'Open to the public': Funeral details announced for Shane MacGowan 

The funeral of singer-songwriter Shane MacGowan is to be held in Nenagh, Co Tipperary.

Members of the public are welcome to come and share in their “great memories” of Shane McGowan whose funeral is set to take place in St Mary of the Rosary Church in Nenagh, Co Tipperary next Friday.

Local Independent Councillor Seamus Morris told RTÉ’s This Week that the 65 year old had “lived his life to the full.” 

"It will be a big funeral in Nenagh. It is an open funeral. It is open to everyone and we have a very big church in Nenagh. People will be very welcome.

We are hoping that everyone can come and share in the memories of Shane McGowan who was an absolute legend.

Cllr Morris said that the requiem mass will be a celebration of the life of the frontman of The Pogues.

"There will be great stories told, there will be great friends of his that have met him over the years and celebrated life with him over years they will all be very welcome to Nenagh. Nenagh will be welcoming to them all."

Cllr Morris said fond remembrances of Shane were being shared in Philly Ryan’s pub in the town.

“He was a frequent visitor (to the pub). He was also chairman of the local Brian Hogan Celtic Supporters club so that is how involved he got. He spent many a day in Philly’s pub and also in other pubs around the area as well. He’s a very well known north Tipperary man and we are very proud of him.” 

Earlier plans had included the cortege travelling from Nenagh to Dublin on Friday morning for a procession through the capital. 

However, the funeral arrangements will now be confined to Tipperary.

Mr McGowan of Carney Commons, Nenagh and Ballsbridge in Dublin died peacefully last Thursday with his wife Victoria and family by his side. 

He passed away at his home in Dublin having spent several months in St Vincent’s Hospital.

Shane was predeceased by his mother Therese. 

He is survived by his beloved wife Victoria, his sister Siobhan and his father, Maurice, family and a large circle of friends. 

His family have asked for privacy at this “very sad time.” The family home will be private.

Shane McGowan performing at the Rose of Tralee in 2009.

One of his close friends is Gerry O’Boyle who is best known for operating London venues Filthy McNasty’s Whiskey Café and the Boogaloo pub.

Mr O’Boyle told the Brendan O’Connor Showthat he met Shane in around 1989-1990. 

He said that the public image of Shane was at odds with the reality of him being a “quiet, shy and deeply spiritual” man.

There was a quieter side to him. He was an inherently rural person. Although he was portrayed as a London punk which he was in his mind and in his heart, he was a very rural person.” Mr Boyle said that he had been inundated with messages from former staff since the passing of Shane.

“The first text I got was from somebody who worked for me 25 years ago. He (Shane) wore his stardom and his intellect lightly. He never made anyone feel inferior.

Any time there was an invitation to a film premiere or something you would often find bar staff with him. He made sure they were looked after.” He added that he last saw Shane about ten days ago.

“His spirit was still strong. He was smiling and peaceful. I am helping (with the funeral arrangements.) There is a good few of us on it. It is an honour.”