News January 2003 Onwards                                                          

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Ronan is currently writing songs for his next album and thus will be busy during the coming months.

***29 June 2003 - Ronan a Judge at Miss Ireland -  Miss Ireland will be held on August 1st at a televised event in City West Hotel, Dublin. It was announce the Ronan Keating and Louis Walsh would be among the judges of the event this year.

***15 June 2003 - RTE Extravaganza - RTE 1 will be filming concerts over a period of 10 days at the University Concert Hall in Limerick .Artists confirmed to perform at the event are Ronan Keating, Samantha Mumba, The Four Of Us, The Waterboys and Atomic Kitten. Presented by music maestro Phil Coulter, Coulter & Company runs for 10 nights at UCH from June 22 to June 26 and from July 3 to July 7.

***3 June 2003 -Run for the Marie Keating Foundation - Singer Ronan Keating attended the Dublin mini marathon yesterday to cheer on his wife Yvonne. Yvonne,29, was one of 40,000 women who ran the streets of Dublin for Charity.

***25 May 2003 - Ronan Writing For New Album - Ronan will be working on his next album throughout the months of June and July in LA, NY, London and Dublin. After the success of the tracks 'Long Goodbye' and the new live track 'on MY Way' Ronan is Keen to write as much of the songs himself instead of releasing cover tracks. So be ready to listen to a new song by Ronan before the end of 2003.

***14 May 2003 - Walking for charity

It is a little quiet at the moment, but Ronan will be preparing his charity walk in Ireland which begins on 17th May 2003.  The walk is expected to cover 360 miles in length and take approximately 23 days to do.  We will have full details of the walk including where Ronan will be visiting in our next news bulletin...don't walk away!

Wanted to know what happened on RI:SE last Monday (5th May 2003)?  Well here's a brief summary of what happened along with some exclusive shots!  Mel & Sue introduced the show with Ronan's latest promo video of 'The Long Goodbye'.  Then the interview was really general talking virtually about everything Ronan had done!  Mel & Sue asked questions about Miss World and the Eurovision Song Contest - by the way, Ronan will not be watching because he's on a sponsored walk during then! 

Mel & Sue were looking at several rumoured things, such as Ronan having his teeth straighten for £20,000 which Ronan called ridiculous!  And having his chest hair being airbrushed in the US cover of 'Lovin' Each Day' which Ronan was not too happy about and wasn't aware at that time!  An interesting question raised by Mel & Sue was "Would you sing the Lithuanian's entry in the Eurovision Song Contest?".  Ronan responded by saying "I'll have to hear what it sounds like first!".  Mel & Sue even asked Ronan about his shoe size asking if he was a size 5 and a half - "Nah!  I'm a size 6!" was his answer!  Ronan did work in a shoe shop when he was young! 

A couple of e-mails were sent in and one was about the sponsored walk and how he'll keep in shape, Ronan said that walking helps to lose weight.  Another was if he visits message boards and was asked what name he calls himself when online.  Ronan said that he doesn't visit his website much and not in a while!  Apparently, Mel got really excited because she admitted she was a big fan of Ronan! 

***5 May - Could it be true?  Are Boyzone going to reform?  According to reports, four of the five Boyzone members were getting together for a drink a couple of days ago at the Zuma Night Club in London, UK.  The four, Stephen Gately, Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch were reported to be on a night out together without the presence of Ronan.  This has sparked rumours that the other four lads might reunite and do a tour without the lead, Ronan!  Is it just coincidence that the other members were together for just a drink or was it that they were discussing a tour without Ronan?  Only time will tell!!!

