October 17, 2009 13:57

Stephen Gately's life celebrated at Dublin funeral

Ronan Keating breaks down as he pays tribute to his Boyzone bandmate

Stephen Gately's funeral took place in Dublin at midday today (October 17), and featured a host of celebrities and friends paying tribute to the singer.

The Boyzone star, who died last Saturday (October 10) aged 33 in Majorca, was described by Ronan Keating as the remaining band members' "brother".

Keating, who broke down during his tribute and apologised to the mourners present, said: "The world has lost one of its brightest stars, we have lost our brother."

The group performed a song by Westlife, 'In This Life', at the ceremony.

Other mourners at St Laurence O'Toole's church included former Irish first minister Bertie Ahern, Westlife, Jason Donovan and Shayne Ward, according to the BBC News website.

The band's former manager, 'X Factor' judge Louis Walsh, also paid tribute to Gately, saying: "He would not believe the reception he's got today. He was living his dream. It's a fantastic feeling here today – we have to celebrate his life."

A large number of fans also came to pay their respects outside the church, including some from around the world.