Shane MacGowan funeral – latest: Johnny Depp, Bono and Bob Geldof give readings at Tipperary service

Thousands of mourners including Irish leaders and the country’s biggest celebrities have gathered to pay their respects to Shane MacGowan, the iconic singer of The Pogues, on Friday.

The irrepressible frontman, known for songs including “Fairytale of New York” and “Pair of Brown Eyes”, died last week aged 65. Songs by the band are already playing on loop in the town of Nenagh, where a public mass will be held on Friday at 3.30pm ahead of a private cremation.

It comes after his widow Victoria Mary Clarke said the cause of Shane’s death was pneumonia. MacGowan had suffered from a number of health issues over the years, and had recently been discharged from hospital in Dublin, where he was being treated for encephalitis.

She posted: “Shane hated funerals and he refused to go to them with a few rare exceptions.

“So it’s incredible to think that so many people want to come to his and that so many beautiful people are pouring their hearts and souls into making it magnificent and magical and memorable for him and for us who are left behind.”

Key Points

• Shane MacGowan’s wife Victoria says he was the only man ‘to be busted for Holy Communion’

• ‘I’m Shane MacGowan’s undertaker… after pulling him pints for 20 years’

• Shane MacGowan’s cause of death revealed as world mourns irrepressible Pogues frontman

Shane MacGowan finished final album before his death

21:30 , Kevin Perry

One promising piece of news that’s broken since MacGowan’s death is that the singer-songwriter completed a final album before he died.

The 15-track record is set to feature both original songs and covers. It was produced in collaboration with Irish band Cronin, and also includes appearances from MacGowan’s former The Pogues bandmates Spider Stacey and Jem Finer.

Read the full story here

Mourners pay tribute to Shane MacGowan

20:26 , Kevin Perry

Here’s a video we shot earlier today of mourners paying tribute to Shane MacGowan’s humanity, and his songwriting:

Nick Cave sings ‘Rainy Night in Soho’

19:23 , Kevin Perry

From earlier in the day, here’s Nick Cave singing one of MacGowan’s many masterpieces “Rainy Night in Soho”.

The moment Cave changed the lyric “Now this song is nearly over” to “Now this song is over” was heart-rending.

Shane MacGowan urged Johnny Depp to forgive Amber Heard, widow reveals in eulogy

19:08 , Kevin Perry

Shane MacGowan’s widow Victoria Mary Clarke shared an anecdote about Johnny Depp with the actor in attendance during her eulogy.

Read the full story here

Shane MacGowan’s family dance to Fairytale of New York at funeral

19:01 , Kevin Perry

A lovely moment as MacGowan’s family dance around the church to his festive classic, “Fairytale of New York”:

Johnny Depp salutes Shane MacGowan before speaking at funeral

18:50 , Kevin Perry

MacGowan heads to the pub one last time

18:45 , Barney Davis

There are people on crutches following the hearse, while others play flutes and hang out of windows as Shane MacGowan heads along the road he has journeyed many a time in life to his favourite pub, Philly Ryan’s.

Shane MacGowan’s hearse departs

18:33 , Barney Davis

People applaud and yell “God bless you Shane” as his hearse leaves the church grounds, with his family following behind.

Fans commend ‘rollercoaster’ service

18:29 , Barney Davis

Nenagh local Matthew Reilly, 25, says the service was a “rollercoaster”.

He said: “It was half mass, half concert. It was everything Shane would have wanted. People were hanging off the rafters.”

Pogues fan Shane Kennedy, 45, said: “I don’t think he would have liked the camera phones waving about all over the place. People should live in the moment, but apart from that it was a great send off.”

“‘Fairytale of New York’, everyone was falling all over the place. And to see all The Pogues back together for the final time.”

People throw roses and cheer as Shane MacGowan's simple wicker casket leaves the Abbey for a private cremation.

18:15 , Kevin Perry

He is given a huge cheer and is followed by the Irish president who shakes hands with everyone as he departs. Johnny Depp is among the pallbearers.

