Ryan Tubridy has broken his social media silence, amid the ongoing RTÉ scandal, to pay tribute to the late Sinéad O’Connor.
The sad news of he passing was confirmed by The Irish Times on Wednesday evening.
In a statement, the singer’s family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
Taking to his Instagram Stories, Ryan paid tribute to Sinéad with a black-and-white photo.
The former Late Late Show host wrote: “Like everyone, I’m devastated by the awful news about Sinéad. We spoke days ago and she was as kind, powerful, passionate, determined and decent as ever.”
“This photo is from the night I went with my mum to ese her in Vicar St. Rest in Peace Sinéad, you were ahead of your time and you deserve whatever peace comes your way.”
The talented songstress, who shot to fame in the 90s for her cover of Prince’s Nothing Compares 2 U, is survived by three of her children – Jake, Roisin and Yeshua.
Her 17-year-old son Shane was found dead on January 7 last year, after he left a hospital in Dublin – where he had been admitted for care.
Sinéad described Shane as the “very light of my life”, and said she hoped he was now at peace.
She checked herself into hospital shortly after his death, after posting a series of worrying tweets.
In her final tweet, which was posted on July 17, Sinéad posted a photo of herself and Shane and wrote: “Been living as undead night creature since. He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul.”
“We were one soul in two halves. He was the only person who ever loved me unconditionally. I am lost in the bardo without him.”
Sinéad, who changed her name to Shuhada’ Sadaqat in 2018 after converting to Islam, released 10 studio albums during her career.
The Grammy-winning artist also hit headlines in 1992 when she famously ripped up a picture of Pope John Paul II during her appearance on Saturday Night Live in the US.
Her cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
