known as a black-spot for accidents.
Mr Keating and his wife Ann Marie had been driving to watch their son Ruairí, 27, play for Cork City in a premier league match with Sligo Rovers, when their car collided with another vehicle.
The driver of the other vehicle is said to be receiving treatment for serious injuries while Ann Marie, a secondary school teacher, was treated for injuries which are understood to be non-life threatening at Mayo University Hospital.
Ciaran Keating (second from left), was in his 50s and from Louisburgh, Ireland. Pictured: The Keating family including Ronan (second from right), his father Gerry (centre) and sister Linda (third from left)
Ronan Keating 's older brother died in a car crash yesterday as he travelled with his wife to watch their son play football
Mr Keating's son Rurairi (pictured) started the game against Sligo for Cork but was substituted at halftime. He turned 28 today.
Kating suffered fatal injuries as he was travelling at around 3.35pm with his wife on the N5 near Swinford, Co Mayo, on a stretch of road known as a black-spot for accidents
Mr Keating's son Ruairí started the match for Cork against Sligo Rovers, but was taken off at halftime.
The crash came 24 hours before Ruairí's 28th birthday. The forward has played for Irish teams Sligo Rovers and Galway United as well as English side Torquay United.
In a statement Cork City FC said: 'All at Cork City FC are deeply saddened at the passing of Ciaran Keating, father of our player Ruairí Keating.
'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.'
Mr Keating is believed to have worked as a car salesman and previously ran a bar.
Councillor John O'Malley offered his condolences and said: 'Everyone is shocked and saddened by the awful news.
'He was highly regarded by all who knew him here and we are thinking of his wife and children and his extended family.'
The League of Ireland also expressed its condolences to the Keating family.
A tweet said: 'The League of Ireland is deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Ruairi Keating's father Ciaran.
'We would like to send our condolences to Ruairi and his family and all at @CorkCityFC at this very difficult time.'
Ciaran Keating (left) is believed to have worked as a car salesman and previously ran a bar. Pictured centre: Ronan's son Jack. Right: Ronan Keating
Boyzone star Ronan, 46, is believed to have rushed to Ireland to be with the family following the tragedy concerning his brother (fourth from the left). Pictured: A family photo shared by Ronan to celebrate his dad's 80th birthday in 2020
The crash came 24 hours before Ruairí's 28th birthday. The forward has played for Irish teams Sligo Rovers and Galway United as well as English side Torquay United
Christy Hyland, an Independent member of Mayo County Council, said today: 'Our sympathy goes out to all the Keating family. Ciaran's death is truly shocking'.
The Co Mayo coroner has been notified of the collision and a post mortem is to take place later.
Garda forensic collision investigators combed the scene yesterday evening and the road has since reopened.
Boyzone star Ronan, 46, is believed to have rushed to Ireland to be with the family following the tragedy.
He is the youngest of five children with one sister, Linda, and three brothers - Ciarán, Gerard and Gary. Their dad Gerry was a lorry driver and his mum Marie was a hairdresser.
Ronan Keating rose to prominence during the 1990s as a member of Irish boyband Boyzone.
He later enjoyed a successful music career and has presented radio and TV programmes. He appeared on ITV1 on Saturday as a judge on The Voice Kids.
