The funeral of Glen Hansard is taking place this afternoon at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, as Ireland bids farewell to the beloved singer-songwriter.
The 56-year-old, known for his role as frontman of The Frames and his Oscar-winning collaboration with Marketa Irglova, died on July 29 following a one-vehicle road traffic collision. Investigators believe he lost control of his motorcycle after hitting a soft roadside verge while heading home. Despite treatment at the scene, he succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward.
Stars gather to pay respects
Mourners have started arriving at the cathedral, with Irish musicians Hozier, Imelda May, Paddy Casey, and Declan O'Rourke making their way inside. Actress Angeline Ball and comedian Steve Coogan, a friend of Hansard, are also in attendance.
Fans unable to attend in person can watch the service, which is being streamed live.
Global tributes
Tributes have poured in from around the world, including from former US President Barack Obama, Ed Sheeran, Bono, and Bruce Springsteen. Obama took to social media to share his condolences, noting that a song by Hansard was among those he and his wife Michelle had been listening to this summer.
Hansard's career spanned more than three decades. He won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 with Marketa Irglova for the track "Falling Slowly" from the film Once.