***3 May 2003 - The Long Goodbye at no.3 in UK Charts
Ronan's song  'The Long Goodbye' entered the UK charts at no.3  Speaking to Dr. Fox on Hit 40 UK, Ronan described what he had been doing recently: "We had a bit of a night, last night.  Yeah, we did a bit of a gig.  And we're celebrating too.  We're totally chuffed in getting number 3 which is a total result".  Dr. Fox asked Ronan about this chart position single and what Ronan thought about it: "Good.  It's really good.  This is the fourth single off the album.  A total result with another top 5 with this single".  Ronan was then asked about how the new album was going and hinted what fans are to expect in this new album: "We started writing last September, some of the band and myself.  I've been working with some new people as well.  To be honest it's going to be...well it's kind of a little away from the Gregg Alexander sound.  It's more guitar orientated, still the ballads in there with a little bit of Bryan Adamsy rock & roll feel to it as well - so good!".  Ronan thanked everyone who bought 'The Long Goodbye': "Nice one.  Thanks a million.  It's number 3, thanks for buying it.  Thanks guys for listening.  See you soon and good luck".  And thanks to you, the fans for getting Ronan yet another top 5 hit!!!  If you haven't bought the single yet, where have you been?  It's out now!!!    Here's the final top 10 UK singles chart:

1. Tomcraft - Loneliness 2. Craig David feat. Sting - Rise & Fall 3.Ronan Keating - The Long Goodbye
4. Busted - You Said No  5. Kelly Rowland - Can't Nobody 6. Lisa Maffia - All Over 7. 50 Cent - In Da Club
8. DMX - X Gon' Give It To Ya 9. Room 5 - Make Luv 10. David Sneddon - Don't Let Go

***2 May 2003 - Ronan will be interviewed by comedy duo Mel & Sue (pictured), on Channel 4's breakfast show, RI:SE on Monday (5th May 2003) (UK).  The show RI:SE plays between 6:55-9:00am weekday mornings.  Make sure you don't miss out on this interview...and make sure you get up early to see it!!!

***29 April 2003 -  It sparked a major row recently, when Ronan and Louis Walsh parted ways over different views of Ronan's career direction which left Ronan storming out without agreement.  Many thought that Louis would just turn his back and forget about it.  But now it seems Louis likes Ronan's new career approach.  Speaking in an interview on Ireland's Late Late Show, Louis wished Ronan all the best: "Ronan is a great guy and I wish him all the best. He wants to try different things.  We saw him going in different directions.  It's the end of an era, but he's a hard worker. Things will work out for him."

***24 April 2003 -  Ronan has been awarded male Rear Of The Year!  He joins the many other celebrities who have won in previous years including Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, Graham Norton and Frank Skinner!  The award ceremony in it's 21st year, will take place at Carlton Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge, London, UK.  Unfortunately, Ronan will not be able to attend and pick up his award as he's on his Destination '03 Tour in the UK!   In the female category, Atomic Kitten's Natasha Hamilton has been named female Rear Of The Year. 

***21 April 2003 - 'Hope' is out now

We mentioned in an earlier news story about a project Ronan was involved in.  The Mirror-War Child Hope Album is out now and money raised from this album will go to children in war-torn Iraq.  The album had been recorded in just 25 days and Ronan has specially recorded the Elvis tune, 'In The Ghetto' for the album.  Other artists and tracks are as follows:

1. Basement Jaxx feat. Yellowman - Love Is The Answer
2. Billy Bragg - The Wolf Covers Its Tracks
3. Lee Ryan - Stand Up As A People
4. Travis - The Beautiful Occupation
5. The Charlatans - We Got To Have Peace
6. Moby - Nearer
7. Spiritualised - Hold On (War Child Remix)
8. Beverley Knight - Love's In Need Of Love Today
9. Avril Lavigne - Knocking On Heaven's Door
10. Paul McCartney - Calico Skies
11. Tom McRae - Border Song
12. George Michael - The Grave
13. Beth Orton - Ooh Child
14. Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) - Peace Train
15. New Order - Vietnam
16. Ronan Keating - In The Ghetto
17. David Bowie - Loving The Alien
18. Ms. Dynamite feat. George Michael - Faith  

Remember this album is for charity so go get  it now.

