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On this particular day, the crowd of mourners followed a horse-drawn carriage while softly singing songs that were originally composed as lively ballads. However, their voices now drifted into the somber atmosphere of Dublin as a final goodbye to Shane MacGowan.
The lead vocalist of The Pogues had passed away, but his mourners found solace in his lyrics as they followed his funeral procession through the bustling streets of Dublin on Friday.
As the nearly 50-member marching band took a break on their route, there were both tears and applause. They played well-known songs like “Fairytale of New York” that brought back memories for some of their time spent in pubs and clubs, as well as in makeshift living spaces and shared apartments. The music evoked feelings of youth, aspirations, and heartache.
Sean O’Donnell, holding a tricolour flag, stated the significance of bidding farewell to a great legend as a large crowd gathered. He also expressed how the songs of this legend will continue to be cherished for generations to come.
The parade was an introduction to a star-studded funeral in Nenagh, County Tipperary. This would be followed by a cremation on Saturday, and the ashes would be scattered into the river that inspired MacGowan’s song “The Broad Majestic Shannon,” which speaks of longing for one’s homeland while in exile.
Dermot Doran, 55, described him as “one of the most remarkable Irishmen.” He truly embodied the essence and character of our nation, flaws and all, and expressed it with great magnificence. Shane will forever be a source of pride for us, much like how the English revere Dickens.
In 1986, Doran remembered a performance in New York where MacGowan drank from a large bottle of white wine and passed it to the crowd. This kind of behavior is rare these days.
The singer and songwriter passed away on November 30th at 65 years old after a prolonged illness. This news prompted numerous tributes from fellow artists and musicians worldwide, who credited the Pogues’ pioneering Celtic punk as a major influence.
Johnny Depp, Nick Cave, Bod Geldof, and President Michael D Higgins were present at the funeral service in Tipperary, the birthplace of MacGowan’s maternal family. Tributes displayed outside St Mary of the Rosary church in Nenagh reflected his song lyrics. One message read, “It’s time for me to go, sadly.”
Glen Hansard and Lisa O’Neill sang Fairytale of New York while Cave performed A Rainy Night in Soho, receiving applause from the audience and onlookers outside the church. Depp and former leader of Sinn Féin, Gerry Adams, read passages. A recording of Bono reading was played.
Father Pat Gilbert stated that death was a central theme in MacGowan’s music. He also expressed gratitude to Shane for being a source of inspiration and bringing light into their often gloomy lives.
During a tribute to MacGowan, his sister Siobhan stated that even though he was raised in England, he had a strong connection to his Irish roots and considered Tipperary his true home.
Shane was greatly influenced by the enchanting chaos of this location, as well as the musical abilities of his mother, the literary inclinations of his father, and their unwavering love for him. This would ultimately shape his life in a profound way.
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 wife of the singer, expressed her joy in finding love with MacGowan by stating that it felt like winning the lottery. She also appealed for understanding towards those struggling with addiction, acknowledging that MacGowan had used various drugs but highlighting his efforts towards sobriety. She advised others to reconsider their assumptions about people struggling with alcoholism.
On Friday, people gathered along the route in Dublin to watch the procession. Some of those paying their respects tossed flowers onto the carriage carrying the coffin, which was draped in the Irish flag. Others raised their drinks in a gesture of tribute. Many shared stories about MacGowan, some of which were wild, others touching, and often trying to downplay his issues with alcohol and drugs.
“I couldn’t resist coming,” expressed Judith Fitzgerald, who is 54 years old. “It was the vitality, the liveliness, the words – they evoked laughter, tears, and dancing.”
Búrca, aged 48, expressed that MacGowan’s music had been a constant presence in his life. Despite never having met him in person, he felt a strong connection to him.
John Farrell, who is 47 years old, was seen with a mohawk and a T-shirt that declared MacGowan as a “20th-century paddy”. Farrell expressed his sadness, stating that he has lost a hero and believes that MacGowan’s music will be remembered for eternity.
MacGowan, who was born in Kent and raised in London, was the son of Irish immigrants. He incorporated elements of punk, folk, and other genres into his work with the Pogues and other partnerships, creating a unique blend of rebellion and sentimentality.
“Ian Davis, age 60, who lived in a London squat during the 1980s, described him as the most unconventional example of a spokesperson for his generation. Many individuals in the area were struggling with loneliness, feeling lost, and excessive drinking. His words brought comfort to them and seeing English people embrace him also evoked a sense of pride.”
61-year-old Terry Whelan flew out of Scotland early in the morning to bid farewell. “I plan on attending the procession and then toasting to him at O’Donoghue’s.”
The popular Christmas song, “Fairytale of New York,” sung as a duet with Kirsty MacColl, has become a holiday tradition. However, it has never reached the number one spot on the UK charts. Surprisingly, this week it rose to third place, leaving only one more week to determine the Christmas number one for this year.
Source: theguardian.com
