Details of Shane MacGowan's funeral have been released days on from The Pogues' frontman's death.
Known best for his band's Christmas hit, Fairytale Of New York, Shane passed away peacefully at home on November 30. The singer had suffered with ill health for several years and was hospitalised with viral encephalitis in 2022, before requiring treatment in intensive care last summer.
His wife Victoria Mary Clarke broke the news of his passing, citing pneumonia as his cause of death – just weeks before what would have been his 66th birthday on Christmas Day. Now, Victoria has confirmed her late spouse's funeral will take place on Friday, December 8 in County Tipperary.
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There, a mass will take place in the family's hometown of Nenagh, where his dad, Maurice, and sister, Siobhan, are believed to live.
The service, which has been extended to members of the public, will be held in St Mary of the Rosary Church – the same location as Shane's mum's funeral in 2017. Pals Johnny Depp and U2's Bono are expected to be in attendance, as is Irish president, Michael D Higgins.
Following the service, Shane will be cremated privately. Councillor Seamus Morris told RTE of the occasion: "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. 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. They will all be very welcome to Nenagh."
Cllr Morris added that a number of mourners had already visited Philly Ryan's pub in the town to share memories of the town. "He was a frequent visitor," he explained. "He spent many a day in Philly’s pub and in other pubs around the area. He’s a very well-known north Tipperary man and we are very proud of him."
Announcing his sad death on Thursday, Victoria, who regularly shared updates amid her husband's struggles, said: "Shane will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love of my life". A statement on the Pogues' X (formerly Twitter) account, added: "It is with the deepest sorrow and heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of SHANE MACGOWAN."
It continued: "Shane died peacefully at 3am this morning (30 November, 2023) with his wife Victoria and family by his side. "Prayers and the 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."
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