Football team pay touching tribute to Ronan Keating's brother after tragic death

16 July 2023 , 15:37

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Ronan Keating and his brother Ciaran, who has tragically died

Republic of Ireland side Cork City have paid tribute to Ciaran Keating following his death.

Ciaran - father of player Ruairí and brother of ex-Boyzone star turned BBC presenter, Ronan - was named as the victim of a car crash on Saturday near Swinford in Ireland.

He was understood to be on his way to watch son Ruairi, 28, play for Cork away at Sligo Rovers in the Airtricity Premier Division, when the accident happened.

He suffered fatal injuries in the two-vehicle impact in Ballymiles, about half way between Swinford and Bohola. Ciaran was travelling with his wife, Anne Marie, a secondary school teacher, who was taken to hospital with her injuries.

In an emotional statement released through social media, the Leesiders paid tribute.

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The club 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."

Ruairí Keating of Cork City

The League of Ireland echoed this sentiment, saying: "The League of Ireland is deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Ruairí Keating’s father Ciaran.

"We would like to send our condolences to Ruairí and his family and all at @CorkCityFC at this very difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

An Independent member of Mayo County Council Christy Hyland has sent his condolences to his family.

He said: “Our sympathy goes out to all the Keating family. Ciaran’s death is truly shocking”.

Kit Mann