***20 April 2003 - Happy Easter, Everyone !  Just to remind you that it's only a week away 'til the release of Ronan's new single, 'The Long Goodbye' which will be out on 28th April 2003!  And if you haven't heard what the single's got, we'll here's another reminder!  It will come on 2 CDs and a cassette, the CD details are details briefly below:

- CD 1 contains the title track plus the uplifting tune, 'Love Won't Work (If We Don't Try)' and a brand new track!  Also, the video of 'The Long Goodbye' has been added as extra!
- CD 2 is a limited edition single and ccontains the German version of 'We've Got Tonight' with singer, Jeanette.  And of course, the extra is the video for 'Love Won't Work (If We Don't Try)'! 

***17 April 2003 - Yesterday  (16th April), Ronan made a speedy journey from Glasgow to be present at the 95.8 Capital FM Awards 2003 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, UK.  He was there to make a speech on behalf of the Help A London Child Award which went to Young Careers.  Although he didn't win any awards himself, he was honored to present this award at the event.  After that, it was back up north for the Glasgow concerts on the following Thursday and Good Friday!***13 April 2003 - Ronan will be doing a sponsored walk for charity in Ireland!  His sponsored walk will raise money for the Marie Keating Foundation in Ireland and and Action Cancer in Northern Ireland.  The walk is to start in Giant's Causeway on 17th May and will last for 23 days!  He will be walking approximately 20 miles each day and is due to arrive in Kinsale, Cork on 9th June.

***10 April 2003 - Don't forget that Ronan has been nominated in two categories at this year's 95.8 Capital FM Music Awards!  He's been nominated for London's Favourite International Solo Artist and London's Favourite International Single for 'If Tomorrow Never Comes'.  There's still time to vote, so come on!!!  The event will take place on 16th April (this Wednesday coming) at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, UK.  The show will be presented by DJ Neil Fox.  If you haven't cast your vote yet, then what are you waiting for?  Click here now to vote! 

***9 April 2003 - This Friday (11th April), check out Top Of The Pops on BBC1 (UK) to catch Ronan who will be performing his forthcoming single tune, 'The Long Goodbye'!  Remember, the single is to be released on 28th April 2003!...and of course, Ronan kicks off his Destination '03 tour tonight, and he will be in Birmingham tonight and tomorrow!  And it has just been recently announced that the supporting act for Ronan in Birmingham will be songwriter and singer, Helen Boulding.  She has written songs including 911's 'The Day We Find Love'. 

***7 April 2003 - Ronan is Irelands sexiest man ( Showbiz Ireland) - It has been revealed that Ronan has been voted the most sexist man in Ireland!  The Social and Personal's Ireland's Sexist Man awards ceremony took place in the Four Season's Hotel yesterday night.  Upon accepting the award, Ronan said: "I'm very honored to accept this prestigious award and I'm delighted to be Ireland's Sexiest Man." Ronan was given a huge bottle of wine!  Coming as runner-up for the award was country singer, Daniel O' Donnell. 

***6 April 2003 - Watch Ronan's videos - Ronan has shot another promo video for the uplifting track, 'Love Won't Work (If We Don't Try)'.  You can now see this video on the TV music channel, The Box!  The number for this video is 628!  Now, there are two videos you can see - so get voting and enjoy these exciting new videos. For - The Long Goodbye: Vote number 933 and for - Love Won't Work (If We Don't Try): Vote number 628 - We'll be getting further details about Ronan's forthcoming single, 'The Long Goodbye' due to be released on 28th April 2003.So stay tuned. 

***4 April 2003 - music for hope - Ronan has joined with other artists to record songs for charity.  The Mirror-War Child Hope Album is to be released on Easter Monday (21st April) and money raised from this album will go to children in war-torn Iraq.  The album had been recorded in just 25 days and Ronan has specially recorded the Elvis tune, 'In The Ghetto' for the album.  Other artists to record tunes include, Paul McCartney, Lee Ryan from Blue, Fran Healy from Travis, Avril Lavigne, Beverley Knight, George Michael, David Bowie, New Order and Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens). 

***1 April 2003 6:41pm BST  - Here's the provisional artwork of Ronan's forthcoming single, 'The Long Goodbye' - and as you can see, Ronan looks serious (as he has done in his previous singles!), and looks rather rough too!  The single is due to be released in the UK on 28th April 2003 (although this hasn't been officially confirmed).  We are still awaiting further details, but for the meantime, check out the new video for 'The Long Goodbye' on The Box!  Select 933 now and enjoy!!!

