19 December 2009

'It feels like Stephen is in the room with us when the four of us are together'

19th December 2009

http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/it-feels-like-stephen-is-in-the-room-with-us-when-the-four-of-us-are-together-1981629.html

At the end of his toughest year, Keith Duffy talks frankly to Declan Cashin about the death of his Boyzone bandmate, coping with his daughter's autism and having to confront grief again on his return to Coronation Street

Keith Duffy is a busy man. He has just wrapped a long day of filming -- more of that anon -- and manages to squeeze in a chat with Weekend before making a Home Alone-esque dash to Manchester airport to catch the last flight home to Dublin that night.

Others might moan about stress or complain of tiredness, but, by his own admission, the 35-year-old Boyzone star prefers to approach his career and life with a positive mental attitude, and to make the best of everything he does. Such an outlook has hitherto stood Keith in good stead, and it's fair to say that he relied on it heavily -- with varying degrees of success -- to get through the most difficult and emotionally draining year of his life.

It might explain why Keith is so happy to surround himself with the familiar right now: eschewing the regular festive family holiday abroad to spend an intimate Christmas with his close relatives and best friends, and also making a welcome return to the first TV acting role that brought him a whole new legion of fans, Coronation Street.

Keith is back on television's most famous cobbled street as barman and lady-killer Ciaran McCarthy, a role he originated back in 2003, and left behind some two years later. "I can't believe how I've adjusted back in -- it's like I never left," he reveals, laughing softly. "I was a bit wary walking back into the green room on the first day, but the cast and crew have been so welcoming and made me feel like part of the family again.

"I can't talk about the upcoming storylines, but I will say that Ciaran is brought back to the Street by his old pal Peter Barlow. Ciaran was a womanising cheeky charmer before and that person is back, up to his old tricks. My first scenes will be screened in February."

The door was always left open for Keith to return, but it was only towards the end of this year that the timing was right for his Corrie comeback. For the past two-and-a-half-years, his time was completely occupied by the Boyzone reunion tour, and indeed it was during the band's headline act at the MEN Arena in Manchester last year that the seeds for Keith's return were planted.

"I always wanted to come back to Corrie and I was in contact with the producers all the time,"
he says. "I invited the cast and crew to our show in MEN and quite a few came along. We met up afterwards, and that's when we started talking seriously about it."

Keith's first week back on the set was tinged by sadness, however, due to the death of the great Maggie Jones, who played acid-tongued harridan Blanche Hunt. "Maggie was an absolute lady, and so distant from the character of Blanche that it shows how brilliant an actress she was," Keith recalls.

"Everyone in the cast was always jealous of her one-liners. I was lucky to work with her many times when I was on the show before. Chris [Gascoyne], who plays Peter Barlow, has been really cut up since. The whole cast are very upset. But because I'd been through everything with Stephen [Gately], I could really empathise with people here. I find that what I've gone through has helped these guys a little bit, and I try to keep their spirits up."

That's the first time in our conversation that Keith mentions his late friend and bandmate Stephen Gately, who died suddenly in October aged just 33. Keith talks about Stephen freely, and with evident affection, but several times it sounds as if he needs to concentrate to keep his voice steady. The shock hasn't really worn off. The reality of the loss is still only sinking in.

"When I'm in here working on Corrie, and keeping myself busy, I'm fine," he says. "But when I have moments on my own, I can't help but think about it, and those moments can be very difficult. Initially it was non-stop: constantly going over everything in my head, emotions running wild and feeling very sad all the time.

"Now that's not as often, but you have waves of emotion that hit you when you're not expecting it during the day, and it knocks you off your feet. I don't think any of us have come even close to dealing with it.

"He was so young, and we looked out for him like a little brother," he continues. "It's absolutely devastating. But we have to pick up the pieces and move on; that's what Stephen would have wanted. He wouldn't want us to be down. He was a very happy person and he always brought out the best in us, so we have to use those memories to bring out the best in ourselves now."

Two weeks ago, the four remaining members of the band met in London to work together for the first time since their friend's passing. "Stephen had put vocals down on a couple of tracks and there's one song in particular that he loved," Keith says.

"We've just recorded the video for this song, and it was very difficult. Stephen's vocals are magnificent on it and the video is a memorial to him." Boyzone's album, tentatively entitled Together & Forever, will be released in March, and the single should be out in January.

Right after our interview, Keith is making his way home to Ireland to host the Masquerade Ball at the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, along with wife Lisa, son Jordan (13) and daughter Mia (nine), in aid of Irish Autism Action. Over the past seven years he has worked tirelessly to build up and develop the charity, which provides support and education to children and families affected by autism.

It's a cause dear to Keith's heart: his daughter was diagnosed with the disability at age two. It was a difficult process for the Duffys to even get a diagnosis, and Keith has said they were shocked by the inadequacy of the services provided for, and lack of information about, children with autism. This is what propelled him into action with the organisation.

"Mia is 10 in March and she's doing great -- so fantastic from where we started," he says. "She spent five years in ABACAS [Applied Behaviour Analysis Centre for Autism Schooling] in Kilbarrack, which gave her one-to-one education, and she responded really well to that. We've done everything we can to help Mia to reach her own potential.

"That's what we try to do for all the kids through the charity -- to reach their potential. In the past there were misdiagnoses, and kids not getting the appropriate early intervention. Mia is now in her third year in mainstream school, albeit from time to time with a special needs assistant in the classroom, but the majority of the time, she's standing on her own two feet."

Autism is a complex condition, and every child affected by it is affected differently. "With Mia, her socialising skills weren't very good," Keith explains. "She spent a lot of time on her own. She likes her own company a great deal. Because of that she wasn't making friends, and having an ordinary little girl's life.

"Then there were academic and concentration problems, and sensory issues, which is why an ordinary classroom setting is often not sufficient for kids with autism. That's why it's important to put kids into a one-to-one environment where they can concentrate and get that attention."

Through her education in school and at home, Mia has mastered her verbal skills and her socialising capabilities have improved immensely. "To give you an idea, when Mia was seven she wanted a ballet party for her birthday," Keith says. "It came close to me wearing a tutu myself because she really didn't have that many friends to invite. We had her 9th birthday in March this year and we had 14 children over in Hamley's in Dundrum for a birthday party, which was a huge change. We were so happy for her."

Keith was due back on the Corrie set the day after the Dublin fundraiser. "It's tough at the minute, but it's tougher on my family than it is on me," he concedes. "My son Jay [Jordan] is missing me a lot. He's had me home for the past few years and he's a teenager now, so he likes having his dad around the place. We both have Skype so we chat on our computers at night to try to make it a bit easier."

Luckily, the Corrie filming schedule gives Keith two full weeks off for Christmas, before he returns to Manchester for another six months in the New Year.

"For the past few years we've been going away for Christmas because I've been so busy, and so has Lisa for that matter," he says. "With me being away so much, Lisa is run ragged between school runs with the kids and all their extra curricular activities, such as football, rugby, ballet, drama, and piano lessons.

"This year, I just want to stay at home. The year that we've had, I want to be close to the other boys. So I'm spending Christmas Day with Ronan [Keating] and his family. Ronan's kids and my kids get on like a house on fire, and all our families are coming too.

"We're staying in the one place for Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner. Then on St Stephen's Day, appropriately enough, we're having a party for Stephen in his memory. It's just going to be all the lads from the band, their families and good friends, and we're going to celebrate Stephen. Andrew, Stephen's husband, is invited too, but he has his own family so I'm not sure if he'll make it.

"I'm really looking forward to that. When the four of us guys are together, we have great strength. It just feels like Stephen is in the room with us when we're together."

Samuel L Jackson will co-host the Night Of Love Ball with Keith Duffy, on Saturday 13th February in the O'Reilly Hall, UCD. For more details see www.autimsmireland.ie

26 November 2009

Keith is back on set


26th November 2009


Keith Duffy was back on the Corrie set with Chris Gascoyne yesterday as they filmed Peter and Ciaran rekindling their old friendship.
For those of you who can’t remember, Ciaran and Peter were old navy mates who lost touch when Ciaran was arrested for going AWOL.

Ciaran will return to our screens in February when Peter and Leanne find him in a Manchester restaurant and offer him a job as a chef in their new bar.

Ciaran’s return to the Street will surely have a few female hearts fluttering. Will Michelle take a shine to the Irish rogue or perhaps he'll stir old feelings in his ex-girlfriend Sunita?

20 November 2009

Duffy's heartache behind the mask


20th November 2009


http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/news-gossip/duffys-heartache-behind-the-mask-1949438.html

BOYZONE'S Keith Duffy last night described the pain of struggling to come to terms with the death of his "dear friend" Stephen Gately.

He said he is "coping much better now" and is trying to move forward with his life.

"The first three weeks were very tough and I couldn't see any light at the end of the tunnel, but now, things have started to ease. I'm getting back to work and managing to get through the day," he told the Irish Independent.

Mr Gately died suddenly last month while on holiday in Majorca at the age of 33.

"I'd never experienced losing somebody so close to me, somebody I kind of looked after and was a very dear friend of mine. It's hard to deal with."

Boyzone split up a number of years ago before reuniting in 2007.

"We're lucky we got back together. . . there was a lot of things to talk about and a lot of things to catch up on and we managed to do that so there's no regrets.