The Pogues play The Parting Glass

18:13 , Kevin Perry

MacGowan’s former bandmates in The Pogues - Jem Finer, Terry Woods, Spider Stacey and James Fearnley - play one of the service’s final songs, the traditional “The Parting Glass”

Shane’s widow Victoria Mary Clarke delivers warm, funny eulogy filled with love

18:09 , Kevin Perry

Victoria Mary Clarke’s eulogy for her late husband sparkles with warmth, charm and love.

Among the many brilliant anecdotes from Shane’s life, many of which were fuelled by copious amounts of drugs and alcohol, was this one from the months he spent in hospital before the end:

“Shane got actual physical, visceral bursts out of the Holy Communion, which was almost as good as a drug for him,” Clarke said. “He just loved it. He absolutely loved it. When he was in the hospital, we had the Holy Communion in a little receptacle on his hospital table. One of the priests came in, and I said: ‘Oh, nice that you came in. Shane’s very religious, he’ll be delighted to see you. He takes the Holy Communion every day.’ The priest was horrified! ‘What do you mean? How can he possibly take the Holy Communion every day? Where do you get it?’ I wasn’t going to tell him where he gets it. I’m not going to reveal his sources. The priest said: ‘That’s illegal!’ You’re not allowed to have the Holy Communion every day. So the priest had to confiscate his Holy Communion. I thought, he must be the only man in the world to have been busted for Holy Communion.”

Shane’s sister Siobhan delivers sweet, heartfelt eulogy

17:35 , Kevin Perry

Shane’s sister, Siobhan MacGowan, says: “I think my brother would have enjoyed that send-off”, after the musicians have finished their rousing performance. After thanking all those involved in organising the funeral, Siobhan recounts her memories of growing up with Shane.

“I had early warning that my brother was somewhat precocious,” she recalls, telling a story about the moment an 11-year-old Shane told her, at 6, that she must be a surrealist because she’d decided to colour in a tree with blue crayons.

She pays tribute to Shane’s achievements in becoming the singer of songs and teller of stories. “When the President put that award in his hands, he knew he had achieved that dream”, Siobhan said.

She closes with Shane’s own words, from “The Body of an American”:

“And as the sunset came to meet, the evening on the hillI told you I’d always love you, I always did, I always will.”

Glen Hansard and Lisa O’Neill sing ‘Fairytale of New York'

17:18 , Kevin Perry

A gorgeous version of ‘Fairytale of New York’, sung by Glenn Hansard and Lisa O’Neill with the backing of a full Irish band, sparks an outbreak of dancing and waltzing in the aisles of the church.

17:03 , Nicole Vassell

Mourners line up to take communion as the choir sings Irish hymns. Still to come: a rendition of “Fairytale of New York”, and eulogies from Siobhan MacGowan (Shane’s sister) and Victoria Mary Clarke (Shane’s widow).

16:53 , Nicole Vassell

Funeral attendees acknowledge each other with a sign of peace before members of the church take communion.

WATCH: Shane MacGowan's widow shows items singer wanted taking at his funeral

16:48 , Nicole Vassell

16:45 , Nicole Vassell

Father Pat Gilbert delivers the Eucharist Prayer.

16:38 , Nicole Vassell

More music now – it’s Caít O’Riordan and John Francis Flynn with “I’m A Man You Don’t Meet Every Day”.

16:35 , Nicole Vassell

After saluting MacGowan’s coffin with the word “maestro”, Depp delivered a prayer for “peace, love and forgiveness”. Others followed with prayers for doctors and nurses, the homeless, and people suffering addiction.

16:32 , Nicole Vassell

Johnny Depp gives a short reading as part of the Prayers of the Faithful.

16:31 , Barney Davis

“Just remember death is not the end. Rest in Peace, Shane”, he finishes.

16:26 , Nicole Vassell

Father Gilbert points out that something feels “right” about MacGowan sharing a birthday with Jesus, passing away on the same day as Oscar Wilde and having a funeral on the late Sinead O’Connor’s birthday.

16:24 , Nicole Vassell

“I know he adored you Victoria, and you him,” Father Gilbert says. “You carried, cared and caressed him, right to the very end.”

16:21 , Nicole Vassell

“The music and the lyrics alerted us to what was around us,” Father Gilbert says of the music of The Pogues, to applause from the crowd. “Shane MacGowan made it cool to play the tin whistle.”

