Book of condolence opened for Shane MacGowan

Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste has opened an online Book of Condolence for the citizens of Dublin to extend their sympathies to the family of Shane MacGowan.

 The Lord Mayor said, “On behalf of the people of Dublin I would like to express my condolences to Shane MacGowan’s family and many friends. I knew he had been very ill but today’s news still came as a shock, as I’m sure it did to many of us.”

“It is especially poignant that the writer of one of the most universally loved Christmas songs has passed away at this time of year,” he said.

“Shane was truly a one-off and his loss will be felt by people right across this city and indeed the entire country. I have opened a book of condolence in the Mansion House for people who would like to leave a message for Shane’s family in person, or online at Book Of Condolence Shane McGowan.”

The Mansion House will be open for people to pay their respects from 2pm-5pm today, and Friday and Saturday between 11am and 5pm.

“Rest in Peace Shane and thanks for the music,” de Róiste added.

The singer was recently discharged from hospital, and passed away at home in the early hours of this morning.

MacGowan was being treated in St Vincents after being diagnosed with encephalitis last year.

In recent years, MacGowan was confined to a wheelchair.

President Michael D Higgins led the tributes to MacGowan, saying “Shane will be remembered as one of music’s greatest lyricists. So many of his songs would be perfectly crafted poems, if that would not have deprived us of the opportunity to hear him sing them.”