Farewell to Sinéad O’Connor: Thousands came to the funeral service in Ireland

Thousands of people said goodbye to singer Sinéad O’Connor (1966-2023) in the Irish seaside resort of Bray on Tuesday (8 August). Before the funeral in a small circle, all those interested had the opportunity to honor the artist and to line up along the beach promenade and in front of her house while the funeral procession passed. People sang the songs of the deceased, many bursting into tears.

The first mourners came at night

reported, the first people had already gathered in front of the former home of the deceased during the night. They laid flowers and cards and left handwritten messages to thank the singer for her music and voice. On a piece of paper, for example, the line was noted: “You are forever in my heart.” A pink chair was placed in front of the pink-framed conservatory of the oceanfront home, with pink flowers and a photo of the singer at the foot of the chair. A sign on the wall listed causes the singer had expressed support for, including taking in refugees: “Where words fail, music speaks.” A neighbor put candles on the wall. Since her death on July 26, people have been laying flowers in front of the house that the singer sold in 2021 and that is now empty. She had lived in Bray for 15 years. Irish singer Liam Ó Maonlaí (58) was also among those present who gathered in front of the house. He said of the many mourners: “I think it’s love why people are here today. They loved them. I admired them.”

The residents and fans who had arrived lined the streets in the morning to bid Sinéad O’Connor one last goodbye before today’s funeral. They had to wait a little longer as the funeral procession was delayed. The singer’s family had asked people who wanted to say a “last goodbye” to stand on the seafront while the funeral procession passed. “Sinéad loved life in Bray and the people there,” it said in a statement. “Through this procession, her family wishes to recognize the love from the people of Wicklow and beyond that she has experienced elsewhere since her death last week.” More than 3,000 people complied with the request. They sang their greatest hits and said goodbye to the star in tears. A float decorated with flowers and Pride flags played some of their songs in front of the crowd.

Ireland’s President attends private funeral service

Irish President Michael D. Higgins (82) announced in a press release that he and his wife Sabina (81) will attend the private funeral service. This should be directly connected to the public procession. Higgins stated, “The expression of sadness and appreciation for the life and work of Sinéad O’Connor shows the profound impact she had on the Irish people.” And further: “Sinead’s unique contribution included the experience of great vulnerability coupled with a magnificent, extraordinary level of creativity, which she expressed through her voice, her music and her songs.”

An installation in homage to the singer had already been unveiled on Sunday. On a hill in Bray Head, white writing says Ireland loves her. “We just wanted to take the opportunity to commemorate the moment with a bold statement that symbolizes what it means to our small country,” said a spokesman for the Dublin-based creative agency.

Devastated after the death of her son in 2022

Sinéad O’Connor was found dead at her home in London on July 26, 2023. The controversial artist had only announced her return to the metropolis two weeks earlier. The cause of death has not yet been clarified. Since the suicide of her 17-year-old son in early 2022, she has lived “as an undead creature of the night,” as she wrote on Twitter a few days before her death. The cause of death of the musician, who became a star in 1990 with “Nothing Compares 2 U”, has not yet been announced by the authorities. The police ruled out third-party fault. In addition to her late son, Sinéad O’Connor has three other children.

Help with depression and suicidal thoughts is available from the telephone counseling service on the free number: 0800/111 0 111