Hundreds of fans gathered today at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin to pay their final respects to Glen Hansard. The singer and songwriter died on July 29 at age 56 following a motorcycle accident. Mourners queued for hours at the Baroque Chapel, where his body lies in repose, to share stories about his music and influence.
Attendees at the wake spoke about Hansard’s impact on the local and global music community. Many remembered him for his humble beginnings as a busker on Grafton Street and his dedication to supporting those in need. Fans traveled from across the globe, including from the Netherlands and the United States, to stand in line and honor his legacy.
The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. Due to anticipated crowds, the venue will use a public address system for those outside. The service will also be broadcast on Irish news channels for those who cannot attend in person.
In place of flowers or other gifts, the family has requested that donations be made to the Simon Community or Ukrainian Action. These organizations represent causes Hansard supported during his life. As a central figure in the Irish music scene and the star of the film Once, he remains a significant figure in local culture.