'Deeply loved by the people of Ireland': Tributes pour in for Sinéad O'Connor

Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Singer Sinéad O’Connor, best known for her hit single Nothing Compares 2 U, has died aged 56.

Tributes from fellow music giants, fans and politicians came pouring in on Wednesday as the news of her passing broke.

President Michael D Higgins led tributes and hailed her unique talent and fearless commitment to important issues.

In a statement on Wednesday, President Higgins said his first reaction on hearing the news was to remember her extraordinarily beautiful, unique voice.

"What was striking in all of the recordings she made and in all of her appearances was the authenticity of the performance, while her commitment to the delivery of the song and its meaning was total," he said.

Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Ireland has lost one of our greatest and most gifted composers, songwriters and performers of recent decades, the President continued.

Her voice was original and extraordinary, he said, and the way she moved across different forms of art was a singular achievement.

"Sinéad O’Connor’s voice and delivery was in so many different ways original, extraordinary and left one with a deep impression that to have accomplished all she did while carrying the burden which she did was a powerful achievement in its own way," said President Higgins.

Her contribution joins those great achievements of Irish women who contributed to our lives, its culture, and its history in their own unique but unforgettable ways."

He said that O'Connor had an extraordinary connection with her audience who held great love and warmth for her.

"Those who had the privilege of knowing her could not help but be struck by the depth of her fearless commitment to important issues which she would bring to public attention no matter how uncomfortable those truths may have been."

He extended his condolences to her family and those with whom she shared her life.

"May her spirit find the peace she sought in so many different ways.”

Icon Factory, an artist's co-operative, created images of famous Irish cultural icons and installed them on blank walls and derelict property in Dublin's Temple Bar in 2001 to create tourist trails know as the Icon Walks. File picture: Collins Photos

Broadcaster Dave Fanning said the singer was "completely her own woman".

Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1's Arena, Fanning looked back to the beginning of her career, Fanning said that her first interview was with him.

He said that you could tell from that day that she was capable of so much.

Distinctive, fiery, fantastic and brilliant, an emotional Fanning simply could not sing her praises more.

"As a person, I mean my god, everything she did. She was just so her own person," he said.

"Sure, the fiery temperament. But the heartache of growing up and the family falling apart etc."

Noting the many times the outspoken singer made headlines, he said the often people forgot about the music.

"She made that Prince song one of the greatest love songs of all time. She went through so many different kinds of things music-wise.

"Over the last few years, How About I be me and You be You and I'm Not Bossy, I'm the Boss, just shows just what great pop songs she could do and what great rock songs."

Aslan, who collaborated with O'Connor on Up in Arms in 2001, lost lead singer Christy Dignam last month.

"Two legends taken from us so closely together... No words... Rest in peace, Sinéad," a post on the band's Facebook page said.

The lead singer of alt-rock band The Charlatans referred to O’Connor as the “true embodiment of a punk spirit”.

In a tweet, Tim Burgess wrote: “Sinéad was the true embodiment of a punk spirit.

She did not compromise and that made her life more of a struggle. Hoping that she has found peace.” 

In a testament to how wide-reaching O'Connor and her music were, American rapper and actor Ice T paid tribute saying she was someone who stood for something.

"Respect to Sinéad….. She stood for something… Unlike most people…. Rest Easy”, he wrote on Twitter accompanied by a praying hands emoji.

Canadian pop band Stars encouraged people to remember her as a brilliant artist and a true punk.

"Listen to her amazing records and remember how she spoke truth to power, and then do the same, in her name," the band wrote on Twitter.

Author Marian Keyes said the iconic singer was an “amazing, brave, beautiful, unique wonder”.

Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he was “really sorry” to hear the news of O’Connor’s death.

“Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare”, he tweeted on Wednesday evening.

“Condolences to her family, her friends and all who loved her music.

“Ar dheis De go Raibh a hAnam.” 

  

Tánaiste Micheál Martin also shared his devastation on hearing the news and offered his condolences.

"One of our greatest musical icons, and someone deeply loved by the people of Ireland, and beyond".

Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill also paid tribute in a statement, saying: “Ireland has lost one of our most powerful and successful singer, songwriter and female artists.

“A big loss not least to her family and friends, but all her many followers across the world.”

Comedian Dara O Briain said that he hoped O'Connor knew how much love there was for her while human rights campaigner Colm O'Gorman said: "It is hard to think of an artist who has had the social and cultural impact of Sinéad."