On 3rd of March, 1977, Ronan Patrick John Keating was born to Marie and Gerry Keating. The youngest of 5 children -- Linda, Ciaran, Gerard and Gary, little Ronan was bound to be the pampered one and was his mam's favourite.
The early years...
He spent his early years living in the Kilbarrack area in the northside of Dublin, just a few minutes from the beach.
Always passionate about music, singing and humming all the time, he was influenced by his brother Gary who was 4 years older to him and shared a room with him.
He grew up listening to the likes of Ben E. King and Cat Stevens, "Father and Son" being one of his favourites of those old records. Yes, "Father and Son", the song which now unknown to him would help propel him to the dizzying heights of worldwide fame and fortune.
Not content with just listening to music, Gary bought himself a blue electric guitar, we he soon mastered. Little Ronan, just 10 at the time could barely even hold it. He kept on struggling with it, until finally at the end of a month, with Gary's help he learned to play Ben E. King's "Stand By Me".
At this time came out a boy band called Bros. Heart-throbs of millions over the world, Ronan idolised them. Even getting a haircut like band-member Luke Goss. This haircut with a quiff in the front earned him the nickname of Tintin and also a whole lot of attention in his school for looking like the latest teen sensation. Ronan dreamed that one day HE would be THE star and not just look like one of them.
Growing up, Ronan turned out to be a very good athlete, winning all the competitions he entered. He clocked great timings and even won competing against older age groups.
He was popular in his school and enjoying himself.
Tough times...
But soon, aged 13, his happy world was turned upside-down when his parents decided to move to Dunshaughlin,a small town about 50 miles north of Dublin.
Moving away from all his friends to a new, boring and dull town was very hard for the youngster.
The students in his new school were a completely unwelcoming bunch and labelled him "The Dub", short for Dubliner.
On the brighter side though, Dunshaughlin college provided much better opportunities for athletics training. Ronan soon attained the title of the "Blond Bomber" for his exploits on the track. His coaches considered him good enough for the Olympics, the 2000 Sydney Olympics being the target.
But it was not to be. His love for music competed with his love for sport. And now, well settled in his new school, he formed a band called Nameste with some friends. They played the regular run of cover versions. And Ronan with his strong voice sang lead and soon they won a 1000 pound prize and became something of mini-celebrities around town.
Joining Boyzone...
Though Ronan had begun to enjoy himself in Dunshaughlin, he was happy when his parents moved back to Dublin. Living in the Swords area he joined Bayside High School.
When 15 year-old Ronan Keating heard about auditions for Ireland's first boy band he immediately signed up. Held at Dublin's Great Ormond Centre , Ronan amazed manager Louis Walsh with his rendition of "Father and Son". And soon, in November 1993, he was a part of Boyzone along with Stephen Gately, Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch, Richie Rock ( later thrown out of Boyzone ) and Mark ( he left Boyzone and was replaced by Mikey Graham ).
Difficult decisions...
Boyzone meant the end of athletics for the lad. Ronan's parents were further appalled when manager Louis Wash asked Ronan to quit school to devote enough time to Boyzone. They were obviously dead against it. It was his sister Linda who convinced him and his parents to go for it. If things went horribly wrong with the band he could always join night school and continue his education.
And things did start on a wrong note when Boyzone were put on the "Late, Late Show" -- Ireland's biggest talk show, just the day after they were formed. The boys hardly knew each other and had no time to rehearse their dance routine when they were put on national television. It was a complete disasater and the media labelled them an over-hyped and talentless bunch.
The months that followed would test them to their limits. They were turned down by all record companies. Ronan and the boys had a tough time convincing their parents that they were doing the right thing. Ronan got a job as an assistant salesman at Korky's Shoe Shop in Dublin, which eased the parental pressure a bit. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief when Louis pulled off a record deal with Polygram Ireland.
Happiness which doesn't last...
The band soon took off, Ronan with his boyish good looks and charm being the girls' favourite. ( Read more about Boyzone on Maple's Boyzone World ) .
The excitement of fame was marred by his mother's death to breast cancer in early 1998. Soon followed by that of his grandmother and young cousin.
It was a difficult time for the 21 year-old. But he came through it and married his model girlfriend Yvonne in April on the Carribean island of Nevis. Fatherhood came soon after.
The solo career...
15 UK top 3 hits and loads of awards later, Ronan released his first solo single "When You Say Nothing at All" for the soundtrack of "Notting Hill". And there has been no looking back since then. Ronan is all set to dominate the music scene for years to come...