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On this day, the crowds of mourners sang softly as they followed the horse-drawn carriage, singing songs that were once raucous ballads. Their voices floated into the grey Dublin sky, bidding farewell to Shane MacGowan.
The lead singer of The Pogues had passed away, but his mourners found solace in the lyrics that were rarely as powerful as they were during his funeral procession through the center of Dublin on Friday.
As the nearly 50-member marching band made their way, there were both tears and applause as they stopped to perform “Fairytale of New York” and other popular songs. For some, these tunes brought back memories of pubs and clubs, living spaces and early days, aspirations, and heartache.
Sean O’Donnell, holding a tricolour flag, expressed the significance of bidding farewell to a great legend as a large crowd gathered. He also mentioned that these songs will continue to be cherished even after a century.
The parade served as an introduction to a star-studded funeral in Nenagh, County Tipperary. On Saturday, the deceased’s remains would be cremated and their ashes scattered into the river that inspired MacGowan’s The Broad Majestic Shannon, which tells the story of a longing for home from someone in exile.
Dermot Doran, 55, stated that the individual in question was a remarkable Irish figure. He represented the essence and character of our nation, flaws and all, and did so brilliantly. We will forever be honored by Shane, much like the English are of Charles Dickens.
In 1986, during a performance in New York, Doran remembers MacGowan drinking from a large bottle of white wine and offering it to the crowd. This is not something commonly seen today.
The composer and singer passed away on November 30th at 65 years old after a lengthy illness. This news prompted tributes from various artists and musicians across the globe, acknowledging the Pogues’ pioneering Celtic punk sound as a major influence.
Johnny Depp, Nick Cave, Bod Geldof, and President Michael D Higgins were all present at the funeral service held in Tipperary, the birthplace of MacGowan’s maternal relatives. Outside St. Mary of the Rosary church in Nenagh, messages were displayed that echoed his song lyrics. One message read, “Sadly, I must depart.”
Glen Hansard and Lisa O’Neill sang Fairytale of New York while Cave performed A Rainy Night in Soho, receiving cheers from the audience and bystanders outside the church. Depp and former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams read passages. A recording of Bono reading was also played.
Father Pat Gilbert stated that death was a central theme in MacGowan’s music. He expressed that Shane’s life was an inspiration to many and his shining presence brought hope to our often dismal and lonely days.
In a memorial speech, MacGowan’s sister, Siobhan, stated that even though he was raised in England, her brother had a strong connection to his Irish heritage and considered Tipperary to be his true home.
Shane experienced the enchanting chaos of this location, and in addition to his mother’s musical abilities, his father’s passion for literature, and their unwavering love for their child, it would ultimately have the biggest impact on his life.
She recalled MacGowan’s receiving a lifetime achievement award from Higgins on his 60th birthday. “He cried,” she said. “He dreamed of one day being a teller of stories and singer of songs. When the president put that award within his hand, he knew he had achieved that dream.”
Victoria Mary Clarke, the widow of the singer, expressed her happiness in finding love with MacGowan by comparing it to winning the lottery. She also pleaded for empathy towards addicts, acknowledging that he struggled with all types of drugs but was determined to overcome his addiction. She encourages others to reconsider their assumptions about individuals struggling with alcoholism and to offer understanding instead.
On Friday, people gathered along the path in Dublin where the procession was taking place. A few of them threw flowers onto the carriage carrying the coffin, which was covered with the Irish flag. Others raised their drinks in a show of respect. Many shared stories about MacGowan, some of which were wild, others emotional, and some glossing over his struggles with substance abuse.
“I simply had to attend,” explained 54-year-old Judith Fitzgerald. “The liveliness, the vitality, and the dialogue – they evoked laughter, tears, and dancing.”
Uinseain de Búrca, who is 48 years old, expressed that MacGowan’s music had been a major part of his life. “Although I never had the chance to meet him in person, I feel a strong connection to him as if he has always been a part of my life.”
John Farrell, aged 47, was seen sporting a mohawk and a T-shirt with the words “20th-century paddy” written on it. He expressed his sadness at the loss of a hero, stating that MacGowan’s music will always be remembered.
MacGowan was born in Kent and raised in London as the child of Irish immigrants. He combined elements of punk, folk, and other genres in his work with the Pogues and other musical partnerships, creating a unique mix of rebellion and sentimentality.
Ian Davis, age 60, who lived in a London squat during the 1980s, described him as an atypical representative of his generation. According to Davis, many people in the squat were feeling isolated and struggling with excessive drinking, but hearing him speak provided solace and also instilled a sense of pride when fellow English individuals also embraced him.
At the age of 61, Terry Whelan flew from Scotland early in the morning to bid farewell. He plans to join the procession and then honor him with a toast at O’Donoghue’s.
The Christmas classic “Fairytale of New York,” performed as a duet with Kirsty MacColl, has become a holiday tradition, but it has never reached number one on the UK charts. However, this week it rose to third place, just one week before this year’s Christmas No 1 will be determined.
Source: theguardian.com