16:17 , Nicole Vassell

It’s time for the Gospel, delivered by Father Pat Gilbert.

16:14 , Nicole Vassell

As Bono was unable to attend in person, a recording of the U2 frontman reading the Letter of St Paul’s to the Corinthians is played in the church.

16:12 , Nicole Vassell

Now, a rendition of “The Lord is My Shepherd”.

16:09 , Barney Davis

Nick Cave previously sang this song at Shane MacGowan’s 60th birthday party in 2017.

16:05 , Nicole Vassell

After a late entry, Nick Cave is here to perform the 1985 Pogues hit, “A Rainy Night in Soho”.

The crowd applauded as he made his way to the piano.

16:03 , Nicole Vassell

Actor Aidan Gillen gives the next reading: Revelations, Chapter 22, Verses 1-3.

15:59 , Nicole Vassell

Time for another musical performance – this time, it’s Mundy and Camille O’Sullivan, singing “Haunted”. The crowd are joining them in singing.

15:56 , Nicole Vassell

Dave Coon, Victoria’s father and Shane’s father-in-law, gives a reading.

15:52 , Nicole Vassell

Johnny Depp has arrived at Shane MacGowan’s funeral. Depp was a close friend of the Pogues star, and attended his wedding to Victoria Mary Clarke in Copenhagen in 2018.

15:50 , Nicole Vassell

Another of Shane’s beloved items: an autographed Johnny Depp record.

15:48 , Nicole Vassell

Victoria Mary Clarke is speaking, introducing symbols of importance for Shane MacGowan, including a Buddha, due to his interest in many religions; a Tipperary flag; and his book of songs and poems.

Fr Pat Gilbert holds up MacGowan’s book of poems.

15:42 , Nicole Vassell

The church erupts in applause as the musicians finish, with many watching on the livestream commenting that the performance left them in tears.

15:41 , Nicole Vassell

Imelda May and Declan O’Rourke sing an emotional rendition of “You’re The One”.

15:34 , Nicole Vassell

Former Teachta Dála of Ireland Gerry Adams is delivering “words of gratitude” for MacGowan, in the service’s first reading.

15:29 , Nicole Vassell

Now, a white sheet covers the coffin, topped with red roses, a picture of young Shane MacGowan and a depiction of Christ on the cross in silver.

15:22 , Nicole Vassell

The coffin arrives at the front of the church, and the Irish tricolour is removed and folded up.

15:19 , Nicole Vassell

A look from inside the church, where hundreds of mourners have gathered.

15:18 , Barney Davis

The hundreds packed into the church finally fall into a respectful silence as the last family and friends file in before Shane MacGowan’s coffin arrives.

You could hear a pin drop. A few jump as a priest coughs directly into the mic.

15:13 , Nicole Vassell

The order of service has been posted to social media, and details the people who will be reading and performing.

Bono, Bob Geldof, Johnny Depp, Aidan Gillen and Imelda May are among the figures billed to read passages and tributes.

Towards the end of the service, MacGowan’s sister Siobhan and widow Victoria Mary Clarke will deliver eulogies.

15:08 , Barney Davis

Grizzled old punks with purple hair are being let under the velvet rope to join the close friends and family seats with 300 reserved. Everyone else and it feels like the whole of Nenagh is to fend for themselves squeezing where they can.

Singer Glen Hansard, who will be performing, bursts in carrying a baby in a Christmas outfit and then runs out again in the confusion.

Order of service shows U2 frontman Bono will give a reading; Johnny Depp will deliver Prayers of the Faithful

15:02 , Ellie Muir

An order of service document shows that U2 frontman Bono is to give a reading at the funeral of Shane MacGowan, while Hollywood actor Johnny Depp and Irish singer-songwriter Bob Geldof will deliver the Prayers of the Faithful.

Politician Gerry Adams seen arriving at funeral of Shane MacGowan

14:58 , Barney Davis

Gerry Adams has been seen arriving at the funeral of Shane MacGowan at St Mary’s of the Rosary in Nenagh.

