Shane MacGowan funeral – latest: Johnny Depp, Bono and Bob Geldof give readings at Tipperary service
The Fairytale of New York singer will be given a private cremation in Nenagh
Thousands of mourners including Irish leaders and the country’s biggest celebrities have gathered to pay their respects to Shane MacGowan, the iconic singer of The Pogues, on Friday.
The irrepressible frontman, known for songs including “Fairytale of New York” and “Pair of Brown Eyes”, died last week aged 65. Songs by the band are already playing on loop in the town of Nenagh, where a public mass will be held on Friday at 3.30pm ahead of a private cremation.
It comes after his widow Victoria Mary Clarke said the cause of Shane’s death was pneumonia. MacGowan had suffered from a number of health issues over the years, and had recently been discharged from hospital in Dublin, where he was being treated for encephalitis.
She posted: “Shane hated funerals and he refused to go to them with a few rare exceptions.
“So it’s incredible to think that so many people want to come to his and that so many beautiful people are pouring their hearts and souls into making it magnificent and magical and memorable for him and for us who are left behind.”
The coffin is now on its way to Nenagh, County Tipperary, where a funeral mass will take place at St Mary’s of the Rosary Church at 3.30pm.
An impromptu rendition of “Fairytale of New York” broke out after the procession passed Westland Row and Lincoln Place in Dublin. Journalist David Young shared some footage on Twitter/X:
Some of the many mourners who turned out to pay final respects to Shane MacGowan this morning.
Shane MacGowan’s coffin is on the move to Tipperary after making its way across Mac Mahon Bridge in Dublin, where the streets are lined with mourners paying tribute to the musician.
Josie Feeney from County Leitrim travelled nearly 200km to Dublin to pay tribute during the street procession. She told PA: “My father’s family were from Tipperary, my grandmother was from Nenagh.
“We don’t always know all the lyrics but this week we know more of Shane’s lyrics, they are really very moving, they are poetry. He was a genius.
“His legacy will live on forever,” she continued. “Bruce Springsteen said in 100 years’ time we will be singing the words of his songs.”
Parents have gathered to collect their children as schools in Ireland closed early for Shane MacGowan’s funeral today.
One grandfather, Jimmy Byrne, waiting at the school gates said: “The kids are loving it. My granddaughter asked why she didn’t get the full day off but she was getting greedy.”
Victoria Mary Clarke, Shane MacGowan’s widow, is pictured smiling in a car as part of the funeral procession before the service in Nenagh later today.
Shane MacGowan’s coffin is draped in the Irish tricolour as it makes its farewell journey throughout Dublin.
Mourners throw flowers towards the horse-drawn carriage as the procession makes its way through Dublin.
Musicians are currently leading the public in a rendition of “Fairytale Of New York” outside Sweny’s pharmacy in central Dublin.
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