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Irish musicians join farewells to Dolores O'Riordan

Updated / Wednesday, 24 Jan 2018 07:10
Cranberries singer Dolores O'Riordan was laid to rest in her native Limerick today
Cranberries singer Dolores O'Riordan was laid to rest in her native Limerick today

Imelda May and Mundy were among the artists who bid a final farewell to the late Dolores O'Riordan as she was laid to rest in Limerick.

The funeral mass of the late Cranberries star took place in the Church of Saint Ailbe in Ballybricken, Co Limerick on Tuesday.

Dolores O'Riordan's mother Eileen, her six siblings and her children Taylor, Molly, Dakota and stepson Donny were the principal mourners at the small rural church, close to where she grew up.

Chief celebrant was Canon Liam McNamara, a close family friend who presided at the singer's wedding in Holycross Abbey in 1994. Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly of Cashel and Emly concelebrated the mass.

Dublin singer Imelda May took to social media to pay tribute to "our fiercely talented Queen of Limerick".

In a touching post, May said: "Farewell @doloriordan our fiercely talented Queen of Limerick. She was an inspirational, trailblazing Mna an hEireann. My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and @The_Cranberries . #restinpeace."

Irish singer-songwriter Mundy paid tribute to "the Queen of Munster", writing: "Too young to go. The Queen of Munster. May @DolORiordan Rest in Peace. My prayers are with her family and friends and of course her music family @The_Cranberries."

Irish personality Celia Holman Lee also paid her respects to the iconic singer, writing: "So sad for Dolores her children and her family but I am so proud of the Limerick people and the way they have remembered her with respect and dignity and above all love. May she Rest In Peace. Celia and family xx."

Ali Hewson, wife of U2 frontman Bono, was also among those attending the funeral.

Ali Hewson arrives outside Ballybricken parish church ahead of Dolores O'Riordan's funeral

Friends and fans lined the streets to bid farewell to the iconic Cranberries frontwoman, with the funeral mass being broadcast by Limerick's local radio station Live 95FM.

 The Cranberries band member Mike Hogan (2nd R) and his wife Siobhan (C) stand outside Ballybricken parish church ahead of Dolores O'Riordan's funeral 

The funeral mass started with a poignant clip of O'Riordan singing Ave Maria with Pavarotti in 1995.

Two symbols from O'Riordan's musical career, a guitar and a platinum disc award, were brought to the altar by her niece, Eileen, and a life-long friend, Teresa.

Her nephew, Patrick, presented a picture of Our Lady of Dolours, after whom she was named. Breffni, a life-long friend of the late singer, brought up a poetry book.

Mass booklet for Dolores O'Riordan's funeral at the Church of Saint Ailbe in Ballybricken

Speaking at the funeral, Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly spoke about O'Riordan's musical talent and faith, saying: "Dolores put her God given talents at the service of others. From an early age she had a passion and love for music.

"She has been an inspiration and source of encouragement to many young artists over the years. Her gifts have resonated in the lives of many and will continue to do so as her music and her songs will continue to be played and listened to. Her singing voice was unique, far reaching and distinctly Irish."

Dolores O'Riordan was buried beside her late father Terence in a private ceremony in nearby Caherelly cemetery following the funeral mass.

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