All standing mourners told to leave church for fifth time to make way for arrival of casket

14:55 , Ellie Muir

Families take selfies as all those standing are being told to leave the packed church for the fifth time as the final preparations are made for the arrival of Shane MacGowan.

“Timing is the essence we are making the final preparations now,” an announcer says to groans from the crowd.

Mourners hide behind pillars inside church despite being asked to leave

14:40 , Barney Davis

The aisles of the church are so packed with mourners that the MacGowan family and MacGowan’s casket will not be able to enter the church until they have left.

The mourners have been warned three times but some are still hiding behind pillars in a desperate bid to stay inside.

The Pogues band members Spider Stacy performs ‘Goodbye and Bless You All’ during soundcheck

14:35 , Ellie Muir

Old friend and bandmate Spider Stacy then took over the vocals for The Pogues anthem “Goodbye and Bless You All” in another soundcheck.

An emotional time for Spider as he was also close friends with the late Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O’Connor, whose birthday is today.

Mourners asked to exit church to make way for MacGowan’s casket to come through

14:33 , Barney Davis

The church is so packed that mourners are being asked to exit the church to make way for MacGowan’s casket to come through.

Then a lucky few will be allowed back in. Mourners had to be reminded that this is a funeral after a joyous run-through of “Fairytale of New York”.

An in-depth look at Shane MacGowan, shy and complex genius behind The Pogues

14:30 , Nicole Vassell

The Independent’s music editor Roisin O’Connor paid tribute to Shane MacGowan as a “shy, complex genius” as his death was announced last week.

Of his artistic talents, she wrote that from “MacGowan’s cavernous mouth, littered with a few eroded excuses for teeth, came some of the greatest poetry (or Poguetry) of the 20th century”.

“Informed by his voracious love of literature, from Oscar Wilde to James Joyce (he read Ulysses when he was 10 years old), MacGowan’s songs melded punk with traditional Irish folk, producing immortal songs such as ‘The Old Main Drag’, ‘A Pair of Brown Eyes’ and, of course, ‘Fairytale of New York’.”

Here’s the obituary in full:

Shane MacGowan, shy and complex genius behind The Pogues, dies aged 65

Glen Hansard from the Commitments and Lisa O’Neil perform ‘Fairy Tale Of New York’ during soundcheck

14:27 , Barney Davis

Standing room only as The Commitments star Glen Hansard and Lisa O’Neil perform “Fairy Tale Of New York” during the soundcheck inside St Mary’s of the Rosary Church in Nenagh.

This was the only time the hundreds packed inside were allowed to applaud with Shane’s father requesting silence between songs during the ceremony.

14:15 , Nicole Vassell

Victoria Mary Clarke as her car journeys from Dublin to Nenagh for Shane MacGowan’s funeral mass.

14:00 , Nicole Vassell

At the procession, Irish school pupils held up signs in tribute to MacGowan, reading “You helped the world to fall in, you’re on your way” and “RIP to the Irish Rover, Grá [love]”.

13:45 , Barney Davis

A stone tribute rests outside of the church in Nenagh where Shane MacGowan’s funeral mass will take place in less than two hours’ time.

13:30 , Barney Davis

Irish actor Aidan Gillen (Game of Thrones) appears to have arrived outside of St Mary’s of the Rosary Church ahead of the funeral mass this afternoon.

WATCH: Crowds sing Shane MacGowan's hits as funeral procession travels through Dublin

13:15 , Nicole Vassell

Pub landlord reveals that Shane MacGowan was ‘shy gent’

13:05 , Nicole Vassell

Despite MacGowan being a globally known musician with a reputation for wild behaviour, those who knew him off-stage remember him as being more introverted and quiet than his public persona suggested.

Philly Ryan, MacGowan’s favourite pub landlord, told The Independent that the “Fairytale of New York” singer “didn’t act like the huge rockstar he was”.

“Shane was very shy,” he continued. “I saw him on the Late, Late Show all the time and I asked him ‘what’s the matter with you? That’s not the Shane I know’. But he was very shy and nervous going on those talk shows.

“That hellraiser persona that was just fake. He would come to my pub and play pool on his own have a few drinks and while away his days relaxing.”

