Sinéad O’Connor’s family thank fans for ‘outpouring of love and affection’

Virgin Radio

29 Aug 2023, 13:39

Sinéad O’Connor’s children and extended family have shared their thanks with the “countless kind people who sympathised and offered condolences” following the death of the iconic singer.

The Irish artist and activist sadly died on 26th July at the age of 56. During her career, she released 10 albums and also used her platform to raise awareness of her political views and experiences with religion and mental health. Her biggest single was a cover of Prince’s Nothing Compares 2 U, which topped the charts globally.

On 8th August, O’Connor’s funeral cortege passed through the Irish town of Bray, where thousands of fans gathered to pay their respects and lay flowers at the home of the late artist. A private burial took place shortly after. 

A month after her death, a statement posted in the family notices section of The Irish Times read: “The children of Sinéad together with Sinéad’s extended family wish to thank the countless kind people who sympathised and offered condolences on Sinéad’s recent passing. Their helpful support for the family is much appreciated.” 

The statement thanked a number of people, including the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, his wife Sabina, and An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD for attending the funeral, as well as Dingle Druid Juli Ní Mhaoileóin for leading the funeral service and for speaking at the interment, and Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri and his colleagues for the Muslim prayers and blessing of Sinéad. 

Musicians who played at the funeral service were thanked, as well as various staff and media personnel.

And of course, the fans. “Finally, we wish to thank Sinéad’s fans and admirers for the wonderful funeral procession they gave her past her old home in Bray and for the national and international outpouring of love and affection for Sinéad from the time of her passing,” the statement read. 

“The prayers and thanks of the extended O’Connor family are with you all.”