"There would be massive regrets if Stephen had passed away and I hadn't seen him in a while but we were pretty much living in each other's pockets," he said.

He was speaking at the launch of 'The Keith Duffy Masquerade Ball 2009' in aid of Irish Autism Action and the Saplings School for Autism in Rathfarnham, at the Westbury Hotel in Dublin yesterday.

The event is held on Saturday, December 5, at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin, with special guests Aslan and Keith Barry. Tickets can be booked at 044-93 31609.

Meanwhile, a €265,000 cheque was presented to Boyzone's Ronan Keating last night on behalf of the 'Great Garda Run 2009' Chicago marathon initiative.

Up to 150 members of An Garda Siochana participated in the Chicago Marathon last month in aid of The Marie Keating Foundation. The team personally funded expenses incurred on the trip.

18 November 2009

Keith returns to Corrie

18th November 2009

*New*

http://www.boyzone.net/2009/11/keith-returns-to-corrie/

Coronation Street are delighted to confirm that Irish charmer Ciaran McCarthy played by Boyzone’s Keith Duffy is to return to the show in early 2010.

Keith starts filming his first scenes next week and will be back on screen in early February.
Corrie viewers last saw Keith on the Street in 2005 – when Ciaran was arrested and charged with going AWOL from the Navy.

Ciaran will return to the street to help old Navy pal Peter Barlow, played by Chris Gascoyne, set up his new wine bar with girlfriend Leanne Battersby, Jane Danson

Ciaran will soon be back to his womanising ways when he spots sexy Michelle Connor, played by former Hearsay band member Kym Marsh. And it isn’t long before he’s back pulling pints at the Rovers.

A Coronation Street spokesperson said:


We are thrilled to have Keith back in Coronation Street. He was a hugely popular member of cast and Ciaran McCarthy was a firm favourite with the viewers.

Keith has kept in touch with all his mates here during the past five years and many of the cast went along to the Boyzone gigs at the MEN Arena to support Keith and the rest of the band.

Ciaran has lots of history with the residents of Weatherfield and it will be interesting to see him back wooing the ladies, pulling pints behind the bar of the Rovers and helping Peter build the new bar.

11 November 2009

Corrie's Ciaran to charm Michelle?

11th November 2009


http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iMj3EyyxL9k13-DAIj1av5YGXEKg

Coronation Street's Michelle Connor could have a new love on the cards next year in the form of Irish charmer Ciaran McCarthy.

Actress Kym Marsh hinted that romance could develop between the pair after her character catches the eye of the ladies' man, played by Boyzone star Keith Duffy.

The actress told The Mirror: "Michelle hasn't had much luck with her love life - Steve, Peter and Luke all ended up hurting her - so it'd be nice to see her settle down with someone who makes her happy."

She continued: "I haven't met Keith yet but I've heard that Michelle catches Ciaran's eye, so there could be something developing there."

Keith will reprise his role as Ciaran in the new year.

I cried after hearing Stephen's voice on our song says Keith

9th November 2009

http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/i-cried-after-hearing-stephens-voice-on-our-song-says-keith-1937857.html

Boyzone's Keith Duffy has revealed how he burst into tears after listening to a song recorded by his late pal Stephen Gately.

The crooner recently sat down with his mum to hear the song, which was written by Mika, and both of them "ended up bawling" because they found it so emotional.

"I listened to it for the first time with my mum and we ended up bawling," he said.

Ultimate

"We recorded it two years ago but it's really great -- Stephen's voice sounds brilliant on it."

And he reckons it would be the ultimate tribute to the singer to release it as their next single.

"It's not about Boyzone -- we're putting it out for him because we know he would have wanted that and we think people are really going to like it," he said.

Prior to his untimely death last month, Stephen recorded vocals for several new tracks, which Boyzone will now use on their new album.

But the lads are still undecided as to whether their planned tour will happen, as they come to terms with losing their bandmate.

Keith also revealed how he was looking forward to reprising his role on Coronation Street as flirty barman Ciaran McCarthy.

He said it would be great to throw himself into work on the hit soap.

Meanwhile, bandmate Ronan Keating jetted back from Australia over the weekend after touring his solo album.

He came back to attend the Marie Keating Foundation's annual ball in the Burlington Hotel with his wife Yvonne and their three children.

Glitzy

Now in its ninth year, the glitzy event raises thousands of euros for the cancer support charity, with many of the singer's pals turning up to support him.

Among the guests were Pippa O'Connor, Brian Ormond, Eamonn Coughlan, presenter Maxi and GAA legend Mick O'Dwyer.

Keith's return to Corrie confirmed

14th October 2009

http://www.itv.com/soaps/coronationstreet/news/nigelhaverskeithduffy/

Corrie bosses have confirmed that Nigel Havers and Keith Duffy have been cast.

Boyzone star Keith will make a comeback in the New Year. He will take up his former role as Ciaran McCarthy. Peter and Leanne will stumble across Ciaran working as a chef in a restaurant.

'My First Time' Cancelled

13th October 2009

Due to the sad passing of Stephen Gately, the play that Keith was about to appear in has been cancelled until further notice

The following statement was issued on Monday 12th October outlining the reason behind the cancellation;

“We are deeply disappointed that our tour of "My First Time" has been cancelled because of the untimely death of Stephen Gately.

We fully support Keith Duffy in his decision not to work for the next few weeks and we look forward to arranging new dates in 2010 when Keith and the rest of the cast will be available to take this great new show on the road in Ireland.”


http://www.uch.ie/events/110509_my_first_time.html

Trek in Peru

8th October 2009

To see pictures from the trek in peru that Keith took part in (along with Mikey), in aid of the Irish Autism Action, click the link below

http://irishautismaction.blogspot.com/2009/10/theyre-back-safe-and-well.html

The Irish Rover’s Return

19th August 2009

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/2594712/Boyzones-Keith-Duffy-returns-to-Coronation-Street.html

BOYZONE hunk Keith Duffy is making a sensational return to Coronation Street.
The 34-year-old pop star has been in comeback talks with producers this week.

Duffy played barman Ciaran McCarthy for two years before leaving the ITV1 soap in 2005 to spend more time with his family.

Writers want to bring the charmer back to team up with old pal Peter Barlow on his gastro-pub venture to rival the Rovers.

Ladies' man Ciaran could also make a play for ex-girlfriend Sunita Parekh (Shobna Gulati), also returning to Weatherfield later this year.

Dubliner Keith is currently on a reunion tour with Boyzone stars Ronan Keating, Stephen Gately, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch but has always been keen to resume his TV career.

He is set to sign a six-month deal with an option to extend it by six months. During his time on the street, Ciaran was involved in a string of romantic entanglements with women including Sunita, Tracy Barlow and Bev Unwin.

He also proved his bravery by dashing into a burning building to rescue Sunita and husband Dev.
A Corrie source said last night: "Everything is in place for him to return in the New Year. It's exciting to have him back."

Boyzone tour gave me life-threatening hernia, reveals Keith Duffy

19th July 2009

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1200547/Boyzone-tour-gave-life-threatening-hernia-reveals-Keith-Duffy.html

At the age of 34, Keith Duffy could be forgiven for feeling daunted at the prospect of a reunion tour with the boyband that made his name almost two decades ago.

'Dancing around without your shirt in front of an audience of screaming girls is all very well in your teens and early 20s,' he says. 'But it's a different matter when you've got two kids and can't spend every moment working on your six-pack.'

After notching up a remarkable six No1 UK singles, four No1 albums and 20million record sales, Boyzone disbanded in 2000. Now a father of two, he was also known more recently as ladies man Ciaran McCarthy in Coronation Street. He admits: 'I had let myself go a bit.'

The turning point came when the group did a photoshoot last year to announce their comeback, only to face uncharitable comments about how time had not been so kind to them.

'That really hurt,' says Keith. 'But when I saw the pictures, I had to agree. During the band years, I trained a lot. But after the split, I relaxed. I was content and had a bit too much of the good life.

'You don't realise the weight going on, it happens so gradually. But to be brutally honest, I had gone from a 32in waist to a 38in.'

So, before heading back out on the road, along with bandmates Ronan Keating, Stephen Gately, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch, Keith hit the gym - but, as he was to discover to his cost, a little too hard.

The singer, who lives in Dublin with his wife Lisa, 38, son Jordan, 13, and daughter Mia, nine, first noticed something was wrong while he was running the Flora London Marathon in April to raise money for the National Autistic Society.

The charity has been close to his heart since Mia was diagnosed with the learning disability, which can affect speech, behaviour, motor and social skills, in 2002.

'In hindsight, along with the all the weight training I was doing to get back in shape, I was asking for trouble. But I am the type of person who really goes for it when it comes to exercise,' he says.
He was 16 miles into the 26.5-mile race when he felt an agonising pain to the left of his groin.
'I had just taken off my sunglasses and tucked them into the waistband of my shorts when it happened and at first I thought I'd stabbed myself with the arm of the glasses.

'I was almost doubled over, but I told myself I'd just pulled a muscle. Somehow I carried on running through gritted teeth. I knew if I stopped I wouldn't be able to start again.

'The pain dissipated into a dull ache in my lower stomach - it felt a bit like I'd been kicked where it hurts.'

Astonishingly, despite this, Keith completed the race in three hours and 52 minutes. 'I was elated to finish and sure the discomfort was just a muscle strain that would disappear. Besides, everywhere ached.'

