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Thousands Gather in Dublin as Music World Farewells Glen Hansard

A music-centred funeral and public wake drew large in-person crowds and global livestream audiences while Hansard’s family asked for donations to charities in lieu of flowers.

Overview

  • Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle crash on Wednesday, July 29, and the city held a public wake at the Irish Museum of Modern Art where more than 11,000 people queued to pay their respects.
  • His funeral took place at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Tuesday with severely limited indoor access, large outdoor screens and an RTÉ livestream that organizers said reached tens of thousands.
  • The service was punctuated by live musical tributes, including Markéta Irglová and Eddie Vedder performing “The Song of Good Hope,” and a communal singalong led by Bono and The Edge.
  • Hundreds of friends, family and high-profile figures attended in person, and speakers including Hansard’s wife Maire Saaritsa and his brother Richard delivered emotional tributes focused on his generosity and role as a mentor.
  • The family asked mourners to donate to the Dublin Simon Community and Ukrainian Action instead of sending flowers, and Gardaí continue a separate investigation into the July 29 collision that caused his death.