Shane MacGowan funeral. On Friday, thousands of mourners, including Irish leaders and the country’s most prominent celebrities, are expected to gather to pay their respects to Shane MacGowan, the iconic frontman of The Pogues who died last week at the age of 65.
Known for his unique voice and popular songs like “Fairytale of New York” and “Pair of Brown Eyes,” MacGowan’s passing has left a deep impact on his fans. In the town of Nenagh, where a public mass will be held on Friday at 3.30pm ahead of a private cremation, songs by The Pogues are already playing on loop.
According to his widow Victoria Mary Clarke, MacGowan died of pneumonia. Over the years, he had suffered from several health issues and had recently been discharged from a Dublin hospital where he was being treated for encephalitis.
She posted: “Shane hated funerals and he refused to go to them with a few rare exceptions.
“So it’s incredible to think that so many people want to come to his and that so many beautiful people are pouring their hearts and souls into making it magnificent and magical and memorable for him and for us who are left behind.”
Where will the funeral procession go?
Shane MacGowan’s funeral will take place in Nenagh, Tipperary later today.
Members of the public are expected to line the streets to catch a glimpse of the procession, which will begin at St Lotts Road in Dublin City Centre at 11am.
The procession, reported to involve a horse-drawn carriage as well as the Artane Band and a piper, will then travel through the city across MacMahon Bridge and onto Pearse Street.
It will turn onto Westland Row, onto Fenian Street and conclude at Denzille Lane at approximately 11.45am.
MacGowan’s public funeral mass, which will be live-streamed, will take place at St Mary’s of the Rosary Church in Nenagh at 3.30pm.
Irish President Michael D Higgins is expected to attend alongside stars such as Jonny Depp and Nick Cave.
Following the funeral mass, the public will also have the opportunity to pay their respects as the funeral cortege moves through Nenagh town centre from Church Road to Market Cross.