Barney Davis reports:

‘Shane MacGowan was no hellraiser - he was shy and had Christmas dinner at 8pm’

MacGowan’s widow thanks Irish police for assistance with procession

12:50 , Nicole Vassell

Victoria Mary Clarke, who was Shane MacGowan’s partner for decades before they married in 2018, has shared her gratitude to the Irish police for escorting the singer’s coffin.

The journalist wrote on Twitter: “Thank you so much GardaTraffic for your help today and for the escort for Shane MacGowan.”

The coffin was transferred from a horse-drawn carriage to a car ahead of the service being held in Nenagh, County Tipperary.

12:45 , Nicole Vassell

The coffin is now on its way to Nenagh, County Tipperary, where a funeral mass will take place at St Mary’s of the Rosary Church at 3.30pm.

12:40 , Nicole Vassell

An impromptu rendition of “Fairytale of New York” broke out after the procession passed Westland Row and Lincoln Place in Dublin. Journalist David Young shared some footage on Twitter/X:

12:30 , Nicole Vassell

Some of the many mourners who turned out to pay final respects to Shane MacGowan this morning.

12:24 , Nicole Vassell

Shane MacGowan’s coffin is on the move to Tipperary after making its way across Mac Mahon Bridge in Dublin, where the streets are lined with mourners paying tribute to the musician.

Josie Feeney from County Leitrim travelled nearly 200km to Dublin to pay tribute during the street procession. She told PA: “My father’s family were from Tipperary, my grandmother was from Nenagh.

“We don’t always know all the lyrics but this week we know more of Shane’s lyrics, they are really very moving, they are poetry. He was a genius.

“His legacy will live on forever,” she continued. “Bruce Springsteen said in 100 years’ time we will be singing the words of his songs.”

12:14 , Barney Davis

Parents have gathered to collect their children as schools in Ireland closed early for Shane MacGowan’s funeral today.

One grandfather, Jimmy Byrne, waiting at the school gates said: “The kids are loving it. My granddaughter asked why she didn’t get the full day off but she was getting greedy.”

12:04 , Nicole Vassell

Victoria Mary Clarke, Shane MacGowan’s widow, is pictured smiling in a car as part of the funeral procession before the service in Nenagh later today.

12:00 , Nicole Vassell

Shane MacGowan’s coffin is draped in the Irish tricolour as it makes its farewell journey throughout Dublin.

11:55 , Nicole Vassell

Mourners throw flowers towards the horse-drawn carriage as the procession makes its way through Dublin.

11:53 , Nicole Vassell

Musicians are currently leading the public in a rendition of “Fairytale Of New York” outside Sweny’s pharmacy in central Dublin.

11:50 , Nicole Vassell

Here’s another view of the Artane Band as they travel down Pearse Street in Dublin.

11:45 , Nicole Vassell

Irish broadcaster Maïa Dunphy shared footage of the “emotional beginning” of MacGowan’s procession, showing the band of musicians marching through the city.

11:35 , Nicole Vassell

As they await the procession’s passing, some mourners have gathered to sing “Dirty Old Town”, a Ewan MacColl song made famous by The Pogues in 1985.

WATCH: Thousands line the streets in Dublin for funeral procession

11:30 , Nicole Vassell

Who is expected to attend the funeral?

11:18 , Nicole Vassell

Shane MacGowan was well-liked not only by fans, but by his fellow performers across the entertainment industry.

Johnny Depp is expected to attend the service in Tipperary. The actor was a friend of the Pogues frontman and attended his wedding to Victoria Mary Clarke in Copenhagen in 2018.

Bono and Nick Cave were also close friends with the singer, and are expected to attend later today.

Mourners gather in Dublin for funeral procession

10:58 , Nicole Vassell

A procession for Shane MacGowan will begin in Dublin at 11am, before the funeral mass in Nenagh, Tipperary this afternoon.

Aidan Grimes, 60, is one fan paying respects to MacGowan in the Irish capital, and described the Pogues star as “an icon”.

“I remember the first time I saw The Pogues in the Hammersmith Odeon in 1985,” Grimes told PA. “It is imprinted in my mind forever, just the madness and mayhem, the raucus nature of his singing and the music they were playing. Through the years he evolved into a great poet and he will be sadly missed.

