Sir Bob Geldof and Bono led mourners in saying a “last goodbye” to Sinead O’Connor as the Nothing Compares 2 U star was laid to rest in Ireland on Tuesday.
Before O’Connor was buried in Bray in her native Ireland, thousands of mourners gathered on the streets to say a “last goodbye” to their beloved singer. The songstress, who was known for her unabashed activism was found dead at the age of 56 in her penthouse apartment in London on July 26.
A private funeral service was held for O’Connor which was attended by Bob Geldof and U2 star Bono before the songstress’ cortege traveled along Bray seafront. Fans got the opportunity to shower her coffin with flowers as a Volkswagen camper van accompanying the procession played her music.
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The cortege paused briefly at her former home, where she lived for 15 years, as a loud applause broke out Mourners wept as they placed their hands on the hearse carrying the coffin.
Imam Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri presented a moving eulogy at O’Connor’s service, saying in his speech that the star had “suffered more than her share of hardship and adversity”. He stressed on how O’Connor would be remembered as a “beloved daughter of Ireland” whose “voice moved a generation of young people”.
He added: “Sinead’s voice carried with it an undertone of hope, of finding one’s way home. The Irish people have long found solace in song from the sufferings of this lower abode, and Sinead was no exception, and in sharing that solace, she brought joy to countless people the world over.”
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The imam continued: “May her family and loved ones find solace in the outpouring of love from the corners of this earth for this unique daughter of Ireland who moved so many hearts with her mighty voice and unflinching honesty as an artist, poet, and human being. Sinead had a poet’s heart and, I believe, would share with us today the sentiments of the poet, Rumi, when he said: ‘This place is a dream. Only a sleeper considers it real. Then death comes like dawn, and you wake up laughing at what you thought was your grief’.”