July 28th 2023.
Yesterday, hundreds of mourners from both sides of the Irish Sea gathered in London to pay their respects to the late Sinéad O'Connor. The event, held at the London Irish Centre, was attended by famous members of the Irish diaspora, including comedian Sharon Horgan, DJ Annie Mac, and actress Lisa Dwan.
The evening celebrated O'Connor's life and music, with attendees being treated to a reading of one of her letters and a rendition of 'Take Me To Church', led by comedian Aisling Bea. Mac took to her Instagram Stories to thank all who attended, writing: “It’s all so unspeakably sad, but there was comfort in communion tonight.”
Fiona Flood, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland in the UK, also paid tribute to the singer. Fans shared memories of the singer as they celebrated her life and career, with Irish singer Moncrieff saying it was “really special” to be at the event. Blanid Lynn from Northern Ireland described the event as “amazing”, and said the highlight of the evening was Aisling Bea’s cover of 'Take Me to Church' as it was “so full of emotion” and “so raw”. Musician Niall Jackson from Dublin said that O'Connor was a “legendary” woman, and that the media didn’t always treat her well when she was alive.
O’Connor died after being found unresponsive in a home in London. She released a number of hit songs throughout her career, including the Prince cover 'Nothing Compares 2 U.' She also sparked global outrage by tearing up a picture of the Pope during an SNL performance 31 years ago.
Meanwhile, in Dublin, dozens of people gathered outside the Wall of Fame to pay their respects to the “beautiful soul” O’Connor. Those gathered spoke about the influence her music had on their lives and called for her death to “light an absolute fire under all of us” to tackle how mental health and children are treated in Ireland. Irish rock band U2 paid tribute to the singer, writing: “Touch these eyes with a broken smile, Touch my mouth with your furrowed brow, Lift my heart, heal my shame , Lead me into rest again .. Heroine.. Rest In Peace Sinéad.” Musician Peter Gabriel, who worked closely with her, described her as “an extraordinary talent.” Fellow Irish singer Christy Moore said she was “our warrior woman – fearless yet fragile.”
Politicians, musicians, actors, and charities from across the world have paid tribute to O’Connor for her contributions to the music industry and raising awareness of social issues. American singer Pink paid tribute with a version of 'Nothing Compares 2 U' alongside Brandi Carlile during a performance in Cincinnati, and England’s Barmy Army trumpeter Simon Finch performed the same song at The Oval.
Anyone needing emotional support can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email
[email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website. If you're a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email
[email protected] between the hours of 9am and midnight.
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