Brother of singer Ronan Keating dies in Mayo car crash

Ronan Keating of Boyzone on stage at the SSE Arena in Belfast. His brother Ciaran has been named locally as the victim of a fatal road crash on the N5 near Swinford, Co Mayo.

Ciaran Keating, a brother of singer Ronan Keating and father of Cork City footballer Ruairí, has been named locally as the victim of a fatal road crash near Swinford, Co Mayo, on Saturday.

It is understood that Mr Keating, who is in his 50s and lived in Westport, was travelling with his wife, Ann Marie, to watch their son, Ruairí, play for Cork City in an evening premier league clash with Sligo Rovers.

He suffered fatal injuries in the two-vehicle impact in the townland of Ballymiles, about halfway between Swinford and Bohola.

His wife Ann Marie, a secondary teacher, was taken to Mayo University Hospital for treatment for injuries that are not understood to be life-threatening.

The male driver of the second vehicle is receiving treatment in hospital for serious injuries.

Also hospitalised was a male passenger in the second vehicle.

Ruairi Keating of Cork City during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Cork City and Dundalk at Turner's Cross in Cork in June. Picture: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Ciaran Keating’s death is being widely mourned in his adopted Westport and the wider community.

Ruairí Keating joined Cork City FC prior to the 2022 season. He signed a contract extension with the club earlier this month. 

In a statement, Cork City FC said the club was "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," the club said. 

"May he rest in peace."

Cork City FC also asked that the Keating family’s privacy be respected.

Christy Hyland, an Independent member of Mayo County Council, commented: “Our sympathy goes out to all the Keating family. Ciaran’s death is truly shocking.”

Apart from his own family and Ronan, Ciaran is survived by one sister, Linda, and two brothers, Gerard and Gary.

For a time, Ciaran was involved in the licensed pub trade in the village of Lecanvey, about four miles from Westport.

A technical examination of the crash scene and the vehicles involved has been conducted by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

The coroner for Mayo has been notified and a post-mortem is to take place later.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Swinford Garda Station on [phone], the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.