Mick Clifford: A funeral like no other in parting full of love for Shane MacGowan 

They came from across the arts and as far away as Hollywood to bid goodbye to a man whose songs reached down through generations

The coffin bearing the remains of Shane MacGowan leaves the funeral in Nenagh. Picture: Larry Cummins

The streets of Nenagh were softened with Christmas lights as Shane MacGowan was sent on his way on Friday. 

In the vicinity of St Mary’s Church, you could hear the first piano notes of the late singer’s paean to the lonely at this time of year. But whatever loneliness afflicted MacGowan in a life lived by his own rules, the farewell afforded him was heavy with love and longing. And more than a few wry expressions of amazement that he made it as far as he did.