Oscar-winning musician Glen Hansard’s life was celebrated in a star-studded and emotional funeral mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in his native Dublin on Tuesday August 4, ahead of a private family cremation.
The service took place just six days after he tragically died at the age 56 following a road traffic collision at Lower Road, Strawberry Beds, Lucan, Co. Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday July 29. He was treated at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later.
Hundreds of members of the public lined the streets to say their final goodbye to the star, who first rose to international fame in the 1991 film The Commitments. Many appeared tearful as they waited to catch a glimpse of his wicker coffin arriving by horse and carriage.
Stars from the worlds of stage, screen and music were seen entering the venue in their droves. Alan Partridge creator Steve Coogan and Bridesmaids alum Chris O’Dowd were spotted making their way through security looking sombre. They were joined by Shane McGowan’s widow Victoria Mary Clarke and singer Imelda May.
Former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams and traditional musician Finbar Furey were also in attendance.
As Glen’s coffin arrived at around 1.25pm for the 1.30pm service the gathered crowds burst into a round of applause. His tearful pallbearers and friends looked tearful as they accompanied it into the cathedral.
His close friend Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder performed at the service. He sang The Song of Good Hope along with Glen’s Once co-star Marketa Irglova, with whom he shared the Best Original Song Oscar in 2008 for writing Falling Slowly. They were backed by his band The Frames.
U2 frontman Bono read a poem to the congregation entitled A Beautiful Day. The service concluded with a rendition of Bob Dylan’s Forever Young performed by Hothouse Flowers frontman Liam Ó Maonlaí and friends.
Glen’s wife Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa broke down more than once while giving a reading. She explained their son Christy wasn’t in attendance as he was “too young”. The toddler turned three in October last year.
With the cathedral packed to capacity, hundreds more mourners gathered outside to follow the service on large screens, applauding as it came to an end. Others headed to local pubs to toast the star while watching the service on TV.
