Ireland has said farewell to one of its most prolific songwriters,Sinéad O’Connor.
After a private funeral, her cortège proceeded through the seaside town where she lived. Many in tears lined the streets and played her music, as well as that of her hero,Bob Marley, perThe Times.
According tothe BBC, the largest crowd gathered outside of the home she lived in for the past 15 years, with many applauding and joining in to sing her 1990 hit “Nothing Compares 2 U” as the hearse stopped in front of her former residence.The Timesnoted that fans also paid tribute to the activism O’Connor was devoted to throughout her career, leaving behind Black Lives Matter, Gay Pride, and “Refugees Welcome” signs outside of her home.
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Adam Clayton andBonoofU2andThe Edgeand the president of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, were among attendees at the private ceremony.
U2’s The Edge, Adam Clayton and Bono at the services.MEGA
MEGA
“Sinéad suffered more than her share of hardship and adversity,” he continued. “The more she sang and spoke about her own pain, as well as about the pervasive sins in society that she witnessed, the more her voice and her words resonated with listeners and touched their hearts.”
Irish President Michael D. Higgins also shared a statement on Tuesday morning, perThe Independent. He said, “The outpouring of grief and appreciation of the life and work of Sinéad O’Connor demonstrates the profound impact which she had on the Irish people.”
The president also spoke about her “heroism” and added, “The unique contribution of Sinéad involved the experience of a great vulnerability combined with a superb, exceptional level of creativity that she chose to deliver through her voice, her music and her songs.”
Sinead O’Connor’s funeral in Co. Wicklow, Ireland.MEGA
O’Connor, who experienced mental health struggles throughout her career, died unexpectedly in late July.
At the time her family confirmed her death “with great sadness” in a statement to RTE and the BBC, saying, “Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
After no medical cause of death was given, the Coronerissued a autopsy. According to a note from the Coroner, the results may not be available for several weeks.
Sir Bob Geldof, who was a longtime friend to O’Connor,recently spoke ofhis last conversation with her. While performing at Cavan Calling Festival in Cavan, Ireland, he said they were talking “right up to a couple of weeks ago.”
“Some of the texts were laden with desperation and despair and sorrow and some were ecstatically happy,” he continued. “She was like that.”
Her management alsorecently confirmedthat prior to her death, the “Troy” singer was working on her first album in over a decade.
“It has been an honour to have worked with Sinéad professionally, as musicians, producers and her artist managers over the last nine years, but much, much more than that Sinéad was family,” her management wrote in a statement. “May she rest in peace.”
source: people.com
