Ronan Refuses to Heal Rift with Keith - DAILY MIRROR 10 July 2003
The rift between Ronan Keating and Coronation Street star Keith Duffy showed
no signs of healing at the Veronica Guerin film premiere. They ignored one
another throughout and even spurned several opportunities to talk to each other.
Despite attending two exclusive VIP parties, and standing within inches of each
other for much of the night, they failed to strike up any conversation.
Their feud first erupted two years ago when Keith branded Ronan a traitor for
quitting Boyzone. Many attending the bash in Dublin were sure that the pair
would bury the hatchet when they came face to face for the first time in nearly
a year. But the writing was on the wall by the time they had taken their seats
at the premiere, which were just one row apart.
The situation became increasingly tense when they turned up at the posh party at
Dublin Castle. One onlooker said: "They were standing just inches from each
other and they both looked really awkward. Keith was literally standing back to
back with Ronan but they went out of their way not to speak to each other."
At one stage, Duffy's wife Lisa and Ronan's spouse Yvonne made a big gesture by
chatting and dancing at Renard's nightclub.
Duffy told the Irish Mirror: "I wouldn't hit the guy if I saw him but that's
about as friendly as it gets now." He spent the night drinking with Colin
Farrell and Kerry McFadden.
Ronan drank Jack Daniels with artist pal Terry Bradley.
A showbiz insider added: "Ronan is still hurt by Keith's comments and Keith
seems to have a few issues with Ronan too."