Details revealed ahead of Shane MacGowan’s funeral
Following the death of The Pogues singer Shane MacGowan on November 30th, details of his funeral have been revealed by his family.
MacGowan, who was aged 65, died in hospital after a lengthy stay after being diagnosed with the brain inflammation encephalitis. Tributes have since poured in from across the musical landscape, including from Bruce Springsteen, Nick Cave, and U2, who covered The Pogues song ‘A Rainy Night In Soho’ during their performance at the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas on December 1st.
The late musician’s funeral is set to be held in County Tipperary on December 8th, which is where he spent the early years of his life before moving to Kent. The public are free to attend a mass in his honour in Nenagh.
Speaking to RTÉ News, local councillor Seamus Morris said: “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.”
Morris continued: “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.”
President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, is expected to attend the service. Many notable musicians who knew MacGowan are also due to travel to Tipperary for the funeral.
After his death, a statement was issued on behalf of MacGowan’s widow Victoria Mary Clarke, hissister Siobhan and father Maurice. Their message reads: “It is with the deepest sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shane MacGowan. Shane died peacefully at 3am this morning (November 30th) with his wife Victoria and family by his side.”
The statement continued: “Prayers and last rites were read which gave comfort to his family. He is survived by his wife Victoria, his sister Siobhan and his father, Maurice, family and a large circle of friends. Further details will be announced shortly but the family ask for privacy at this very sad time.”
In a new tribute, shared on December 4th, Clarke wrote on X: “It’s so hard to believe that someone could be so vibrant and beautiful and so determined to live only a few days ago. But so many people are losing loved ones all over the world. My prayers are for all of you guys as Shane’s would be.”
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