Ronan Keating is set to perform at a festival in Finland a week after the tragic death of his brother Ciaran.
The car salesman aged in his 50s died on Saturday in a two-vehicle collision as he and wife Annmarie travelled to watch their son, Ruairí, play in a League of Ireland match in Ballymiles, Co Mayo.
His wife was also injured, along with the driver and passenger in the other vehicle, it is understood.
In the wake of the news, friends said the Irish singer “dropped everything” to rush back to comfort his family in Ireland after the devastating incident occurred.
Now it’s been revealed that the former Boyzone star will return to the stage for the first time when he performs at a festival in Finland called Seinäjoki Speed Days on Saturday.
Festival bosses confirmed his appearance on social media, writing: “We have received a lot of inquiries regarding Ronan Keating’s appearance at the Speed Drive 20 year event.
“We recently heard some sad news when Ronan’s brother passed away in an accident. The whole Speed Drivers team is sorry for the loss and wishes strength to the loved ones.
“We have contacted Ronan Keating today and he has confirmed that he still wants to perform at Vauhtiajoki as agreed on Saturday 22.7.2023.
“Ronan Keating is performing on Saturday at 20.05 on the main stage of Vauhtiajojen!!”
Keating’s Boyzone bandmate Keith Duffy offered his sympathies to Ronan’s family and paid tribute to Ciaran for the support he showed for the band when they were starting out.
Duffy penned on Instagram: “I can’t comprehend the loss and devastation of my brother @rokeating and all the Keating family, all my family are praying and thinking of our Keating family right now.
“Ciaran from the early days you toured with us, you were a great guide on our journey in the early days. You helped and supported us young innocent kids.
“Take your place in heaven buddy with your Mam Marie.”
Marie Keating was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 1996 and died of the disease in February 1998, aged 51.
The Marie Keating Foundation was set up by the family in the years after her death to help raise awareness of symptoms of the disease and support people having treatment.
In a statement, the cancer charity said Ciaran will be “missed greatly”.
“The whole team and Board of the Marie Keating Foundation are devastated to learn of the tragic death of Ciaran Keating,” it read.
“Together with his family, Ciaran established the Foundation following the death of his mother Marie to breast cancer 25 years ago.
“Ciaran was such a great supporter of our work and often acted as relief driver of our Mobile Information Unit in the West when time allowed. He joined us recently to celebrate 25 years of the Foundation at our annual celebrity golf classic in the K-Club.
“He will be missed greatly and our deepest sympathies are extended to his wife Annemarie, his children Ruairi, Conall and Ashling Marie, to his father Gerry, his brothers Gerard, Gary and Ronan, to his sister our friend and colleague Linda and extended family and friends.”
