O’Connor lived in Bray for many years and her family had encouraged mourners from the public to come there to pay tribute to her life and legacy, before the private funeral for family and friends takes place.
Before the funeral had a large installation on the coast of Bray erected in O’Connor’s memory, with the text “Eire loves Sinéad” (Irish for “Ireland loves Sinéad”).
“Exists forever”
Flowers, lit candles and handwritten letters had been placed outside her old home. Many of them also thank her for her voice and music.
“You are forever in my heart”, could be read on one of the letters, according to Irish Times.
The crowd applauded as O’Connor’s music played over the crowd awaiting the motorcade. Many wiped away tears or sang along and danced as O’Connor’s biggest hit “Nothing compares 2 u” played.
The motorcade past her house was only supposed to start at 10.30am local time, but was postponed and didn’t start until 12pm.
Turned 56 years old
The cortege stopped temporarily outside her residence in Montebello. Fans gathered threw flowers at the car carrying O’Connor’s casket and shouted “we love you”, cheered and applauded as Bob Marley’s “Natural Mystic”, from the album “Exodus” (1977) was played.
The crowd continued to follow the cortege down the street. Among those present was Irish musician Liam Ó Maonlaí of Hothouse Flowers. The President of Ireland attends the private funeral.
O’Connor was born in 1966 and was found dead in London on 26 July 2023, aged 56. The death notice provoked strong reactions around the world.