“I met him in Dublin about 15 years ago and he was a very charming, nice, friendly man. He talked about music and his time in London.

“I thought it was important to pay my respects. He was an icon of Dublin, just like Brendan Behan, Luke Kelly. His music will be listened to in 100 years’ time.”

Shane MacGowan’s cause of death revealed as world mourns irrepressible Pogues frontman

10:35 , Nicole Vassell

Earlier this week, MacGowan’s cause of death was reported as pneumonia.

The Pogues frontman had struggled with ill health for a significant amount of time prior to his death, and was admitted to the hospital for encephalitis last December.

Shane MacGowan’s cause of death revealed as world mourns Pogues frontman

Why 'Fairytale of New York’ might still not make Christmas No1

20:32 , Kevin Perry

For all the renewed attention ‘Fairytale of New York’ has received after MacGowan’s death, it still might not end up as Christmas Number 1 this year. Read the full story here

Where will the funeral procession go?

09:30 , Nicole Vassell

Shane MacGowan’s funeral will take place in Nenagh, Tipperary later today.

Members of the public are expected to line the streets to catch a glimpse of the procession, which will begin at St Lotts Road in Dublin City Centre at 11am.

The procession, reported to involve a horse-drawn carriage as well as the Artane Band and a piper, will then travel through the city across MacMahon Bridge and onto Pearse Street.

It will turn onto Westland Row, onto Fenian Street and conclude at Denzille Lane at approximately 11.45am.

MacGowan’s public funeral mass, which will be live-streamed, will take place at St Mary’s of the Rosary Church in Nenagh at 3.30pm.

Irish President Michael D Higgins is expected to attend alongside stars such as Jonny Depp and Nick Cave.

Following the funeral mass, the public will also have the opportunity to pay their respects as the funeral cortege moves through Nenagh town centre from Church Road to Market Cross.

Shane MacGowan’s widow shares some words ahead of funeral

09:00 , Nicole Vassell

On Thursday, Victoria Mary Clarke, widow of MacGowan, shared some words ahead of his funeral – and noted that the Pogues star was no fan of memorials, himself.

“Shane hated funerals and he refused to go to them with a few rare exceptions,” she wrote. “So it’s incredible to think that so many people want to come to his and that so many beautiful people are pouring their hearts and souls into making it magnificent and magical and memorable for him and for us who are left behind.”

Clarke concluded her Instagram post by saying she understood anyone who didn’t want to attend her late husband’s service, as well as her hope that people remember MacGowan for his kind treatment of others.

She wrote: “If you want to remember him, the next time you see a homeless person stop and give them your time and your compassion and your respect and treat them like a brother or a sister.”

Shane MacGowan’s wife Victoria ‘can’t believe’ funeral is on Friday

MacGowan’s widow 'spent 35 years worrying about his death’

06:30 , Sam Rkaina

Shane MacGowan’s widow, Victoria Mary Clarke, said she worried about his death for 35 years because he “pushed the boundaries of what humans can do to their bodies”.

The Pogues frontman, best known for classic Christmas hit song Fairytale Of New York, died last week at the age of 65.

The gritty song is now battling to score the coveted Christmas number one spot, a feat not achieved when it was originally released in 1987, having peaked at number two in the charts.

Clarke told ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Thursday: “I don’t think Shane would mind too much if Fairytale goes to number one.

“I don’t think it was ever that important to him, because I think that he really appreciated the fact that so many people love it and it means so much to so many people, and being number one isn’t really all about being appreciated.”

The Darkness perform tribute to Shane MacGowan in Dublin

05:45 , Barney Davis

The Darkness launched into a spine-tingling rendition of Fairy Tale of New York getting the Dublin crowd to sing along on the night before his funeral.

The rockers captioned the video shot at the Olympia Theatre: “Thanks for the sing-a-long Dublin. R.I.P. Shane MacGowan”

Local band honoured to perform at Shane MacGowan’s funeral in Nenagh

03:45 , Barney Davis

Popular local outfit Cronin were chosen to play Shane MacGowan’s funeral alongside international megastar Nick Cave.

