STAR'S MASS
Johnny Depp emotional as he reads out poignant prayer during Shane MacGowan’s funeral
A number of famous faces paid special tributes to the Fairytale of New York star at the service
HOLLYWOOD actor Johnny Depp looked emotional as he read out a poignant prayer at Shane MacGowan's funeral.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at the star-studded funeral service to say their final farewell to the Fairytale of New York icon at the Mary of the Rosary Church in Nenagh, Tipperary today.
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Applause erupted from crowds which formed a guard of honour as the iconic singer's hearse made its way to the church.
Johnny Depp, a close friend of Shane's, was among many paying their respects to their late pal.
The Pirates of The Caribbean star stood up at the altar at the mass wearing an all black suit and scarf.
He read out the prayer saying: "We pray for a deeper spirit of compassion in the world.
"And we feel the pain of others, understand their need and reach out to all who suffer in any way with a continuous love that is rooted in faith and peace. Lord hear us."
A recording from U2 frontman Bono, who could not make the mass, was played during the mass.
Music stars Nick Cave, Imelda May, and Liam O Maonlai all delivered emotional performances.
Ex-Sinn Fein President Adams delivered the first reading of the service and told how MacGowan’s wife, Victoria, asked him to say a few words in tribute.
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He said: “My words are words of gratitude, gratitude for Shane’s genius, for his songs, his creativity and his attitude,” he said, adding how he was grateful for MacGowan’s “celebration of the marginalised, the poor, the exiled and the underdogs."
Adams added that MacGowan “lifted us out of ourselves” and “never gave up”.
This was followed by Imelda May, Liam O Maonlai and Declan O'Rourke performing the song You're The One.
A record by The Pogues and another by Led Zepplin were brought to the altar as symbols of MacGowan’s life.
Other items gifts included a Tipperary flag, a Shannon Rovers jersey and a hurley.
A tray that “Spider bashed over his heading during a Pogues gig” was also brought to the alter, along with some of his favourite books, such as Joyce’s Finnegan’s Wake, and a packet of tea as MacGowan had so many each day of his life.
Singer Nick Cave has performed a moving version of The Pogues hit A Rainy Night in Soho, while Camille O'Sullivan and Mundy did a rendition of the song Haunted.
FANS LINE STREETS
Earlier today, thousands of fans lined the streets of Dublin to pay their respects to the music legend.
Shane’s journey began in South Lotts Road with a horse-drawn carriage bringing his coffin down Pearse Street and onto Westland Row, giving fans who loved him dearly the chance to say goodbye.
The funeral cortege was led by the Artane band and a lone piper who provided the soundtrack for the solemn occasion.
Music rung out through the city as crowds joined in harmony, belting out some of the musician’s most iconic hits, in what was a joyful celebration of the legend’s life.
Stunning renditions of Fairytale of New York, and A Rainy Night in Soho were performed by the Artane band to the delight of the gathered mourners.
Fans were seen throwing flowers towards the hearse, draped in the tri-colour, as it slowly passed the massive crowds.
People travelled from all over the world to be in Dublin for the first leg of Shane’s send-off.
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One man travelled from Philadelphia to remember the star after he met his wife at a Pogues concert in the early 1990s.
He said Shane MacGowan “has been a big part of our life since”.