But over the following days of rehearsals with Boyzone back in Dublin, the pain got worse.

'I was doing my best during the dance routines but the guys could see I was wincing with agony. There was the constant dull aching and a sharp stabbing pain on the left side and a slight twinge on the right, too, every time I tried to sit or stand. In the end, Ronan forced me to go to A&E.'

Keith was immediately taken for an ultrasound scan, which revealed he was suffering from not one but two inguinal hernias.

'I was shocked,' he says. 'I thought it was something only old men got.'

Hernia is the catch-all name given to a protrusion of body tissue or part of an organ through the surrounding muscles by which it is normally contained. Most develop in the abdomen, when fatty tissue or abdominal organs are able to push through a natural weakness in the abdominal wall.

It is not known exactly why they happen but experts believe they occur because of a weakness in the muscles that exists from birth.

They can be triggered by increased pressure on the abdominal muscles due to anything from heavy lifting, exercise, or even a coughing fit. They may also develop through the diaphragm, the oesophagus - known as a hiatus hernia - the spine, and even the brain.

Inguinal hernias specifically occur through a sheet of muscle in the lower abdomen that supports the reproductive organs, known as the inguinal canal, and about 27 per cent of men will suffer from one at some point (only three per cent of women, whose inguinal muscles are smaller, will suffer a hernia in this place).

'The doctors told me it had been brought on because I had been training too heavily for the tour,' says Keith. 'I was in the gym most days, as well as jogging every day to prepare for the marathon. I'd been pushing myself too hard.

'In hindsight I'd felt twinges of pain for months and during the marathon the hernia fully ruptured, which was why I felt such pain.'

Hernias often cause a visible or palpable lump. In some cases, there are other symptoms resulting from pressure on an organ or an obstruction caused by the hernia.

'Apparently, lumps can disappear and reappear as the tissue slips back into place and then protrudes again, so I never felt a lump,' says Keith.

If left untreated, complications can arise if they become ' strangulated', meaning blood supply to the organ becomes restricted, leading to gangrene, organ failure and even death.

The doctors decided Keith needed an emergency operation to repair the hernias.

During surgery, a small incision is made near the site. The escaping tissue is then pushed back and the weakness in muscle tissue mended. The hour-long keyhole operation is called
herniorrhaphy. About 100,000 are performed each year and it is the most common surgical procedure in the world.

The muscle used to be pulled together and stitched under tension - but 20 per cent of these hernias recurred through the same site.

Now, three incisions are made - one in the navel, one an inch below and another an inch below that, through which the camera and surgical instruments are inserted. Modern techniques also involve a fine plastic mesh prosthesis placed over, or under, the defect.

'It's similar to the way your mum would patch the knee of your trousers rather than pulling the edges together,' says surgeon Martin Kurzer, an expert in hernia repairs.

Unless a hernia has already caused complications that make it a medical emergency, as it did in Keith's case, a repair operation is considered elective (non-urgent) surgery. Patients should expect to wait six to eight weeks for surgery on the NHS.

Desperate to get back to rehearsals, and against his doctors' advice, after two days in hospital Keith discharged himself.

'I was sore in my tummy around where the incisions had been and I felt an odd tugging-like tension at the site of the hernias,' he says.

Three days after his operation, Keith was back at rehearsals.

'At first, I just sat with my feet up on the sofa watching the boys do the routines. After a week, I felt able to walk through some of the numbers.

'I was speaking to my doctor all the time. He told me to just listen to my body and not do anything that hurt. Of six weeks of rehearsal, I managed about three.

'By the opening night, I still felt some tension down there but to the naked eye I think it looked like I was completely fit.'

He was also able to take his top off with complete confidence. 'My trainer devised a programme that didn't cause any further damage.

'Sit-ups are out of the question because of the strain they put on the lower abdomen. But today I think I'm in better shape than I was in my 20s.

'Now the tour is over, we'll continue working on our new album, due out in 2010.'

Having had hernias, it is not unlikely that Keith might suffer another one. Less than five per cent of patients experience a hernia in the same place, but about one in five suffer a recurrence in a different place.

He also discovered that it wasn't the first time he'd suffered from one. 'When I called my mum to tell her she said, "Oh, that's happened to you before". When I was a baby, I'd had an operation to fix the exact same thing. So I was predisposed to it happening again.'

About five per cent of male infants will suffer from an inguinal hernia.

'Still today I can feel a bit of tension down there but no pain. I think because I worked so hard straight after the operation, I slowed down the healing process,' says Keith.

Today, his health is paramount and he has left the rock 'n' roll lifestyle behind him.

Mia, one of an estimated 500,000 UK autism sufferers, is also a source of inspiration. Having attended a special school for children with learning disabilities, she is now in mainstream education.

'She has come on in leaps and bounds, considering she didn't speak until she was five,' he says. 'I want to be my best for her.'

He sticks to a diet low in saturated fats, fried food and refined carbohydrates (such as white bread and pasta). 'I do love my steak and chips, and Mexican food, though. And I have a weakness for Jelly Babies,' he admits.

Keith, who is currently on holiday with the family in Florida, says: 'I'm 35 this year. I can't party like I used to. If I stay up until 5am, my performance the next day will suffer. And to be honest, I want to be able to spend all my spare time with my wife and children, not recovering in bed.

'I'm in the best shape of my life. I feel great, and I want to stay that way now. I might even try another marathon next year - if I can forget just how painful the last one was.'

A message from Keith

9th July 2009

http://www.boyzone.net/2009/07/a-message-from-keith-2/

“In Disney World with the family. Having a truly Disney time enjoying the roller coasters and water parks! Next week we are swimming with Dolphins to which Mia is especially looking forward to. We are also going to Bursch Gardens where three of the Top 10 Rollercoasters in the world are located which Jay and I can’t wait to ride! Take care for now

Love Keith”.

Keith on the road

8th July 2009

http://www.fingal-independent.ie/news/keith-on-the-road-1813954.html


KEEP a look-out for one famous Fingallian on board a very stylish Harley Davidson as Keith Duffy from Boyzone criss-crosses the country in the name of the DAA's charity of the year. The DAA nominated Irish Autism Action (IAA) as its charity of the year and has been running a huge number of its own events in aid of the charity.

But this effort is one Keith is embarking on himself, in aid of the charity that is closest to his heart.

The effort was launched on last week's Saturday Night with Miriam, and involves Keith travelling the country on the Harley which has been customised by the wellknown Wicklow artist, 'Rasher'.

Keith will be raising money along the way and will auction off the bike when the trip is done.
The charity has proven a popular one in Fingal with both the DAA and the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords, nominating it as their favoured charity for 2009.

Boyzone stage secret visit to Whiston Hospital

5th July 2009 - updated 29th July 2009

http://www.sthelensreporter.co.uk/st-helens-news/Boyzone-stage-secret-visit-to.5502304.jp

Three heartthrobs from 90s boyband Boyzone paid a surprise visit to Whiston Hospital.

Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch popped in to the children's unit to cheer up a few of the young patients and their families and even spent time on the G5 adult ward.

The Irish chart toppers were greeted with a warm welcome from patients, relatives and staff at the hospital, and spent time chatting with patients, signing autographs and having their photos taken.

The Boyzone visit brightened up the day for patients - reportedly bringing beaming smiles, laughter and even tears of joy.

Gill Core, director of nursing, said: "The looks on the patients' faces as the boys walked through the door was priceless. Everyone was delighted and said how great it was that they took the time to visit the hospital and meet all the patients and staff.

"We are extremely grateful to them and want to thank them for sparing the time to visit."

Back in the (Boy) zone ... and loving it

8th June 2009

http://www.journallive.co.uk/culture-newcastle/music-in-newcastle/2009/06/08/back-in-the-boy-zone-and-loving-it-61634-23812645/

KEITH DUFFY is prompt – to a fault, in my opinion. It was one of those mornings when every entry in your diary carries the possibility of bumping the next thing back by 10 minutes.

Hence, I had my desk-door neighbour primed to answer the phone to the former Coronation Street star fifth of Boyzone, who was due to ring at 11am, and keep him talking until I could sprint from my 10.30am culture confab and get pen to paper.

Imagine my delight when the 10.30 meeting efficiently ended 10 minutes early. I had time to get a coffee, and even time to find my dicta ...

“Hello, is that Sam?” came the unmistakably Irish tones over the receiver at 10.55am. There goes another cold coffee then.

I can’t really complain (that much) though. As an interviewee, Keith is probably as easy as they come.

Unsurprising, given he has been a member of one of Ireland’s biggest ever music exports for the past 16 years (albeit that Boyzone was dormant between their bye bye performance in 2000 and their Take That-style return in 2008).

I wonder how many interviews he’s done? “Tousands upon tousands,” comes the accent-soaked reply. “I don’t mind them though.”

I could tell by the fact that he couldn’t wait until his allotted time to call. He must bloody love them.

Anyway, enough of the digressing. The reason for our call is the duo of dates the band have with the Metro Radio Arena this week. Starting tomorrow, the five piece – Ronan Keating, Stephen Gately, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch join Keith – will play to a doubtless screaming crowd of predominantly ladies of a certain thirtyish age.

“We’re putting in another load of different songs and we’re having to get back into shape,” he says before adding, “although Ronan is extremely fit already,” referring to his bandmate’s then-recent climb of Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief.