The Longford band have a long relationship with the late Pogues frontman, having joined forces on RTE’s Late Late Show.

Singer Mick Cronin said the memories of recording with Shane and playing at festivals will always stay with them.

“We have lost a dear friend, an idol, a collaborator, a band member, a Fenian, a genius and a proud Irishman,” he said.

Fairytale in New York could be set for Irish Number One

02:30 , Barney Davis

The Pogues biggest hit could top the charts in Ireland after a fierce campaign launched when it was realised Fairytale was being beaten to No 1 in the UK by Wham and Mariah Carey.

Shane’s widow Victoria Mary Clarke had shared the Irish Sun front page on her Instagram Stories helping a late push that put the Christmas classic 700 units ahead of Noah Kahan in the Irish charts.

An Irish chart insider told The Irish Sun: “Pogues fans have embraced downloading.

“It’s a Fairytale comeback that would put a smile on Shane’s face.”

Bono set to miss MacGowan’s funeral due to Las Vegas show

01:45 , Barney Davis

After much speculation the Irish Sun is reporting that U2 megastar Bono will be unable to attend Shane MacGowan’s final farewell in Tipperary, as U2 are due to perform a sold-out Las Vegas show that same night.

A source said: “U2 are due to play Las Vegas on Friday night and it’s sold-out, there is no way the lads could make it back for Shane’s funeral unfortunately.

“They are very saddened by this. Shane was a great friend of the lads, Bono and The Edge were among the few allowed in to see him. They’ll honour him in their own way.”

Nick Cave and Johnny Depp are expected to be at the Public Mass in Nenagh.

Plans for Shane MacGowan’s funeral procession through Dublin and on to Nenagh

Thursday 7 December 2023 23:51 , Barney Davis

The Pogues singer’s coffin is scheduled to arrive by hearse at Ringsend at 10.30am on Friday and once there it will be transferred to a horse-drawn carriage.

At 11am, the carriage is due to be led by the Artane Band and a lone piper along South Lotts Road, over McMahon Bridge and Grand Canal Dock, and along Pearse Street.

It will be followed by the chief mourners, led by the singer’s widow Victoria Mary Clarke, in a procession.

His personal driver and former pub landlord Philly Ryan will be in the hearse.

The hearse and family cars will then leave Dublin for Nenagh, Co Tipperary.

The funeral Mass is to be held at 3.30pm in St Mary of the Rosary Church, Nenagh, close to the homeplace of MacGowan’s mother, Therese.

With a high turnout expected, the funeral mass is to be broadcast live via the official Shane MacGowan Facebook page and across pubs in the area.

Nick Cave pens poignant tribute to ‘greatest songwriter of his generation’

Thursday 7 December 2023 20:30 , Barney Davis

Nick Cave, who has been confirmed as playing a song at the Public Mass for Shane MacGowan on Friday, penned a poignant tribute to the “beautiful and damaged” singer.

He recalled a tribute gig to Shane on his 60th birthday in Dublin on his Red Hand Files blog.

He wrote: “Shane’s wife, Victoria, then pushed Shane on in a wheelchair and, well, I know I should be talking about the pure unbridled genius of Shane MacGowan and how he was the greatest songwriter of his generation, with the most terrifyingly beautiful of voices — all of which is true — but what struck me at that moment was the extraordinary display of love for this man, so powerful and deep, that poured forth from the audience.

“Shane was not revered just for his manifold talents but also loved for himself alone. A beautiful and damaged man, who embodied a kind of purity and innocence and generosity and spiritual intelligence unlike any other.

“Sinéad once said of Shane, ‘He is an angel. An actual angel’. Whether or not this is the case, who’s to say? But Shane was blessed with an uncommon spirit of goodness and a deep sense of what is true, which was strangely amplified in his brokenness, his humanness. We can say of him most certainly, ‘he was beloved on the earth,’ and Sinéad too — truly beloved and greatly missed, both.”

Councillor organising Nenagh’s tribute to Shane MacGowan saying he is struggling to get his own wife a ticket to church mass

Thursday 7 December 2023 19:30 , Barney Davis

Independent Cllr Séamie Morris who has been busy organising road closures and The Pogues music pumping through the Nenagh town centre gave the Independent a tour of Shane MacGowan’s favourite pub Philly Ryan’s.

