Thousands of fans have lined the streets of Ireland to bid a final farewell to beloved singer Sinéad O’Connor, who died July 26 at the age of 56.
Famous figures joined crowds of fans gathered to pay their final respects to the legendary artist. Mourners threw piles of flowers as the hearse carrying O’Connor’s body slowly made its way through the streets. Bono, The Edge and Bob Geldof were among the many famous faces that gathered to grieve with the community and share their condolences for a talented life gone too soon, according to The Mirror.
With Bob Marley playing on a van stereo, Sinead O’Connor’s funeral cortege passes along the Bray seafront as thousands turned out to pay their respects. @irish_news #sineadoconnor #Bray pic.twitter.com/voCoeF9G0p
— Allan Preston (@AllanPreston) August 8, 2023
Fans of the Irish music icon gathered outside the late artist’s former home in Co Wicklow to say goodbye. The hearse stopped outside of O’Connor’s home in a shared moment of mourning. O’Connor’s hit song, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” played through the speakers, immediately inciting thunderous cheers from fans.
Bray for Sinéad O’Connor’s funeral. Reggae and crowds. All the love ❤️❤️ #SineadOConnor #Bray #equalityforchildren pic.twitter.com/KI7FlZ2US2
— Karen Dempsey: Entheos Ireland (@BaldPriestess) August 8, 2023
Some fans could be heard singing the lyrics of O’Connor’s legendary song in unison on the street, belting out the emotional words without the sound of any music at all.
People sing outside the former home of the late singer Sinéad O’Connor in Ireland. The public lined the streets of Bray today as the funeral cortege of #SineadOConnor passed through the town where she lived for 15 years.#GettyFootage 🎥Charles McQuillan 👉https://t.co/5tOPRvWjPx pic.twitter.com/gAypaOhmVG
— Getty Images News (@GettyImagesNews) August 8, 2023
Scores of fans packed local trains as people from all over the world scrambled to take part in the historic moment. For fans, this was their last opportunity to be part of O’Connor’s send-off — a true indicator of the impact she had on so many lives. (RELATED: New Details Emerge Surrounding Sinead O’Connor’s Death)
The cortège began at the Harbour Bar shortly after noon Tuesday and traveled along Strand Road. A Volkswagen Transporter led the procession as Bob Marley’s “Natural Mystic” played to set the tone for the fans who flooded the streets. Bob Geldof, Sinéad’s ex-husband Frank Bonadio and her father rode in a car as they took in the tributes and special moments in memory of O’Connor and the legacy she left behind.
Met Police officers found Sinéad dead in her London apartment in late July.