Tom Dunne: Other-worldly, remarkable, jaw-dropping, Sinéad's passing is a bitter blow

'She was ferocious, but frail, and honest with it'

Sinéad O'Connor in full flight at the Point Depot in Dublin in 2003. She was fun, mischievous, full of gossip and intrigue. She adored her children, and she adored music. When you got her talking about either, it was pure joy. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins

The news of Sinéad O’Connor’s passing is a bitter blow, a true shock. She was a star. She was the reason performers are called stars. Her talent shone bright and clear. It lit up the world. The prospect of a world without her is overwhelmingly sad.

I met her many times. She was already by then a superstar, if one who had escaped its clutches somewhat. She was fun, mischievous, full of gossip and intrigue. She adored her children, and she adored music. When you got her talking about either, it was pure joy.