Formed in 1993, Boyzone sold 15 million records and hit the number one spot six times. The back catalogue throws up song titles bound to get you humming: Love Me For A Reason, Father and Son, No Matter What and Words. Told you.

Apparently the boys didn’t need much convincing to tour again. “We really enjoyed ourselves. We had a great time and the five of us got on like a house on fire. We couldn’t believe we were getting away with it again,” says Keith. And it wasn’t just about the performances. “We really appreciated each other’s company too. We all know much more about each other than anyone else will ever know. It’s a special thing to have those kinds of friendships.

“After we broke up communication broke down and there was bad some feeling. We needed to have that time away, be with our families and grow into the people we were going to be.
“We were together for around six years, and then we had eight years off,” laughs the 34-year-old.

Not that Keith was sitting around waiting for the reunion hotline to ring. Since his role in the Street, he has enjoyed a steady stream of roles in Irish shows, including six seasons of medical drama The Clinic.

There were a few raised eyebrows when he joined the Corrie cast in 2003 – but he soon silenced any doubters. Playing barman Ciaran McCarthy, he ended up staying until 2005. He would have stayed longer, but the commute became a problem. “It was difficult and I was missing out on so much at home. So many milestones with the kids.”

Keith’s now nine-year-old daughter Mia was diagnosed with autism when she was younger and Keith and his wife Lisa have been tireless campaigners to get support and the right education for youngsters and families dealing with autism.

“Mia’s doing great. We have had a mini miracle with her. She’s gone from a little girl who was extremely autistic, living in her own world, to being in her second year of mainstream school.” Fair to assume Mia thinks her dad is pretty cool ... and 13-year-old son Jordan does too.

“It’s great ‘cause we all take the kids on tour with us now and everyone makes such a big deal of them. And I don’t hear Jordan complaining when he gets the attention from the girls. He’s just starting to get interested in all that.”

Keith Duffy 'loved being on Corrie'

1st June 2009

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s3/coronationstreet/news/a157793/keith-duffy-loved-being-on-corrie.html

Keith Duffy has said that he enjoyed his time on Coronation Street and has told show bosses that he would consider a return to the soap.

The singer-actor made the comments before he joined his Boyzone bandmates onstage at their recent Wembley Arena concert, PA reports.

Duffy said: "I loved it up there. I loved the Northerners!"

He also praised producers for choosing stars who haven't gone through the stage school system and cited the success of former Hear'Say singer Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor in the series.

"Kym's done really well. She's had a really tough life, having two kids at a very young age which is never easy," he said.

"Stage school pupils have a certain way of acting, but it's also good to show real emotion from real-life experiences."

Boyzone's Keith Duffy speaks about his work with autism ahead of the band's Liverpool gig

29th May 2009

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-entertainment/echo-entertainment/2009/05/29/boyzone-s-keith-duffy-speaks-about-his-work-with-autism-ahead-of-the-band-s-liverpool-gig-100252-23738995/

BOYZONE’S Keith Duffy promises the band will be all man when they appear in front of their ever-loyal army of fans next month. He and his four bandmates – Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Stephen Gately and Mikey Graham – have been honing their bodies.

“It’s absolutely the kind of band we are, let’s be honest,” laughs Keith, 34. “We might look old but we’re a boy band. Our audience like to look at something that is pleasing to the eye. So we’ve got to get out there and get ourselves ripped up.”

He’s cut down drastically on the beer and has been hitting the gym five days a week, while bandmate Ronan famously took on Kilimanjaro recently with an army of other celebrities in aid of Comic Relief.

“Once I cut the beer out – I never cut the wine out – the six-pack will be back,” he announces confidently. “In fact it’s already there – there’s just a keg in the way at the moment.”

It may be more than a decade since their heyday, but Boyzone’s phenomenal success lingers on, and they opened the door for their successors, Westlife.

Put together in 1993 by Louis Walsh, the clean cut, tightly managed Boyzone had UK number one singles and sales approaching 20 million records.

When they split in 2000 discipline, for Keith at least, went out of the window. Casting round to fill the void, he embarked on a Smash Hits tour with Shane Lynch.

“We were absolutely obnoxious a**holes,” he declares. “We went on the Smash Hits tour and we bullied other acts like A1 and all these other bands that were coming through the pipes. Me and Shane thought we were kind of like the granddaddies of pop because we’d been through it with Boyzone.

“We were having a pint of beer with our breakfast at 10am, we weren’t training at the gym, we were bloated and fat and we were eating fry-ups. I definitely went off the rails for a while. We were just rebelling against everything we had to do in Boyzone.

He reflects: “Looking back on those times, I was a bit lost and I was trying to prove to people I used to be somebody. Because we suddenly didn’t have the profile of Boyzone.”

The plunge from the public eye was dramatic.

“When your profile starts to drop, restaurants, nightclubs, you don’t get the invitations any more,” he reflects. “People just aren’t as nice to you. You realise how fickle the business is, and how people only want you when you’re on top of the world.”

Then Celebrity Big Brother came knocking. For most celebrities who have checked into the infamous house, it’s proved a mixed blessing.
For Keith it was different.

“Up until that point people knew Ronan and Stephen very well,” he explains, “but they only knew of me as the big one at the back or the one with the broken teeth, as I was referred to many times.

“It did me absolutely no harm whatsoever.”

Shortly after he was offered a part on Coronation Street where he stayed for three years. He’s just finished a part on Ireland’s most popular soap, Fair City.

But behind the scenes his life hasn’t been such a breeze.

At the age of two his beloved daughter Mia was diagnosed with severe autism. Keith admits he found it hard to deal with.

“Mia didn’t speak until she was five,” he says. “She hid under her bed. She constantly had her hands over her ears because everything would scare her and would only go outside with a blanket over her head. She had minimum affection with her brother and with myself and my wife.

“It was kind of heartbreaking at the time,” he adds softly. “I couldn’t deal with the problem at hand and the only way to get through it was to use my profile to make a difference.”

After lengthy and intensive therapy she started speaking and from there she has flourished. She’s now nine and in her second year of a mainstream school.

Meanwhile Keith has been to schools and universities and appeared on TV shows to raise awareness of the condition. He’s opened 13 schools offering autism provision and also an early diagnosis centre.

“You can give these kids the opportunity to work to the best of their ability, but unless they get the right diagnosis early on you’ll never know what that is.”

Keith’s reaction to the tour

29th May 2009

http://www.boyzone.net/2009/05/keiths-reaction-to-the-tour/

Keith told us after the Dublin gigs:

“Its amazing to be back on tour with the lads again and playing our home town these last two nights has just been incredible, the atmosphere was electric! This show is definitely the best boyzone has ever done and I can’t wait to bring it to all our fans in the UK now- starting with Wembley tonight and Saturday night. See you on tour!”

Boyzone singer Keith Duffy reveals how his daughter's autism nearly tore him and wife Lisa apart

5th May 2009

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1177240/Boyzone-singer-Keith-Duffy-reveals-daughters-autism-nearly-tore-wife-Lisa-apart.html

The moment their baby says its first words is etched in every parent's memory.

For Lisa and Keith Duffy, it was a heartbreakingly long wait before they heard their daughter Mia speak for the first time.

In March 2005, just after her fifth birthday, Mia finally talked - or rather, sang. 'She came bounding into the lounge where we were sitting and proudly belted out Tomorrow from the musical Annie,' recalls Boyzone singer Keith.

'Although she loved musicals, this was the very first time we'd ever heard her voice; before she'd only been able to babble incoherently.

'We were so proud - the tears were streaming down our faces. I'll never forget that day as long as I'll live,' he says.

Mia has autism, a developmental disorder which affects her ability to relate to people and situations.

Despite the fact that around half a million children and adults in the UK are affected, treatment for the condition is woefully underfunded, according to the National Autistic Society (NAS).

'The services and support available to people with autism and their carers are often hugely inadequate,' says Caroline Hattersley of the charity.

'There can be an agonising wait for up to two years to get a firm diagnosis. The autistic child suffers, the siblings suffer and often previously solid couples crack under the strain.'

As Keith and Lisa know from experience. 'Lisa and I also went through a very difficult few years in our relationship when Mia was diagnosed,' admits Keith, talking frankly for the first time about this.

'There were times when I felt like walking away, but I didn't because there was no way my children were being raised in a broken home.

'When she was born on March 11, 2000, a tiny, bald six-pounder, I was overcome with emotion. We had a fantastic first 12 months with her, marred only by sleepless nights, but that's hardly unusual.'

'I first had my suspicions that something wasn't right when Mia was 16 months,' he says.
This is often when the first signs of autism emerge because of missed developmental milestones such as talking and engaging with others.

'She developed an obsessive compulsion for structure and symmetry - we'd often find her arranging our CDs in a straight line across the kitchen floor. If I called her, she completely ignored me.

'Lisa and I just thought she was being a cheeky madam. Our son, Jordan, had speech and hearing problems when he was a toddler, caused by fluid in his inner ear. We thought Mia could be the same. But a specialist said Mia's hearing was fine.'

However the Duffys remained convinced something was wrong. Despite not sleeping well, Mia was hyperactive when she was awake - she never ran out of energy and refused afternoon naps.
'Mia also wouldn't return Lisa's affection, which was heartbreaking for her,' says Keith.

