DUBLIN – A somber gathering of hundreds, including renowned Irish musicians and entertainment figures, took place in a Dublin cathedral on Tuesday for Glen Hansard’s funeral. The Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter tragically passed away last week at 56 in a motorcycle accident.
Among those present inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral were actors Steve Coogan and Chris O’Dowd, and musicians including Bono, Hozier, Declan O’Rourke, and Imelda May. They joined Hansard’s friends, family, and legions of fans who had lined up for hours.
Spectators outside the cathedral watched the proceedings on large screens as a poignant moment unfolded; pallbearers carried a wicker coffin adorned with flowers into the solemn space.
Music played a key role in the funeral service, with Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam performing “The Song of Good Hope” alongside Hansard’s longtime collaborator Markéta Irglová, showcasing the influence Hansard’s music had on many.
Bono, reflecting on Hansard’s impact, expressed that meeting Hansard was unforgettable for anyone who had the chance to encounter him, highlighting the singer’s indelible influence on everyone he met.
Bono held up his phone to play a message he’d received from singer and poet Patti Smith performing “a lullaby for Glen’s family and friends,” before reciting lyrics to U2’s “Beautiful Day.”
Hansard’s widow, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, thanked the police officers who came to his aid after the accident before reading a poem she had written for him early in their relationship.
Hansard was killed in a single-vehicle crash on the outskirts of Dublin early Wednesday, shortly after taking part in a trad music session at a pub.
He was the longtime front man of Irish rock band The Frames and played a member of a Dublin soul band in the hit 1991 movie “The Commitments.” He won an Oscar in 2008 for the song “Falling Slowly” from the movie “Once,” in which he co-starred with Irglová. A stage adaptation won eight Tony Awards in 2012.
Hansard also was half of rock duo The Swell Season with Irglová and released solo albums including “Didn’t He Ramble,” which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Folk Album in 2016.
For many years he led a Christmas Eve busk outside Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre, where members of the public gathered to see famous Irish musicians perform in aid of a homelessness charity.
News of his death brought tributes from fellow musicians including Bruce Springsteen, who said on Instagram he was “heartbroken” at the loss of “a great musician, a good friend and a generous and gracious man.”
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.