Former Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating says the death of his beloved brother Ciarán caused him to drink more for a while, but his six-year-old daughter Coco gave him a powerful reason to put his health first.
Ronan Keating opened up about the personal heartbreak behind his decision to give up alcohol, revealing that losing his older brother left him drinking more than he had before.
The Dublin-born singer, 49, has confirmed he stopped drinking around three months ago and says he has never felt better, both physically and mentally.
Ronan Keating. Pic: Ronan Keating/Instagram
But while the decision has made him fitter and more focused, Ronan admitted the lifestyle change stems from deeply personal reasons.
Speaking to BBC Radio WM presenter Ed Doolan, the Life Is A Rollercoaster hitmaker revealed that the grief of losing his brother Ciarán had affected his relationship with alcohol. Ciarán, who was 57, died in a car crash in July 2023, leaving Ronan and the rest of their family devastated.
The singer has continued to remember his brother publicly, particularly on anniversaries of his death, and has previously spoken about the enormous impact the loss had on his family.
The Late Ciarán Keating, sister Linda, dad Gerry and Ronan.
Now, Ronan says he has consciously decided to take control of his health and focus on what matters most to him. ‘I’ve made some choices in life as well, regarding my health, my mental health, my physical health,’ he told the BBC.
‘I feel fitter and better than I’ve felt in years. I’ve been in the gym every day. I’ve cut alcohol totally out of my life.’
Ronan admitted the interview was the first time he had spoken publicly about his decision to stop drinking.
Ronan Keating with daughter Missy – Pic Instagram
He explained that he had made the call three months earlier and had since told his friends, particularly as he was finding himself in social situations where alcohol would normally be involved. ‘Three months ago, I just made a call and said, ‘That’s that. I’m done,’ he said. ‘So, I’ve cut it out; I’ve never felt better.’
The singer was careful to explain that he was not necessarily making a lifelong commitment to sobriety, but wanted a period of complete clarity as he prepared for a busy time in his career. ‘I’m not saying I’m not drinking again, I’ve just decided that for me, for now, with everything going on with the world tour announcements and finishing this album, I wanted absolute clarity and I wanted to take control,’ he said.
However, his youngest child, Coco, has given him a particularly emotional reason to look after himself.
Ronan and Storm Keating with Coco, Missy, Cooper and Jack. Pic: Andres Poveda
Ronan shares Coco, six, with his wife, Storm, and the singer said he wants to be there for the big moments in her life. ‘I want to be here and walk her down the aisle, please God one day,” he said. The father of five added that, while he cannot rule out having a glass of wine again in the future, his relationship with alcohol will never be the same.
‘I’ll never have that relationship with alcohol in my life again,” he explained. ‘One day I might go and, you know, have a few glasses of wine again. But for now, I’m feeling good.’
Ronan’s comments follow an emotional tribute to Ciarán on the third anniversary of his death in July.
Ciaran Keating (Left) with Jack Keating and Ronan Keating. Pic: Ronan Keating/Instagram
In a heartfelt Instagram video, the singer spoke directly to his late brother, reflecting on what Ciarán loved most, especially his family.
‘Today, I’ve been thinking about your favourite things,’ Ronan began. ‘Most importantly, your family, your wife, your children, your grandchildren,’ he continued, referring to Ciarán’s widow, Annemarie, and their children Ruairí, Conall and Ashling Marie.
Ronan went on to share the depth of his grief, saying: ‘I miss you more today than ever. Three years on. I’m raising a glass for you, brother.’
He also offered words of comfort to others dealing with the loss of someone close to them. ‘To anyone out there missing anyone, I’m with you. We’re all with you. Sending love, God bless, cheers, sláinte,’ he said.
Ronan and Storm Keating with children Cooper and Coco – Pic Instagram
Despite the heartbreak he continues to carry, Ronan is now concentrating on his health, his music and his family, with his decision to stop drinking marking a fresh chapter in his life.
For the singer, the aim isn’t simply to feel fitter as he prepares for his next career commitments, but to make the most of his time with the people he loves and, hopefully, one day, walk his little girl down the aisle.