She would also often prefer to play by herself in her room - 'she seemed terrified of the noise when we went out.

'I kept asking my GP questions and spent hours on the net, pouring over her symptoms,' recalls Keith.

'The word autism kept cropping up, but I didn't want to accept that as a diagnosis, I suppose my fear brushed it away.'

The breakthrough came by chance in September 2001. It was the height of Boyzone's fame and a family friend asked Keith to pose for pictures at charity golf event to raise money.

'Afterwards, on the way back to the clubhouse, I got talking to one of the charity founders who told me he and his wife had started a school for children with autism.'

As they talked and described what autism involved, it became obvious to Keith that this was exactly what Mia had.

'I struggled to hold myself together,' he says. 'In one way it was a relief to know what was wrong, but I was also really afraid for Mia.'

'When I told Lisa my fears had been all but confirmed, she was so shocked she slapped me across the face and then burst into tears.'

The family wanted an official diagnosis, but were astonished to find it could take between 18 and 24 months because health services are so overstretched.

Early diagnosis is vital; children with autism are usually treated with a combination of speech, behavioural and other therapies - early intervention means it's easier to change their habits before these are entrenched.

Rather than wait, the family went to a private specialist. 'It was awful,' recalls Keith. 'He didn't look at Mia once while firing off hundreds of questions to Lisa and me.

'In the end, he shoved some sheets of paper at us, saying: "Your child's autistic. Read this, it'll tell you what you need to do."

'And that was it. There was no feeling, no sympathy, no kind words. We felt abandoned, with no idea of who we could turn to for support. Lisa was distraught.'

Over the following year, the couple dealt very differently with Mia's diagnosis. 'Lisa became depressed and blamed herself.

'Having no control over what was happening to Mia, she threw herself into controlling things around the home; the house would be immaculately cleaned, and then she would do it all over again.

'Being a typical bloke, I wanted to fix things so I'd be channelling my anger productively. I had been a boozing nutcase in Boyzone who took very little seriously, but after Mia's diagnosis I had to grow up fast.

'The sheer frustration of knowing we had to act fast to make a difference and knowing how many thousands of other parents out there were facing the same situation spurred me into action.'
As well as becoming involved in charity events, Keith joined the board of the charity Autism Action.

'I was also determined to get Mia into a suitable school,' says Keith. 'But in early 2002, there was only one in Ireland for autistic children, Abacas in Kilbarrick, and it was already full to capacity with 12 children.

'I got Mia on the waiting-list but we had 11 children in front of us. The school literally existed one year at a time on a government grant of around £300,000.

'But after organising a committee of parents, we raised funds to expand it, and by the end of that summer we'd managed to get the extra 12 kids, including Mia, then aged two and a half, a place, as well as a further 12 teachers.

'This was a real turning point for us as a couple. At last we felt Mia was getting the best help possible, which relieved our feelings of helplessness.

'We realised we had to start talking to each other without the tears and recrimination. Lisa stopped mourning for the child she had been expecting to have and embraced the child we did have.'

It took another two years, he says, before their relationship was completely back on track.
Meanwhile Mia flourished at her new school. The Abacas school uses a technique called Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), a personalised one-on-one programme which involves breaking down normal tasks, such as getting dressed, into small achievable steps.

With the help of her teachers, Mia's ability to engage with other people improved; she also became better able to express herself.

'In the beginning Mia couldn't speak and didn't show any affection,' recalls Keith.
'Jordan used to come to me and say: "Why doesn't my sister love me? Why doesn't she speak to me?"'

But gradually her behaviour improved, including her response to her family. A couple of months after her fifth birthday Mia felt comfortable enough to give and receive cuddles from her parents and brother.

By the summer of 2007, her progress meant she could make the leap into a mainstream school.
Naturally it was an anxious moment for her parents when Mia, then seven, walked through the school gates for the first time that September.

'We were worried how she'd integrate, but as we peaked through the window of the classroom we heard her say: "Hi guys, I'm Mia Duffy,"' recalls Keith.

'Upon seeing the only free desk in the room, she said: "That seat must be mine", strode over, and said to the kid beside her, "Hi, what's your name?"

'That floored us - just two years ago Mia couldn't talk and wouldn't interact, yet had now developed into a self-assured young girl who sees the good in everyone.'

Keith has helped open 13 ABA schools in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and is turning his attention to Britain.

He's also helped found a new diagnostic centre, the Solas Centre, in Dublin, to improve the speed of diagnosis.

'Those two years after Mia's diagnosis were an awful time for Lisa and me as a couple, but we fought hard to stay together and I truly love her more now for it. I want to help other families avoid what we went through.'

And Mia? 'Our hopes for her have changed from the ones we had when she was born. Once, we had her whole future mapped out - now we just want her to be happy, sincere and independent.

'The most important thing is that we've all found happiness again.'

Boyzone talk about preparing for the biggest tour of their career

1st May 2009

http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/05/01/boyzone-talk-about-preparing-for-the-biggest-tour-of-their-career-115875-21323425/

Action man Ronan Keating looks surprisingly fresh considering that 24 hours before we meet, he was slogging his way around the London Marathon.

Having climbed Mount Kilimanjaro earlier this year for Comic Relief, the Boyzone frontman completed the exhausting 26-mile race in the company of fellow bandmate Keith Duffy.

But the marathon has dealt Boyzone a potentially disastrous blow as the band prepare to set off on their latest tour. Duffy, 34, collapsed after the race and earlier this week underwent an operation for a double hernia.

When I dropped in on the band a couple of days before he went under the knife, Keith was absent having already been whisked off to hospital for an examination.

"We'll see what happens," says Ronan, 32, managing to maintain his cool. "We wouldn't tour without him."

So did you run the 26 miles together? "Oh, no," Keating laughs. "He was flying on ahead. My knees are killing me.

Your joints are sore after running that distance. Still, I did enjoy it." It now remains to be seen whether Keith will recover in time to take part in the next stage of the reunion which has seen Boyzone reinvigorated.

In the 90s, they were the 20 millionselling Irish answer to Take That.

But having gone their separate ways amid inter-band tension in 2000 to pursue solo projects, Boyzone's legions of fans had to wait almost eight years to see them performing together again onstage.

In the interim, Ronan continued to make hit records as his career blossomed, Stephen Gately starred in West End musicals, and Keith became a Coronation Street regular.

Mikey Graham tinkered in his recording studio and raised his kids, while Shane Lynch beat his battle with drink by becoming a churchgoer, appearing on Love Island and covering himself in tattoos.

Last year, they put their differences aside to regroup for an emotional reunion tour and a Greatest Hits album. Now the Boyzone reunion is moving up another gear with a new album planned for later in the year, and their huge arena tour planned to kick off - fitness permitting - on May 24 in Belfast.

"In the years apart we always thought there was unfinished business with the band," admits 36-year-old Mikey. "When I went to see the Take That comeback in Dublin I thought I'd like a bit of that action again. Ronan saw the show too and we slowly began to get together.

"When we get together now we're like five kids again. I feel guilty sometimes about the amount of fun we have - we're lucky to be in a position to have a job that's such fun."

"We've a lot of things that keep our feet on the ground," adds Ronan, "and our families have been incredibly important. We now have things in our life that are more crucial than the band."

With this year's Songs For My Mother album hitting No 1 all over Europe, Ronan's solo career continues to flourish. He's also made the Guinness Book Of Records as the only artist in history to have 30 consecutive Top 10 UK singles.

"People ask me how fame has affected me," he shrugs. "I don't think it has. But I've never been 18 years old and not been famous, so I've nothing to compare it to."

Just as the interview is winding down, Keith arrives from hospital confirming that he needs an urgent operation.

"We'll have to see how it mends, but if I don't have it done now I definitely wouldn't be able to do the tour," he grimaces.

And with a little luck, the Boyz will be back... maybe for good.

Boyzone's Duffy has emergency op

29th April 2009

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8024527.stm

Boyzone singer Keith Duffy has undergone an emergency operation to correct a double hernia, two days after completing the London Marathon.

The 34-year-old is making a good recovery and will be well enough for the start of the re-formed band's tour on 25 May, their website states.

Duffy, who also appeared in Coronation Street as Ciaran McCarthy, suffered stomach pains during Sunday's race.

The Irish five-piece announced their comeback tour in November.

'Never again!'

Duffy, Ronan Keating, Stephen Gately, Shane Lynch and Mikey Graham will embark upon a series of dates across the UK and Ireland over the summer.

The act, who had six UK number one singles between 1994 and their split in 2000, released a greatest hits album in October, which made number four in the album chart.

Keating, who embarked upon the most successful solo career of the group, also ran the marathon.

Duffy completed the course in three hours and fifty-minutes, with Keating following on in four hours and fifteen.

According to Boyzone's website, the pair both said "Never again!" when they crossed over the finishing line.

Duffy was treated in a Dublin hospital and has been advised to rest following his surgery.

'Autistic Mia is our mini miracle'

24th April 2009

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/parenting/article2394901.ece

BOYZONE'S Keith Duffy has made platinum-selling albums, sold out stadiums around the world and had a starring role in Coronation Street.

But last week his nine-year-old daughter gave him his proudest moment by simply blushing.

Mia is autistic. Her social skills are limited and her reactions different to 'normal' children's.