***28 March 2003 6:32pm GMT- Ronan's new video for the single, 'The Long Goodbye' is doing really well on The Box! It has entered number 7 on this week's Box Tops chart! Keep voting for this song on The Box. Don't forget to vote for number 933! The fourth and final single from the 'Destination' album is due for release on 28th April 2003. We are still awaiting details, so come back soon!!!

***27 March 2003 6:32pm GMT - It looks like there may be a junior version of the Eurovision Song Contest coming end of this year.  The contest will focus on talent in Europe from children between 8 and 15 years of age.  The show will take place in November in Copenhagen in Denmark.  Ronan has been reportedly to be a possible host for this first ever event.  We shall keep an eye out on this event and tell you more as the details come!

***21 March 2003 - Things are moving now, because you can now see Ronan's new video for 'The Long Goodbye' on music TV channel, The Box!  Simply vote for number 933 to see Ronan in action once again! The single is said to be releasing on 28th April 2003.  We are still awaiting details of the single, but as soon as we have it, we'll tell you first, but for now, go enjoy the brand new video!!!

***18 March 2003 -  Ronan's Next single - According to fairly reliable sources, Ronan's next single will be 'The Long Goodbye'.  The release date for this single is said to be on 28th April 2003.  In addition, the release may come in the form of 2 CDs.  This tune was co-written by Ronan and Paul Brady and is a classic ballad tune as performed in Ronan's shows and is the fourth and last single to be taken off his latest album, 'Destination'.  We are still awaiting details, but as soon as we do, we'll tell you here at Ronan Keating World!...and don't forget, that the album, 'Boyzone: Ballads - The Love Songs Collection' is out now and features some classic tunes.

***13 March 2003 - Supporting Comic Relief - Ronan recently visited the most deprived area of London to see children in poverty.  These children have had suffered in the past and have struggled to survive.  There was a small art gallery where young children were expressing their feelings in pictures.  This is a project sponsored as part of Comic Relief.  Red Nose Day is tomorrow (14th March 2003) and you can help by making donations and helping those get a second chance in life. You can see Ronan's message From the news article dated  March 10th on this site or on ronan keating.net Also visit the Red Nose Day website rednoseday.com for more information about how to donate and help.  Please help.  Thank you.

***6 March 20035:13pm GMT - Ronan has been working in a brand new advertisement for Dutch brewer, Heineken.  But it won't

 be Ronan as we know him...because believe or not, the picture shown on the extreme right is actually Ronan!!!  He is

 impersonating Lily Savage for the advert!  The advertisement campaign gets several stars disguised in such a way that they

 become totally unrecognizable! 

***4 March 2003 - Still love and miss those Boyzone tunes?  Well, we have got some news for you!  A new compilation titled, 'Ballads: The Love Songs Collection' (artwork pictured) will be finally released in the UK on 17th March 2003 (yes, St. Patrick's Day!).  This 18-track compilation features all of the Boyzone's ballad hits plus for the first time some other tracks never featured on any Boyzone album in the UK.  The tracklisting for this album is as follows:

Why not pre-order a copy today?  Visit Amazon.co.uk to get a copy!  And enjoy those brilliant tunes that Boyzone made when they were big!

...also, we are going to be launching a new Boyzone section into this website very soon!  It will feature biography, discography of their singles and albums plus some lyrics to their big hits!  Previously to be launched in a mini-site named Boyzone Café, this will be the ultimate place to visit!!!  So keep your eyes peeled and we'll tell you first when this section will open - we guarantee that it'll be excellent!!!

***29 March The first executive of the meeting committee consists of 22 experienced persons, who were selected from different ranges of the public and private sector. The executive committee appointed Mary Davis the CEO.  Maintenance Artist was appointed to none other than Irish heartthrob Ronan Keating. Roy Keane and five Special Olympics' Global Messengers, Chan Tim Lei from Macau, Rodney Hankins from New York, Suzie O'Moore from Australia, Ephraim Mohlokane from South Africa and Anne Hickey from Carlow then took the stage and chatted with Michael O'Muircheartaigh. They were joined by singer Ronan Keating who made an impromptu appearance.

