Shock and sadness in west Mayo after death of Ciaran Keating in road traffic accident

There was shock and sadness in west Mayo today after it was confirmed that Ciaran Keating was a casualty in a road traffic accident that took place near Swinford on Saturday afternoon.

Ciaran, a brother of Boyzone lead singer, Ronan Keating, had moved from Dublin with his family to Lecanvey, near Louisburgh, over 15 years ago and had immersed himself in community life in the area since then.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the fatal two vehicle traffic collision on Saturday. The incident occurred at approximately 3.35pm on the N5 at Ballymiles near Swinford. Mr Keating, a driver of one of the vehicles, suffered fatal injuries. The driver of the second vehicle (male) was taken to Mayo University Hospital to receive treatment for serious injuries.

Ciaran's wife, Ann Marie, a passenger, also received treatment but her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Ciaran and Ann Marie were on their way to watch their son Ruairi play for Cork City against Sligo Rovers in a League of Ireland game which took place in Sligo on Saturday evening.

A technical examination of the scene of the accident was conducted by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Gardaí are still appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Swinford Garda Station on 094 9252990, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Ciaran Keating and his family have lived on the west coast for more than 15 years and during that time Ciaran worked in the The Mayo News as an advertising executive. Ciaran also worked extensively in the hospitality and construction sectors and editor of The Mayo News, Michael Duffy, said his loss will be immense in the west Mayo community.

“Ciaran was a valued member of the staff of The Mayo News for a number of years after he moved west before leaving to explore a number of other business opportunities in both the hospitality and construction sector. He made a huge number of friends during his time with the newspaper and remained in close contact with a number of staff during the years since his departure. Everyone associated with the newspaper would like to extend our condolences to his wife Ann Marie, his sons and daughter and all his large circle of extended family and friends.”

No funeral arrangements for the burial of Ciaran have being released to date.