He says: "When the band got back together last year Mia learned all the songs and watched all the DVDs. She knows more Boyzone songs than me now.

"She developed a bit of a crush on Shane.

"All the band came to my house for the first time in ages last week. Mia walked in and as soon as she saw Shane she blushed.

"Now that might not seem much but to see my gorgeous girl react so normally made me more proud than any father in the world.

"It meant we had come so far with her. It was the cutest, most beautiful thing to witness. She is our mini-miracle."

Keith ran the London Marathon in three hours and 52 minutes on Sunday in aid of the National Autistic Society.

His passionate fundraising has raked in more than £3.5million in Ireland and he now hopes to roll out the programme he has helped introduce in his home country in the UK.

The singer turned actor and his wife Lisa, who also have a son, Jordan, 14, realised something was wrong when Mia was 18 months old.

He says: "She wasn't responding to us. We thought she had a hearing problem because her brother had needed gromits.

"When she was tested her hearing was perfect and we realised we were dealing with something more serious.

"It was very difficult to get a diagnosis because we were put on waiting lists everywhere. Through my job I managed to fast track her.

"We managed to get her diagnosed at 22 and a half months."

When they were eventually told what was wrong the news was devastating.

Keith says: "We were given the word but we had no idea what it meant or what to do next or where we had to go.

"Like most people in the world the first thing I thought about was Rain Man the Dustin Hoffman film but that didn't sound like my daughter. I realised later that is a very bad example of someone with austism.

"I had to get back to basics and realise it was a developmental disability that effects progression in different ways. Different autistic children can have different levels of speech, and motor skills, and social skills, and behavioural problems.

"Mia had difficulty socialising and she didn't speak until she was six."

The shockwaves hit the whole family
.
Keith says: "Lisa went into denial for the first year. I felt huge frustration that I couldn't keep my wife happy and that I couldn't help my daughter because I couldn't understand her disability.

"I channelled that into fundraising. I was trying to sort the masses out while forgetting I had my own issues at home.

"Charity work did help me get through a difficult time. But then I realised I had to get my wife's head out of the sand and we had to help Mia together.

"'We had some very, very difficult months in our own relationship.

"'Thank God we came out the other side."

The Duffys organised Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for Mia.

Keith says: "That's an American system that people have been using for 30 years that has fantastic success rates. It's reinforcing positive skills and play through rewards.

"It's given us a mini-miracle with our own daughter.

"She was in a special needs school for the first five years with one to one teaching.

"They started to integrate her into mainstream just 20 minutes a week, then that built up to an hour a week, then a day, two days, all with a special needs assistant with her.

"She then went full time in the school with an assistant and after six months we decided it was time for her to stand on her own two feet and do without the assistant and she's now been doing that for 18 months.

"To us that is the most incredible achievement."

He adds: "Mia now is the most wonderful, beautiful, happy, smiling little girl you've ever met in your life. She speaks with an American accent because she didn't speak until she was nearly six and she picked up her speech from American TV shows like Barney.

"She can sound a little bit robotic but we're just delighted that she can communicate.

"The fact she can ask for things she wants is a great frustration gone from our lives. If she couldn't tell us what she wanted and that could make her go further inside herself where we couldn't reach her.

"For a lot of years I missed out on the affection from the Daddy's girl relationship. Mia was unable to give that and if she did she gave it to her Mum.

"Now I do have that relationship with her and I get the odd hug and kiss.

"Every day is still a challenge but you keep trying to go forward with her."

Keith is determined to use his music and acting to achieve the same incredible results for other families.

He says: "I knew someone in the music business who had a daughter with autism. He advised us what to do. Between us and with some other parents we started Irish Autism Action.

"If I can use my fame to kick the a***s of people in power to get services for children in all postal codes rather than just some then I will.

"My profile's high at the moment because of the Boyzone reunion so I'm going to exploit that to help the NAS.

'We've put in place early intervention for diagnosis and one to one applied behavioural analysis.

"Early diagnosis is essential for the child but trying to get that through the NHS or here in Ireland is almost impossible. It can take anything from 18 to 24 months which are crucial months in that child's development - you will never get them back.

"We went to the root of the problem and opened up our own diagnostic and assessment centre in Ireland. We've diagnosed 300 children in Ireland and helped 300 families.

"We have 13 schools around the country educating 400 autistic children. Every child is affected completely differently so they have to have individual plans and one to one teaching.

"We have full-time staff running a 24-hour helpline. It's all completely funded by us."
Even that's not enough for Keith.

He says: "However great that might all sound we still have a waiting list for maybe 100 children at each school which is not acceptable.

"I want to help families in the UK and let them know there is light at the end of the tunnel. If autistic children get the right intervention and care they can progress much better than they have been allowed to in the past.

"I love my daughter, I want to make her life as good as it can possibly be and I am passionate about helping other families too. These children need to be championed. People need to realise they are just as important as any normally developing child.

"It's up to us parents to make sure the awareness is out there.

"I want people to educate themselves to children's disability. People can be incredibly ignorant about disability. If a child with autism is having sensory issues in a supermarket and throwing a tantrum instead of judging the parents people should think about what be causing that behaviour. Autism doesn't show itself like Down's Syndrome for example."

So on Sunday when Keith crossed the finish line with bandmate Ronan Keating - who ran alongside him - his first thoughts were of Mia.

"All I can hope for her is that each day is good," he says.

"I don't look at ten or even five years down the road because right now she's flying. I don't know if she'll be able to attend a mainstream secondary school. I really don't know which way her disability is going to take her and us.

"All Lisa and I can think is: 'today is a good day, let's hope tomorrow is even better.'"

I'm Duff in the buff

19th April 2009

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/04/19/i-m-duff-in-the-buff-115875-21288922/

Modest Boyzone member KEITH DUFFY, 34, told me how the boys manage to look so good on stage: "You may think we are toned, but it's just clever use of fake tan." I reckon he must be quite fit though as he plans to finish the Flora London Marathon next Sunday in under four hours.

Keith Duffy talks about Fair City role

21st March 2009

http://www.rte.ie/arts/2009/0321/duffyk.html

Boyzone star Keith Duffy has spoken about how he loved being close to home while filming for 'Fair City'.

Speaking about working on the show, he told RTÉ.ie: "I loved it actually. It was great."

Duffy said that he enjoyed the role of Ringo in the soap because there was drama and comedy involved.

He said: "It's good to have that kind of balance in a character, you don't always get it, especially in soap."

When asked if he enjoyed working close to home, Duffy said: "It's absolutely brilliant."

"To be able to get up in the morning and have your breakfast with the kids, go to work, come home in the evening, help them with their homework, tuck them into bed - it kind of feels like there's a bit of normality in your life."

Keith Duffy launches year of fundraising at airport

11th March 2009

http://www.fingal-independent.ie/local-notes/keith-duffy-launches-year-of-fundraising-at-airport-1667365.html

Keith was at the airport to thank the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) for making the IAA its charity of the year and to officially launch the year-long fundraising drive for the Autism charity which is so close to his heart. The launch was attended by DAA staff in the atrium on level five of the main terminal building. The charity was chosen by DAA staff themselves in a company-wide vote.

Three years ago it was decided that the DAA would concentrate its fundraising efforts on a single charity each year where a significant contribution could be made at the end of the year.

Also present at the special launch were delighted representatives from Irish Autism Action who will be the beneficiaries of the generosity of airport staff this year. The event was hosted by chief executive Declan Collier who warmly welcomed Keith Duffy and IAA chairman Kevin Whelan.

Keith, who is patron of Irish Autism Action, spoke movingly and passionately about his own daughter Mia's struggle with the condition.

Keith explained how special schools set up by Irish Autism Action have helped his daughter gain social skills and to develop as an individual. The Boyzone star said: 'My daughter was afraid to leave the house, she would hide under her bed and showed little affection towards myself and my wife, but since attending a special school for autistic children she now has gained more social skills and is much more confident.'

Autism is a disability that affects the normal development of the brain in areas of social interaction and communication.

The first signs of autism usually appear as developmental delays before the age of three and early intervention is key to the future development of the child.

Fundraising activities have already begun and include everything from climbing Croagh Patrick to running mini-marathons. One of the final fundraising events will be the now famous Keith Duffy Masquerade Ball which takes place in Kilmainham.

Now Boyzone Keith is plotting to move from Fair City to Hollywood

5th March 2009

http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/now-boyzone-keith-is-plotting-to-move-from-fair-city-to-hollywood-1662095.html

He's already conquered the soap world but now it seems Boyzone star, Keith Duffy has set his sights on an LA acting career.

Following his latest acting stint on RTE soap Fair City, the pop singer and part time television star is hoping his next big acting role will be across the pond on an American sitcom.
It's good news for the ladies, as Keith revealed he'd love to follow in hunky Irishman Patrick Dempsey's footsteps and land a job as a doctor on hit medical series Grey's Anatomy.

"I'm a nurse in Fair City so maybe I'd get a job as a doctor in Grey's Anatomy," he said.

"You can call me Mc'whatever-you-like," he laughed, when asked if he would like to take over from resident heart-throb on the show, Dr McDreamy.

Devoted wife Lisa says she'd be delighted to see him don a doctor's uniform. "He'd make a lovely doctor, the nurse's outfit has definitely gone down well so far," she told TV3's Xpose.