***10th March 2003 - Ronan: Comic Relief Letter (Written by Ronan himself) - courtesy RonanKeating.net
“When I think of Comic Relief, I personally think of Lenny Henry, the Spice Girls, of us running around with red noses on at two in the morning, trying to raise as much money as possible. It’s always left a good taste in our mouths and thoughts.
“Well, just last week, I was asked to take a trip to a project in South London that is supported by Comic Relief. Now, this is the other side of the coin. There is nothing cuddly or funny about what I saw there.
“When most of us think about our childhood, we have memories of feeling safe in our homes, holidays with the family, loved by our parents, locked a million miles away from everything that is bad, but sadly real, in the world. But the truth is, there are thousands of children across the UK and Ireland that are not so lucky. Because they live with the fear of being beaten, molested and left alone to fend for themselves.
“The project I went to visit is situated in a series of railway arches in a deprived area on London, where poverty is common and drugs are all too evident. There are children (as young as my own), and young people who are struggling to survive. It’s not something you have to search for, it’s there, believe me.
“In front of the arches, there’s a van that has been transformed into a small art gallery, but forget any image you have in your head of a fancy gallery in London or Paris. This is very different. There are poems, drawings and sculptures, all produced by the kids that attend the project. They are very hard to look at. Images of violence, pain, isolation, hatred and real fear everywhere. This is the only way they can express themselves, to communicate with the outside world the utter neglect, cruelty and/or abuse they have suffered.
“It is really sad and shocking, and life should not be that way for anyone. The positive side is that the kids that did this art have found some relief, maybe even hope.
“By coming to this project they are at last getting some love. Someone is listening to them, giving them a chance for the first time in their lives. They are able to restart their education, learn new skills, regain some strength to eventually build up the trust to talk about what has happened in their lives. Maybe they can at last find some peace.
“There are hundreds of others that need your help and although Comic Relief funds loads of projects all over the UK, we need to do more. Your support over the years has been incredible. From all the team at Comic Relief, a big thank you.
“This Red Nose Day, if you feel like you have a few bob to spare to help young people to get out of these horrible situations and live their life a little better, please give us a call and make a donation.
“They’re just kids and they’ve been through too much already.
“Please help.”
Ronan Keating

***6 February 2002 -  ENTERING THE EURO ZONE" - Ronan Keating is one of the names linked with Irish You're A Star final this year. The Eurovision Song Contest 2003 to be Held on Saturday 24 May 2003- Ronan Keating will battle Westlife star Bryan McFadden for Eurovision Glory this year that will take place in Latvia. Official Eurovision Website

***3 February 2003 - The 2003 Meteor Ireland Music Awards, which take place in the Point Theatre, Dublin on 3rd March. Ronan Keating has been voted in the catagory of Best Irish Pop Act along with the likes of Samantha Mumba, Six, Luke Thomas and Westlife. 

***9 January 2003 - Ronan part of Special Olympics - Anticipation is building for Destination '03, so much so that Ronan's now added yet another date to the tour-10th April, Birmingham NEC. Special Olympics seeks €6 million - Global sponsors include Coca-Cola and Kodak.The SOWG board of directors includes Eddie Jordan, Christy O'Connor Jr, Ronan Keating, Ossie Kilkenny, Joe McDonagh, Ray MacSharry, Pat Kenny, Lucy Gaffney, Mo Austin, PJ Mara, Sean Donlon, Jonathan Irwin and Liavan Mallin. Almost every other famous name in Ireland has been recruited as a patron, including Bono, Andrea Corr, Dermot Desmond, David Bunworth, Sonia O'Sullivan, Brian Kerr, John Hume, Gerry Adams, Fergus Finlay and Dr Michael Smurfit. The opening ceremony will be staged in Croke Park on June 21. Over the next nine days, competition will take place at 22 sports venues. The new Olympic size pool at Abbotstown will be used for the games' aquatic competitions.