TOTP magazine, August 1998
There's no point doodling “Mrs. Ronan Keating” on your folders anymore
- Yvonne’s beaten you to him. In this exclusive interview RONAN talks to
Top of the Pops about his life with the woman he calls “the best in the
world”...
Are you enjoying life being a husband, then?
(Grinning from ear to ear.) Ah, you don’t have to ask that do you?
It's wonderful. It's perfect - everything I ever wanted, or expected, and more.
Yvonne is my partner and my best friend - I'm happy.
Remind us. How long have you known each other?
We first met when I was 14. I used to help my da, driving around, doing
deliveries. I met her then, I liked her, but we lost touch. We met up again
about two years ago now, became good friends, best mates. When I realized how I
felt I had to tell her or say goodbye - so I told her.
What do you remember about the wedding day?
We were on Nevis Isle. I played golf in the morning with my brother Gary. Went
back, changed, went down to the beach and waited...
It wasn't really spur of the moment, was it?
We'd planned to get married in June. We thought why wait? Yes, we did know
before we flew out to the Caribbean. We'd had the rings made. We designed them
ourselves - they're platinum. Mine has holes in it and Yvonne’s has
diamonds set in the holes, an engagement and wedding ring in one. It's
beautiful.
Were you angry the tabloids got pictures of your wedding?
No, I set it up. I wanted people to know we had done it, but I wanted to be in
control. We needed to get married abroad. Perhaps one day we'll redo our vows at
church in Ireland, but we wanted it to be private and it was. The wedding got a
scary amount of coverage though. What was it for? I mean, who the hell am I?
Talking of which, how is the new Mrs Keating dealing with the spotlight?
She went to the Ivor Novello Awards on my behalf and it was hard for her. She's
a very down to earth person and I think she'll settle to it, but it'll take a
while. Jeez, even I'm not used to the spotlight yet!
Have you been apart much since the big day?
No. We make time for each other. Yvonne’s come out on Boyzone trips and she
understands I have to work. I just wish we had more time for romantic dinners
when we're away - nice restaurants, candles, good wine...
Will Yvonne carry on with her modelling career?
I don’t know how this will affect Yvonne’s career. I'm not saying my
career is more important, cos it's not by any means, but it's easier for Yvonne
to get time off.
Are your wild days as a party animal over?
Ah, Yvonne likes to party. We were out last night and we're all feeling the
effects of it this morning! We'll just be going out having fun, doing the same
things we always did. I'll not be settling down with me slippers yet!
Do you confide in Yvonne now, instead of Shane?
Everything moves on whether you want it to or not. I was never one for deep
chats anyway, I didn't go and cry on anyone's shoulder. But yeah, Yvonne’s
my partner and my best friend. I talk to her before anyone else.
Do you feel your loyalties pulled in two directions?
No, I think we balance things well. But sometimes it is hard. The album launch
party wasn't a great night for Yvonne. I was working, we hardly got to spend any
time together, we didn't even have the chance to enjoy the dodgems.
How will you combine work and marriage?
The key to a successful relationship is to do everything together. We know that,
but it wouldn't change the way Boyzone works. The lads give each other more
space these days. But we're still Boyzone. We still go to the same places but
now we bring our partners with us. We're no splitting up. We're working towards
the arena tour and the greatest hits album, so we've plenty to do...