Stars from "The Commitments," along with notable figures like Steve Coogan and Gerry Adams, gathered at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin on Tuesday for the funeral of musician Glen Hansard. Hansard, 56, died in a motorcycle crash on the outskirts of Dublin the previous week. He was an Oscar winner for his song "Falling Slowly" from the 2008 film "Once."
Angeline Ball, who portrayed Imelda Quirke in the 1991 film "The Commitments," was among the leading mourners. The service followed a wake attended by thousands of well-wishers. Steve Coogan, who collaborated with Hansard on a musical adaptation of his film "Philomena," was also in attendance. Singer Imelda May, a friend of Hansard's for 35 years, also paid her respects.
Hansard was a prominent figure in the Irish music scene, known for his work with the rock duo The Swell Season and his solo albums, including "Didn't He Ramble," which received a Grammy nomination. For many years, he led the annual Christmas Eve charity busk on Grafton Street and outside The Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, raising funds for the Dublin Simon Community. He also participated in protests concerning Ireland's housing crisis, a march marking three years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and anti-austerity water charge protests.
His activism extended to music, including the song "Take Heart," recorded in 2022 to support Ukraine, featuring Marketa Irglová, U2 frontman Bono, and Ukrainian refugees. Hansard also toured with Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder and performed alongside artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Ed Sheeran. Former Irish president Michael D. Higgins remembered Hansard as a "wonderful musician and performer" with a gift for storytelling and a strong commitment to social issues, particularly homelessness. Bono described Hansard as an "angelic presence" and a "most musical and mischievous archangel," highlighting his dedication to helping the less fortunate and his deep connection to performing for ordinary people.
Hansard's final performance at The Wren's Nest, a Dublin pub, reportedly included lyrics about time. Fans noted the poignant nature of this final performance. Mourners at his wake and funeral shared tributes, with some reflecting on the unpredictability of life and the comfort of him doing what he loved until the end. The funeral service was held at the Baroque Chapel at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, where Hansard's wicker coffin, adorned with greenery and apples, was placed with two of his guitars. Attendees left flowers, cards, and notes in tribute to the musician.
"The Commitments" star Angeline Ball joined Steve Coogan and Gerry Adams at the funeral of Oscar-winning Irish musician Glen Hansard at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin on Tuesday.
Singer Imelda May pictured arriving for the service. Imelda was a close friend and collaborator of the late star.
Well wishers hugged each oher as they arrived at the cathedral.
