Johnny Depp, Bono and Bob Geldof lead a host of stars who attended Shane McGowan’s funeral in Nenagh on Friday.
The Pogues frontman, who sadly passed away on November 30th at the age of 65, was laid to rest today.
The funeral was held at St Mary’s of the Rosary in Nenagh, the parish in which Shane spent his early childhood.
A huge round of applause for Shane McGowan’s hearse arriving and shouts of “Shane-o!”
His wife weeps at his coffin alone. pic.twitter.com/memBsglqH8— Aoife Moore (@AoifeMooreIRE) December 8, 2023
Have never seen such a star spangled mass in Ireland, Bob Geldof, Gerry Adams, Aiden Gillen, Johnny Depp and Bono all playing their part in today’s service in Nenagh, for the funeral of Shane
McGowan. pic.twitter.com/IWwWimPiCN— Aoife Moore (@AoifeMooreIRE) December 8, 2023
Lead singer of U2, Bono, did a reading at the beginning of the mass, as did former Sinn Fein TD Gerry Adams.
Hollywood actor Johnny Depp and singer Bob Geldof also read a Prayer of the Faithful each in the middle of the ceremony.
Glen Hansard and Lisa O’Neill sang MacGowan’s most famous and beloved song, Fairytale of New York, at the end of the service.
The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, also attended the ceremony, as well as Australian rocker Nick Cave.
Nick Cave has arrived. pic.twitter.com/gumienjawK
— Aoife Moore (@AoifeMooreIRE) December 8, 2023
Shane’s funeral cortege passed through the streets of Dublin this morning, with thousands of people lining the streets to pay their final respects.
The procession was led by the Artane Band and a piper between Ringsend and Pearse Street from 10.30am to 11.45am.
The songwriter’s funeral cortege ended at Sweny’s Pharmacy on Lincoln Place, a famous Victorian era pharmacy that opened in 1847 and featured in James Joyce’s, Ulysses.
A statement released read: “Shane’s family are thankful for the many people that loved him as a musician, songwriter and champion of Ireland and its culture and hope they are in some way repaying that loyalty by giving those that loved and admired him a chance to wish him God Speed and say Slán.”
What an emotional beginning to our brother Shane’s final journey this morning. Thinking of @Victoriamary and all his family and close friends today. There will never be another like him. 😞❤️ #ShaneMacGowan #TheMeasureOfMyDreams pic.twitter.com/RtdpYJeH55
— Maïa Dunphy (@MaiaDunphy) December 8, 2023
A lovely send off for Shane this morning on Pearse St. Dublin. #ShaneMacGowan pic.twitter.com/52wngL9xSp
— Dave Keegan (@davepaulkeegan) December 8, 2023
