'He would have loved to see all this': Shane MacGowan makes final journey through Dublin
The remains of Shane MacGowan pass through Dublin. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins
It was a heartfelt and spontaneous response to the sight of the funeral cortege of Shane MacGowan that the shy and rebellious star would have loved.
As the gates opened at the racing track on South Lotts Road in Ringsend south Dublin, the crowds who gathered to bid their final farewell to the Pogues frontman erupted into cheers.
Some were already in the throes of a sing-song. Local Sheila O’Byrne gave the crowd her rendition of Fairytale of New York, while another resident, Jasper Kearns, sang A Rainy Night in Soho.
“I’m from Ringsend and he was always down here in the early days” said Ms O’Byrne. “All the Irish singers loved this place, Shane included. He was a beautiful soul that we’ll never forget. I brought my forget-me-nots because I want to say that, that we’ll always remember him.
“We’ve had a tough year, we lost the lead singer of Bagatelle Liam Reilly first, then Christy Dignam from Aslan, and the beautiful Sinead O’Connor and now Shane. What a sad year for all the greats”.
Mr Kearns also from Ringsend added: “Shane was a legend, he would have loved to see all this, I hope they are all having a party up in heaven”.
Those who gathered were also treated to Ringsend local Paul Brannock’s performance on the banjo.
Shortly after 11am, gardaí on motorcycles got into place as the Artane Band marched out onto the streets of Ringsend, before a black horse-drawn carriage carrying the coffin of the rockstar emerged.
Draped in the Irish flag, with a black and white image of the Pogues frontman in the glass carriage, the remains of one of the country’s best-known musicians began their final journey.
The singer’s wife Victoria Mary Clarke travelled in the car behind the cortege – she later put the window down and thanked fans for coming.
She said: “I’m so pleased, thank you everybody, Shane would love this”.
The undertakers encouraged the crowd to walk with the funeral procession saying: “It’s his last day, you’re all invited to walk with him”.
A sea of faces of all ages, lined the streets of the city on both sides to catch a glimpse of the coffin.
The procession stopped on Pearse Street where the Artane band played a stunning version of Fairytale of New York while mourners wept and sang along with them.
Although he was one of the most famous and much-loved people in Ireland, his funeral procession in Dublin alone, was a million miles away from a state-managed affair.
The crowd didn’t hold back and sang along with every song, as they walked onto the main street, and touched the glass carriage and took photos.
The love the public have for MacGowan was evident during the one-hour procession which gave everyone the chance to say goodbye.
Josie Feeney, from Co Leitrim, travelled to Dublin to pay her respects.
She said: “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. Bruce Springsteen said in 100 years’ time we will be singing the words of his songs.” Kevin Sexton, from Co Fermanagh, said MacGowan opened doors for Irish people living in England.
“He made Irish people proud to be Irish at a time in London when it was a very difficult time to be Irish.
“The Troubles were in full tilt. A lot of terrible things happened.
“Shane MacGowan opened doors. He introduced Irish culture and his own unique writing ability and voice and style that opened up a mix of Irish music plus rock plus punk, his whole unique persona transformed into song that enlightened the world.”
As the procession moved on, the Artane Band played a second song, A Rainy Night in Soho, which saw large groups of people move closer to the coffin, as they became emotional by the world-famous love song.
As the cortege turned left at Pearse Street lights and passed the train station, Fairytale of New York could be heard blaring from speakers across the railway tracks and out the front doors.
The procession stopped again and performed Fairytale of New York and Rainy Night in Soho again for a fresh crowd, who all joined in.
The cortege finished up near Holles Street where Shane MacGowan’s coffin was transferred to his hearse.
Victoria Mary Clarke put the window down and waved at fans before some rushed to her and shook her hand. She then posed for photos with members of the public
Just after midday, the cortege left Dublin for MacGowna's final journey to his hometown of Nenagh where his funeral will take place at the St Mary’s of the Rosary Church in Co Tipperary.
The 65-year-old singer-songwriter passed away on November 30 after suffering ill health and pneumonia.
The musician was close friends with Sinead O’Connor who died tragically on July 26. She would have celebrated her 57th birthday today.
The Funeral of Shane MacGowan https://t.co/Egg69KmwsP
— Shane MacGowan (@ShaneMacGowan) December 8, 2023
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