Shane MacGowan's send-off in Dublin's bustling streets
A horse-drawn carriage bore his coffin, draped in Irish flags, as mourners stood silently along the sidewalks.
Victoria Mary Clarke, MacGowan's wife, expressed her gratitude on Instagram, stating, "So many wonderful people put their whole hearts into making this possible. Majestic, magical, and unforgettable for those of us left behind."
She added, "Sean despised funerals and rarely participated, except in select occasions. It's astounding to see so many people trying to reach him."
News of MacGowan's passing at 65 years old swept social media after his death on the 30th of November, following a prolonged illness.
Clarke revealed that MacGowan was discharged from St. Vincent's Hospital in Dublin on the 22nd of November after receiving treatment for an infection.
The procession was set to commence at 11 am local time (6 am ET), following a three-kilometer route through Dublin's city center on South Lotts Road, according to Garda Síochána's statement.
MacGowan's farewell would take place at the St. Mary the Rosary Church in Nenagh, a city approximately 100 miles west of Dublin, Father Pat Gilbert, the presiding priest, disclosed to the Irish public broadcast network, RTE.
"We will host a reception, organize a mass, and conclude with a musical tribute by some of his friends," said Gilbert.
MacGowan grappled with various health issues in recent years, spending much of his time in a wheelchair since his 2015 hip surgery.
Last year, MacGowan was diagnosed with viral encephalitis, a potentially lethal ailment that triggers brain swelling.
MacGowan's heavy drinking and drug abuse took a toll, resulting in tooth loss, which he addressed with a full set of dental implants in 2015.
Clarke concluded her Instagram post, "Shane will understand if you choose not to attend the funeral, he would also not participate. But if you wish to remember him, offer time, empathy, and respect to the next homeless person you encounter, treating them as a brother or a sister."
Additional Insights
The somber procession and ceremony held in Dublin allowed for a fitting tribute to MacGowan's life and music, not only for his close family and friends but also for the broader community.
Marking the occasion, one of Dublin's iconic landmarks served as the final resting place for the beloved musician, highlighting the city's deep connection to MacGowan and the Pogues.
Furthermore, the impact of MacGowan's music transcended cultural boundaries, inspiring tribute performances in various local pubs and the broadcast of his funeral service on local radio stations, enabling his fans worldwide to pay their respects.
