The family of late Pogues singer Shane MacGowan released a heartfelt statement ahead of his funeral tomorrow.
Shane MacGowan died last month aged 65, having been discharged from hospital with an infection.
The musician is to be laid to rest at St Mary’s of the Rosary Church in Nenagh, co Tipperary, where his mother Therese also came from, a service which will be open to the public.
Before MacGowan is laid to rest, a procession will lead through Dublin’s south inner-city, where the singer lived with his wife Victoria Mary Clarke in Ballsbridge.
The Artane Band will lead a horse-drawn carriage to take Shane through Ringsend and Pearse Street between 10.30 and 11.45am.
Actor Johnny Depp who was also best man at Shane MacGowan and Victoria Mary Clarke’s wedding in 2018, is expected to attend the funeral, alongside singer Nick Cave and President Michael D Higgins. More on that here.
‘the champion of Ireland’
Ahead of tomorrow’s service, Shane MacGowan’s family hailed the singer as “the champion of Ireland” in a moving statement.
This statement was released by Shane’s wife Victoria, his father Maurice, sister Síobhan and extended family.
“Shane MacGowan’s wife Victoria Mary Clarke, his father Maurice, sister Siobhan and wider family would like to thank everyone for the enormous outpouring of affection and messages of condolence they have received since his passing”, the statement began.
They also added, “Knowing that people might wish to have the opportunity to say a final farewell,’ the statement continued, ‘on Friday 8th December from 11.00am, Shane’s funeral cortege will pass through the streets of Dublin”.
“The Gardai have asked that people wishing to pay their final respects to Shane gather on the footpath along this route”.
It concluded by saying, “Shane’s family are thankful for the many people who loved him as a musician, songwriter, and champion of Ireland and its culture and hope they are in some way repaying that loyalty by giving those who loved and admired him a chance to wish him God Speed and say Slán”.