He told The Independent: “The town has been mucking in together. The council workers have been working so hard to make the town look sparkling.

“To get into the church will be nigh on impossible I’m struggling to get my own wife a seat. The Mass will hopefully be streamed in all the pubs nearby which would be a lovely atmosphere.”

He added there will be plans to honour the singer with a mural or statue in town to recognise his incredible legacy.

“Even Bruce Springsteen says he is a genius some say Johnny Depp has been in town for the last couple of days. He will always be remembered here and his name will live on.

“As a musician and a wordsmith. It is a huge loss to the entire world. I’ve heard his music play in bars across Kathmandu.

“He had the Irish immigrant experience coming from England. If he lived here his whole life he could have ended up working on a building site. He needed that journey to make him who he is.”

Shane MacGowan’s widow shares emotional post ahead of husband’s funeral

Thursday 7 December 2023 17:30 , Barney Davis

Victoria Mary Clarke, wife of late Pogues singer Shane MacGowan, has reflected on her relationship with the musician ahead of his funeral on Friday.

The irrepressible Anglo-Irish frontman, known for songs including “Fairytale of New York” and “The Old Main Drag”, died last week aged 65.

His wife said the cause of his death was pneumonia.

Shane MacGowan’s favourite bar stool remains empty at his pub just metres away from his resting place

Thursday 7 December 2023 17:00 , Sam Rkaina

Philly Ryan’s, the pub where you could most likely find Shane MacGowan having a Guinness, has left his favourite stool empty the night before his funeral.

Regulars shared memories of MacGowan bursting into song unexpectedly from this spot. It is a normal day with the snooker on a big screen and the Christmas tree lights blinking.

It is the calm before the storm where thousands are expected to descend on the town and the pubs to pay their respects on Friday.

Philly Ryan, the former landlord who will also act as MacGowan ’s undertaker, said the singer approached him in 2017 to talk about his funeral at his wife Victoria’s birthday party.

MacGowan ’s body lies just over the road from his favourite pub.

Allstar lineup announced for Shane MacGowan’s funeral

Thursday 7 December 2023 16:45 , Sam Rkaina

Music will feature strongly at Shane MacGowan’s mass, which gets underway at 3.30pm on Friday after his casket is driven around Dublin.

Nick Cave, who called MacGowan the “greatest songwriter of his generation”, will be among those performing at the public mass at St Mary’s of the Rosary Church in Nenagh.

Singers at the emotional ceremony will be Glen Hansard, Finbarr Furey, Cave and Lisa O’Neill.

For those unable to squeeze into the church the ceremony will be streamed live around pubs in the town with mourners encouraged to raise a glass to The Pogues singer.

Schools to close early as all eyes on Nenagh for Shane MacGowan’s funeral

Thursday 7 December 2023 22:59 , Barney Davis

Local schools in Nenagh will close early on Friday as the world’s greatest songwriters and global media descend on the rural town ahead of Shane MacGowan’s funeral.

Primary schools will shut at 12noon while the secondary schools will close at 12.30pm it was announced.

The schools were asked to consider finishing early as traffic restrictions will be in place from 8am.

Nenagh locals have been trying to switch shifts to get the time off from work to join in the celebration of MacGowan’s life.

The iconic singer’s funeral mass will take place at 3.30pm at St Mary’s of the Rosary Church with Father Pat Gilbert overseeing the service.

Shane MacGowan’s family thank public for support

Thursday 7 December 2023 23:04 , Barney Davis

The family of Shane MacGowan issued a statement late on Thursday, saying they are “very grateful for the affection and messages of condolence they have received since his passing”.

“In order for as many people as possible to have a chance to say their own slán to Shane, his funeral procession in Dublin, will be followed by a funeral mass in Nenagh which will be broadcast live, and then a final farewell procession through Nenagh town.

The 65-year-old singer passed away on November 30 following a battle with pneumonia. His wife of five years and long-time partner Victoria Mary Clarke and his family were by his bedside.