Uniform

And whilst Keith admits he once hankered after a career on the big screen as a movie star he now believes his future lies in television.

"Years ago it was a dream of mine to do big screen but now my ambition would be to do American TV. Something like CSI Miami or CSI Vegas would be great," he said. Keith claims he would even be willing to move his family to the States: "If they gave me that gig I would (move them all). You know me, jack of all trades and master of none, give us a job and I can do it," he added.

Until then, however, the singer will have his hands full with his acting commitments on the Carrigstown soap and preparing for his forthcoming world tour with Boyzone.

The Dublin celeb revealed he was in his element being back in front of the camera on the RTE set, even comparing it to his Coronation Street days.

"Fair City's been great, I didn't realise how much I missed being behind the camera, playing a different role. I'm getting away and playing a cheeky chappy again, the cast have been great and the crew, it's just like being back on Corrie," he added.

Keith and his bandmates are putting the final touches to their much anticipated world tour.

Tour

The fivesome have been brushing up on their dancing recently and according to Keith are in better shape than ever.

Bandmate Ronan Keating is in the process of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief along with celebrities including Girls Aloud's Kimberley Stewart and Cheryl Cole.

To Russia with love

26th January 2009

http://www.boyzone.net/2009/01/to-russia-with-love/

Keith visited a Russian orphanage earlier this month to meet some autistic children and have some fun in the snow.

He spent a week in the orphanage at Hortolova in the Bryansk region of Russia, some 500 miles south of Moscow. The trip was arranged by the group, Irish Autism Action, of which Keith is a patron. The group says of Keith, “Not only has he proven himself to be a very effective fundraiser through events such as his Annual Ball & Celebrity Golf Day, everyone would agree that that he speaks from the heart and is an extremely articulate spokesperson who uses every opportunity he has to highlight, the lack of services and appropriate educational facilities for people with Autism”.

Judging by the photos, Keith had a great time with the kids in Russia and told us, “The whole experience was a completely life changing one and an amazing opportunity to go and spend time with these children whose lives are being helped so much by the charity To Russia With Love.These children have no families of their own and yet I was made to feel very welcome and part of their family. I can only hope that by taking our knowledge and expertise about autism over there we have done more to help improve these children’s lives.”

A message from Keith

20th January 2009

http://www.boyzone.net/2009/01/a-message-from-keith/

A very happy New Year to all our fans. I hope you all had a great Christmas and were lucky enough to have found a couple of tickets to boyzone’s new tour in your stocking.

Keith’s resolution:

I’m going to run the London Marathon and I’m off the drink until I do.

10 November 2009

Boyzone wow Keith's charity night with an impromptu show

5th December 2008

http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/music/boyzone-wow-keiths-charity-night-with-an-impromptu-show-1564893.html

DELIGHTED Boyzone fans got a sneak preview of what they can expect from the group's O2 arena gig this month when the boys performed a surprise concert in aid of charity last night.

And it was a real family occasion as three of the band members stepped out with their wives as the reformed pop group took to the stage for an impromptu performance in Kilmainham last night, to the delight of fans.

The celebrity singers stunned guests at band member Keith Duffy's annual masquerade ball, sponsored by jeweller Raymond Weil, in aid of Irish Autism Action, when it was announced that they would be providing the post dinner entertainment.

surprise

Delighted revellers were treated to a full set of songs by the popular fivesome which included new and old hits and a special performance of their controversial new single Better.

Prior to the surprise gig, lead singer Ronan Keating told the Herald: "It's all hush-hush, no-one except the band knows, but we're really looking forward to performing later on. It's a great cause and we're always happy to support Keith any way we can.

"He's done great work since he started the charity and I'm sure tonight will be a great success as always," he added.

Keith Duffy, meanwhile, was delighted to have his fellow band members on hand to help celebrate the third annual event, which saw his daughter Mia attend her first ever charity ball.

"It's a huge achievement and I just thought it appropriate that she be here tonight," he said. "This is her first time to come to one of these balls and people have been supporting us for a long time, so it's good to show them what their money and their hard work has achieved.

"Myself and the wife wouldn't take no for an answer when we learned she had autism and we fought our own battle and six years later Mia's in her second year of school and she's talking and she's socialising and even here tonight with us," he added.

controversy

However, one subject Keith was not so positive about was the critics who have blasted Boyzone for setting out to cause controversy with the video for their single Better, which features Stephen Gately embracing another man.

According to Keith: "We kind of expected there to be some sort of a reaction, I mean, it's never been done before, but the reason we did it was not to cause controversy.

"We wanted to be able to get the lyrics across because basically what the song is about is telling the person that you love how her love for you or his love for you makes you better, makes the world better and makes you want to get up in the morning.

"And for us to act that out with actresses is fine because we're heterosexual, but Stephen is homosexual, so why should he do that when he's in love with a man?" he told the Herald.

It all kicks off in Fair City tonight as Boyzone's Keith Duffy makes a knock-out appearance

20th November 2008

http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/it-all-kicks-off-in-fair-city-tonight-as-boyzones-keith-duffy-makes-a-knockout-appearance-1546692.html

Fair City actor Alan O'Neill has warned fans of the soap to watch out -- "it's all gonna kick off tonight".

O'Neill's character Keith will be involved in a bar brawl with his old pal Ringo, played by Keith Duffy.

Speaking about the punch up, which will leave O'Neill's character flat on his back, the actor explains: "Basically, we were best friends a long time ago and then Ringo headed off to tour around the world with a rock band.

"When he comes back to Carrigstown, it turns out he's dating Una's sister.

"She's been around the block a couple of times so I'm pretty much like, yeah, whatever -- then, when it turns out it's Ringo, we go at it.

Push

"He pushes me and lays me out on my back -- I tell you, he does throw quite a punch but I gave as good as I got," he laughed.

And despite Keith's worldwide fame, Alan claims he wasn't in the least bit nervous about working with the star.

"I had met him several times before on the social scene, so I did know him although I wouldn't say we were best pals or anything.

"I thought he was really great on the show and I really enjoyed working with him, we had a great laugh together.

"To be honest, he came in and absolutely aced it, there are a lot of twists coming up but I can't say anything just yet -- viewers will just have to tune in and see for themselves," he added.

And while Alan appears to be nonplussed by Keith's primary career as a Boyzone star, he does admit he's had a few request for autographs from eager friends and family members.

"I've had all the Boyzone followers on to me," he revealed. "Everyone is hoping I'll give them an introduction.

"I wouldn't say my wife has been the worst, but you know yourself what women are like," he laughed.

Alan, who's currently busy shooting his Christmas scenes for the hit soap, has never been busier on set and claims fans won't want to miss the show this festive season.
Busy

"We've been so busy lately because we're shooting double episodes at the moment to get ready for Christmas.

"I'm involved in a lot of the scenes because myself and Una have some very big storylines coming up," he added

Boyzone star Duffy set to stir up trouble as Fair City love interest

15th November 2008

http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/boyzone-star-duffy-set-to-stir-up-trouble-as-fair-city-love-interest-1540994.html

Keith Duffy is set to add another string to his bow this week when he makes his big entrance on hit soap Fair City.

The Dublin pop star will stir up trouble for the Carrigstown residents when he arrives on the scene.

Duffy will first appear in next Thursday's episode as Ringo Leyden, an ex-friend of mechanic Keith McGrath, played by Alan O'Neill, the Herald can reveal.

Ringo is the boyfriend of Cliodhna, who recently arrived in the Dublin suburb as longtime character Una's sister.

A shocked Una cannot believe her eyes when she meets her sister's latest love, and viewers are in for some compelling episodes as the story unfolds. Needless to say the fallout is not good when Una breaks the news to future hubby Keith that his one-time friend is back in town.

A source on set revealed: "Everyone was delighted to have Keith on board and he was a true professional throughout filming.

TALENT

"He has great talent and after his time on Coronation Street, not to mention touring the world with Boyzone,he certainly know's what he's doing.

"He's not in it for too long this time around but he'll definitely be back on set in the New Year for some more explosive scenes.

"He's been written in for a major storyline and people are going to be very surprised when it all kicks off," the source added.

Alas for Duffy he won't even be in the country to see his big debut episode as he's currently on a whirlwind tour with his bandmates Ronan, Mickey, Stephen and Shane after Boyzone reunited last year.

No stranger to the small screen, Keith first made his mark on the soap-world when he took up residency on Manchester based soap Coronation Street.

Fans of the long-running soap will remember him as barman Ciaran McCarthy and with Keith recently claiming he'd love to go back to the Street his role as hospital nurse Ringo may be just the break he needs.

Keith Duffy set to return to Corrie?

10th October 2008

http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/1010/duffyk.html


Boyzone star Keith Duffy has revealed that he would like to return to 'Coronation Street' in the future.

The actor told ITV.com that there is a possibility of cheeky barman Ciaran McCarthy returning to the soap.

Duffy said: "The character was never killed off. They left it open for me maybe one day going back."

"I'm still quite close to the producers in 'Corrie', in fact I went and visited them there not so long ago while Boyzone was in Manchester, and they gave me a very nice little welcome back. So one day."

"My time right now is obviously dedicated to the lads and we're having a great time, we're really enjoying ourselves."

"But everything comes to an end eventually, so maybe if it does I'll go back and get Ciaran McCarthy out of the closet."

