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Fans come together to bid a final farewell to the acclaimed Irish singer, Sinéad O’Connor, as her funeral procession passes by her former residence in Bray, Co Wicklow, Ireland. The mourners pay their respects to the 56-year-old singer, who tragically passed away on July 26 at her home in London. This touching moment was captured on camera by Bryan Meade/EPA-EFE.
Aug. 8 (UPI) — The coastal town of Bray, Ireland, witnessed an impressive turnout as thousands of mourners lined the streets to pay tribute to legendary singer Sinéad O’Connor during her funeral procession on Tuesday.
O’Connor, who passed away in London on July 26 at the age of 56, had lived in Bray for 15 years before selling her house in 2021.
“Sinéad immensely cherished her time in Bray and the people who resided within it,” her family expressed in a heartfelt statement to RTE. “Through this procession, we, as her family, wish to acknowledge and appreciate the overwhelming love she received from the people of Co Wicklow and beyond, ever since she departed last week to embark on her journey elsewhere.”
Devoted fans left tributes outside O’Connor’s former home, expressing their love and gratitude for her musical contributions and influence.
The private funeral service was attended by Irish President Michael D Higgins, who delivered a touching statement highlighting O’Connor’s extraordinary creativity, vulnerability, and heroism.
“The immense grief and admiration seen in response to Sinéad O’Connor’s life and work is a testament to the profound impact she had on the people of Ireland,” stated Higgins.
“Sinéad’s distinct contributions involve a unique combination of vulnerability and unparalleled creativity, which she brilliantly expressed through her voice, music, and songs.”
The list of attendees at the private funeral service included Leo Varadkar, the Prime Minister of Ireland, renowned Irish songwriter Bob Geldof, as well as U2 bandmates Bono and the Edge, as reported by The Irish Times.
The Muslim funeral prayers were led by Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri.
“With each song and personal testimony, Sinéad managed to successfully convey her own pain and shed light on the prevalent sins within society,” he said in his eulogy. “Her voice and words resonated with listeners, touching their hearts deeply. People from all walks of life and faiths worldwide are praying for this beloved daughter of Ireland, including countless Muslims praying for their sister in faith and humanity.”
O’Connor was discovered unresponsive at a London residence on July 26, and her death was confirmed by her family.
She was open about her mental health struggles and revealed her diagnoses of bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Last year, she was hospitalized following the tragic suicide of her 17-year-old son, Shane Lunny.
A book of condolences was made available to the public in Dublin, where fans expressed their sorrow and admiration for O’Connor after her passing.
“Sinéad experienced terrible loneliness and despair on numerous occasions,” said Geldof, according to The Independent. “She was a dear friend of mine.”
“We stayed in touch until a few weeks ago. Some of her messages were filled with desperation and sorrow, while others radiated pure happiness. That’s who she was.”
O’Connor launched her career in the 1980s, releasing her first of 10 albums, The Lion and the Cobra, in 1987 and winning a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
Her iconic single, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” featured on her 1990 album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, which also won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Performance.
In 1991, O’Connor boycotted the Grammys and sparked controversy by tearing up a picture of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live in 1992, protesting against the sexual abuse of children within the Catholic Church.
William Friedkin
William Friedkin arrives at a photocall during the Cannes International Film Festival in France on May 18, 2016. The Oscar-winning filmmaker, known for “The French Connection” and “The Exorcist,” died at the age of 87 on August 7. Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo
