Hundreds of fans gathered on Tuesday to bid a final farewell to beloved Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor as her funeral cortege passed through her former hometown of Bray, Co Wicklow. The emotional procession saw people lining the streets, cheering, clapping, and throwing flowers as the cortege drove past O’Connor’s old house.
O’Connor’s coffin was adorned with blue, white, and pink flowers, while mourners sang along to her music, which played from a Volkswagen Beetle van draped in rainbow flags. A photograph of the singer was also displayed through the back window of the cortege.
The late singer, known for her pure voice and political activism, passed away last month at the age of 56. Her death is not being treated as suspicious. The public funeral procession allowed fans to pay their respects, but her burial was held privately.
Prominent figures in the music industry, including Bob Geldof and Bono from the band U2, attended the private burial service, according to Ireland’s public broadcaster RTE. The Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, alongside the Irish President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina, were also present.
President Higgins praised O’Connor’s talent and connection with her audience, stating, “What Ireland has lost at such a relatively young age is one of our greatest and most gifted composers, songwriters, and performers of recent decades, one who had a unique talent and extraordinary connection with her audience, all of whom held such love and warmth for her.”
Throughout the funeral procession, many attendees displayed their own political activism. One man carried a sign protesting Ireland’s treatment of children in care homes and orphanages, while another woman wore a “Free Palestine” T-shirt. Pride flags were also waved by several people.
The funeral took place on Tuesday morning and was led by Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, the Chief Imam of the Islamic Centre of Ireland. Al-Qadri expressed his appreciation to O’Connor’s family for recognizing and embracing her Muslim identity. In his eulogy, he acknowledged the hardships she endured and admired her unflinching faith in the Divine.
On Sunday, a 30-foot tribute to O’Connor was unveiled on a hillside in Bray. The tribute featured the words “ÉIRE SINÉAD” with a heart emoji between the two words, symbolizing the love for O’Connor in Ireland. The singer resided in Bray for 15 years and shot to fame in 1990 with her rendition of the Prince song “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
Sinéad O’Connor’s funeral brought together fans, friends, and fellow musicians to celebrate her life and honor her contributions to the music industry and activism. Her spirit will be greatly missed, but her music and messages will continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. May she find the peace that she sought in so many different ways.