Ronan Keating was overcome with emotion as he revealed the one regret that still haunts him following the devastating loss of his brother Ciaran — admitting through tears that fame forced him to grow up too quickly and cost him irreplaceable time with his family.
The Boyzone star, 49, made the emotional confession in his BBC series Ronan Keating’s Wild Atlantic, where he embarks on a deeply personal journey across Ireland’s west coast — retracing the life his late brother chose before his tragic death in a car crash in July 2023.
Speaking candidly to his nephew Ruairi, Ciaran’s son, Ronan’s voice broke as he reflected on their bond. He said he never really got to say it, but he had been the baby of the family, always looking up to his older brother, who he described as his hero. He admitted that joining the band changed everything, forcing him to grow up fast and ultimately costing him moments they could never get back. He said he had “lost a lot and made a lot of sacrifices.”
Struggling to hold back tears, Ronan apologised mid-conversation, saying he didn’t want to get upset — but the weight of grief was unmistakable.
He went on to comfort Ruairi, acknowledging how painful the loss must be for him as a son. Ronan admitted that while it had been incredibly hard for the siblings, he couldn’t imagine what Ruairi was going through. He revealed that for the past two years, he had “parked” his emotions, unable to properly process the loss of his brother.
He explained that this journey — returning to the places Ciaran had chosen to build his life — was his way of trying to understand those decisions, and perhaps finally begin to grieve and let go, something he confessed he had found incredibly difficult.
Ruairi, in a deeply moving response, shared how he still looks for signs of his father during football matches, admitting that the hardest moments come after games when he instinctively checks his phone — only to realise his dad’s name is no longer there. Despite the pain, he said he believes his father is still watching over him.
Ronan reassured him that Ciaran had always been immensely proud and would continue to be, describing his children as his “world” and greatest joy.
The singer has previously spoken about his ongoing struggle with grief, revealing he has undergone therapy but still feels he hasn’t fully processed the loss. He admitted that grief doesn’t simply disappear and that he hasn’t yet “unboxed” all of those emotions.
He explained that during filming, the conversations about Ciaran weren’t planned — they simply emerged naturally in quiet, reflective moments, whether standing on cliffs or walking along beaches. He said it felt honest, not performative, as memories surfaced unexpectedly.
Originally conceived as a celebration of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way — its landscapes, people, and culture — the show gradually evolved into something far more personal.
Ronan revealed that the journey became about understanding why his brother chose to leave Dublin for the west coast, what he found there, and what drew him to that life. In doing so, it became not only a tribute to Ciaran, but also a shared exploration of a place they both loved.
The project also became a family experience, with Ronan joined by his brother Gary, his nephews, and close friends along the way — ensuring the journey was filled with connection rather than solitude.
