STAR'S PAIN Heartbroken Ronan Keating pays tearful tribute to tragic brother Ciaran at funeral after crash death

HEARTBROKEN Ronan Keating paid tearful tribute to his tragic brother Ciaran as he was laid to rest.

The beloved big brother of Boyzone star Ronan died in a car crash at Ballymiles, Co Mayo on Saturday afternoon.

Ronan Keating carries Ciaran's coffin alongside his heartbroken brothers and nephews

Ronan paid tearful tribute to his brother Ciaran

Ronan and Ciaran back in Boyzone days

Ciaran, second left, with dad Gerry and siblings

Grieving Ronan gently touches coffin on final journey to church

Mourners have gathered St Patrick's Church in Louisburgh, Co Mayo, to pay their respects.

Prayers were said at the mass for Ciaran's wife Annemarie, who was injured in the collision, which happened on the N5 near Swinford.

Ciaran had been driving to watch his son Ruairi, 28, play football for Cork City against Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland when the tragedy occurred.

Dad-of-three Ciaran, 57, was remembered as the family's "hero" by grieving son Ruairi, who said he was the whole clan's "rock and leader".

Ronan paid tearful tribute to his brother, as well as his three children Conall, Ruairi and Aisling before performing This Is Your Song.

He told mourners: "Ciaran and Annemarie have done a spectacular job - three incredible human beings. You strength over the past few days has been incredible and you've done your dad very proud."

Ronan sang the song, which was written after their mother Marie died in 1998, towards the end of the emotional service.

The 46-year-old said: "I shouldn't be singing it in these circumstances but we are and we will."

Lyrics included: "You were our friend, walk with you till the end, and one day we'll all sing along, 'cause this is your song."

Ronan was joined by wife Storm, as well as his three older children Jack, Missy and Ali for the mass.

Jack, Missy and Ali read prayers of the faithful in tribute to their uncle.

Ronan supported his dad Gerry, who spoke a few words in tribute to his son at the end of the mass and said news of Ciaran's death "was the worst news I got in my life".

Ciaran's son Conall said "grandparents" became his parents' proudest title four years ago when they welcomed their first grandchild Bobbi May.

A floral tribute with the word 'Papa' across it was placed on the altar in front of the coffin - symbolising Ciaran's treasured role as grandad to Bobbi May, as well as Reggie, Archie T and Sonnie.

Conall, who previously appeared in RTE soap Fair City, said: "He has been taken from us far too soon, our lives have been changed forever and our hearts are broken.

"The kids deserved to have him in their lives much, much longer and he was looking forward to it."

He added: "This is not what we expected, we are heartbroken. We'll miss his laugh.

"I wish we had more time. I love you, we love you."

Former Boyzone star Keith Duffy and rugby player Shane Byrne were also at the service.

MUCH MISSED

Several symbols representing Ciaran's life were presented at the mass, including a remote control symbolising his love for movies, a tankard glass remembering his fondness for a pint as well as a golf club to symbolise his love for the sport.

Other symbols included a Torquay United jersey, a BBQ spatula to represent his "famous steaks during Covid" and a family picture.

Members of Cork City FC as well as representatives of the Marie Keating Foundation cancer charity are among the mourners.

Ciaran's family earlier this week paid heartbreaking tribute to a "dearly loved husband" and "devoted father".

Devastated family said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and tragic passing of Ciarán Keating.

"Dearly loved husband of Annemarie, devoted father of Conall, Ruairí and Aisling and adoring grandpa to Bobbi May, Reggie, Archie T. and Sonnie.

"Ciarán is predeceased by his beloved mother Marie, father-in-law Kevin, brothers-in-law Colm, Joey and Shane.

"He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, his father Gerry, mother-in-law Claire, sister Linda, brothers Gerard, Gary and Ronan, daughters-in-law Amilia, and Emily, Aisling's partner Matthew, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and many many friends.

"May His Gentle Soul Rest In Peace."

Devastated Ronan "dropped everything" to return to Ireland when he learned of his Ciaran's death in a devastating phone call at the weekend.

The singer is set to return to the stage in days at a festival in Finland, event chiefs confirmed.

The dad-of-five will perform at Seinäjoki Speed Days on Saturday.

Ciaran's dad Gerry walks ahead of his beloved son's coffin

Huge crowds turned out to support the Keating family