Duffy also recently signed up to appear in 'Fair City'.

All Keith wants for Christmas is a No.1

27th September 2008

http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/news-gossip/all-keith-wants-for-christmas-is-a-no1-1484233.html

Keith Duffy is hoping for a number one Christmas single for Boyzone with their second single since they reformed. In early December, they are to release a version of Better, which was originally performed by singer-songwriter Tom Baxter.

"I think it's an absolutely brilliant song," Keith said, "and despite the obvious competition from whoever wins the X Factor, I could still see it topping the charts. It's fantastic."

Meanwhile, their debut comeback single Love You Anyway will hit the shops on Monday, but Keith is disappointed with an apparent lack of support for it in this country.

"You can't turn on the radio in Britain without hearing it, it's A-listed on every station. But I haven't heard it once yet on Irish radio. I suppose we're going to have to have a big hit with it in the UK before they start playing it here."

Speaking at the launch of a travelling exhibition of paintings for the Irish Autism Action charity, Keith said that he was delighted at the news that Boyzone would be the first act to perform in the new O2 venue when the group open the Childline charity event there on December 16. "Organiser Caroline Downey has asked myself and Stephen [Gately] to co-host it, which we have done in the past. I've seen the new venue and it looks fabulous."

While they won't be touring again until next year, Keith is still pumping iron and working out to stay in shape. "I lost five inches off my waist and I'm not going to stop now.

"My trainer would be very disappointed, he's very tough with me. But I had to lose the weight, otherwise I would have looked like a security man dancing onstage alongside Ronan, Stephen and Mikey."

Keith, whose daughter Mia has autism, runs the annual Irish Autism Action Ball in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. This year, 10 time-related paintings by some of the country's top artists are to be auctioned. The time-theme is to tie in with how vital it is to diagnose autism in children at an early age.

The paintings by Graham Knuttel, Hilary Orpen and Pauline Bewick, among others, go under the hammer in Kilmainham on December 6. Before then they will be on show in Cork, Limerick and Naas, once their current run in Dublin's Residence is over.

Top artists find the time to help Boyzone star's charity

24th September 2008

http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/arts/top-artists-find-the-time-to-help-boyzone-stars-charity-1481114.html

A group of top artists have put brush to canvas to help Boyzone star Keith Duffy raise funds for autism.

Pauline Bewick, Hillary Orpen, Bernadette Madden, Graham Knuttel and Helen Steele are among the artists who created works to be auctioned for charity.

Duffy, whose daughter Mia is autistic, persuaded some of the biggest names in the art world to donate work in aid of Irish Autism Action in December. The 'Raymond Weil Timeless Creations' exhibition stresses the importance of time in treating autism.

"This theme is fundamental to the early detection of autism, as parents race against the clock in order to identify the condition and avail of crucial early treatment," said a spokesperson for the exhibition.

Duffy, who is patron of the IAA and who has campaigned for the charity for years, said: "This exhibition will help us get the funding and exposure that we need".

We'll rock Docklands' O2 to kick off our world tour - Boyzone's Keith

September 10th 2008

http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/well-rock-docklands-o2-to-kick-off-our-world-tour--boyzones-keith-1473102.html

Boyzone will be rocking their fans once more when they continue their reunion tour with a performance in Dublin's new O2 arena.

Not content with their run of sell-out concerts over the summer, the Diary can reveal that the famous five will play a one-off gig at the impressive new Docklands venue early next year.

The guys will be following in the footsteps of superstars like Coldplay and Tina Turner as they kick-start their world tour at Harry Crosbie's revamped Point Theatre followed by a string of international dates.

Keith Duffy told the Diary that Ronan, himself, Stephen, Mikey and Shane have a busy few months ahead with the forthcoming release of their first new single in nearly a decade, Love You Anyway.

"We're off to Germany, Belgium, Holland and Italy and then we're home for Christmas and then we have our world tour starting in Ireland in the old Point and then going to places like the UK and New Zealand. It's crazy," he admitted.

And it's a good thing that the former Corrie star is enjoying being back with the lads so much -- he turned down some seriously juicy TV roles due to his touring commitments.

"I've been offered so many new roles, it's just been unbelievable. I was approached by the makes of the new Robin Hood show on ITV1 and I would love to do it but I can't.

nagging

"I was also approached by the BBC for another show but I just can't do it. There's also various Irish dramas I was offered that I was thinking of doing -- life's good. Unfortunately, I can't do any of it because I'm so tied up with Boyzone but the offers have been coming in left, right and centre."

Yet Dubliner Keith insists that he is more than happy to make the re-formed group his number one priority right now.

"At the end of the day, Boyzone is what gave me the opportunities to be able to go into the other areas so I have to give it my full respect and attention and do it as long as it lasts. It's going on longer than we ever expected and to be honest, I'm loving it," he continued.

"I'm loving being with the boys and enjoying being back with my mates again -- we're like bold children together. People ask me, 'What it's like being back in Boyzone?' and it's like being on a boys' holiday -- but without the nagging when you to home!

"It's going brilliantly."

Hailed as Ireland's first ever boyband, the lads first formed in 1994 and scored 16 consecutive hits in the UK, including six No.1 singles and four No.1 albums.

They split in 2000 when frontman Ronan Keating decided to go solo but announced last November, after months of intense negotiations, that they would get back together.

After playing massive venues such as London's O2 Arena and Dublin's RDS, they appear to be well on track to reclaim their previous success.

They will launch new single Love You Anyway on September 29, followed by a Greatest Hits album which is due out in the middle of October.

Keith added: "The new single is on the playlist of every radio station and I think we're going to have a No.1 with it.

"It's a cracking song."

Duffy is king of the castle

9th June 2008

http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/duffy-is-king-of-the-castle-1402735.html

Boyzone star Keith Duffy threw a massive medieval bash to mark his daughter Mia's First Holy Communion.

The singer was so proud of his autistic daughter celebrating the important religious milestone, a year after entering a mainstream school, that he decided to host a party in a castle for all his family and friends.

And he had good reason to be extra delighted with his gorgeous offspring's remarkable progress thanks to receiving Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

Before she received specialist help, Keith and his wife Lisa were told Mia might have to attend a special school for the rest of her young life and be dependent on them indefinitely.

"It was a fabulous day. We all headed down to Portlick Castle in Westmeath and we invited all the family and close friends down. It's this 2,000-year-old castle and we just took if over for the whole weekend and had this massive party," he explained.

"It was my way of saying 'thank you' to everyone for their amazing support over the past five years and just to celebrate Mia's achievements in mainstream school. I'm so proud of her and what she has achieved in such a short space of time."

Keith recently returned to the stage with his Boyzone pals after an eight year absence and said they got a "brilliant" reception when they played in Belfast, followed by the Wembley Arena.

Keith's joy on Mia's Communion day

24th May 2008

http://www.herald.ie/national-news/keiths-joy-on-mias-communion-day-1397888.html

The same weekend the Boyzone star takes to the stage with his bandmates after an eight-year absence, the proud Dublin dad watched his autistic daughter celebrate the special ceremony with her class-mates.

Keith, who previously hailed her astonishing progress as a "miracle", was joined at the local church in Rolestown, in north county Dublin with his wife Lisa and son Jordan (12).

What made the occasion even more special is that Keith has fought a long, hard battle to receive the appropriate treatment for Mia, who was diagnosed with the condition when she was just 18 months old.

"My daughter is in a mainstream setting now and it's more than we ever hoped or dreamed of," he explained.

And it's thanks to the support that she received in schools like ABACAS in Kilbarrack, which uses the Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) method, that she could join a mainstream school near Swords last year.

Miracle

Given that extent of her condition, he described it as a "miracle" when Mia walked through the gates of Rolestown National School last September for her first day of school.

He told the Herald that at one stage, he feared that she would be dependent on her parents for the rest of her life.

But after receiving intensive treatment from the north Dublin school, she has progressed in leaps and bounds, resulting in her celebrating her First Holy Communion today.

Keith, who has raised more than €4m for Irish autism charities, also credits his daughter with helping him see what really counts in life and was partly responsible for helping him re-unite with his bandmates.

"Mia taught me a lesson: that's what a real problem is -- and that has to be dealt with emotionally. The childish bitterness and upsets you have in relationships are insignificant and it all made me realise how lucky Ronan (Keating) and I were. The childish bickering was just that: childish bickering."

While he spent today helping his daughter celebrate, he'll be up in Belfast tomorrow for the opening night of Boyzone's long-awaited reunion tour at the Odyssey Arena.

No matter what show goes on minus Keith

2nd May 2008

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/no-matter-what-show-goes-on-minus-keith-1364226.html

A mystery illness which left Boyzone star Keith Duffy looking like the Elephant Man meant he missed the opening of his dad's new shop in Dublin yesterday.

The pop star suffered an allergic reaction which resulted in two black eyes and a swollen head and body and meant he could not attend the opening ceremony after doctors confined him to bed.

Instead, the other four members of Boyzone turned up to do the honours for Keith's dad, Sean.

The illness, which he believes is a reaction to peanuts, means he is also likely to miss the band's scheduled appearance on 'Tubridy Tonight' this weekend, which will kick off the Boyzone comeback tour. The band plays Dublin's RDS on June 28.

The new clothes shop, Plus & Minors, is on the site of the former Frawleys store on Dublin's Thomas Street.