Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald has expressed her deep shock and sadness at the death of Glen Hansard.
Describing Glen Hansard as a “sublime talent and one of Ireland’s most significant musicians”, Ms McDonald said he has left an indelible mark on the Irish musical landscape.
Teachta McDonald said, “Glen Hansard was a sublime talent and one of Ireland’s most significant singer-songwriters. His voice, his songs and his performances reverberated with energy, connection and passion. As the lead singer with The Frames, and later as a solo artist, Glen Hansard produced work that has left an indelible mark on the Irish musical landscape.
“A proud Dub, and son of Ballymun, Hansard never forgot where he came from. He was a great champion of grassroots music, young artists, and Ireland’s busking scene. It was fitting that this formed the inspiration for his Oscar winning romantic ballad ‘Falling Slowly’ in 2008, which he wrote for the film Once together with Markéta Irglová. He also appeared in The Commitments, a film which has become part of modern Irish folklore and which spoke to hopes, challenges and dreams of young Dublin musicians trying to make it.
“Glen Hansard also cared deeply about people. He was a musician and he an activist. He possessed a heartfelt and genuine concern for the homeless. He was an unwavering supporter of Simon Community through the annual Christmas Eve busk on Grafton Street and he was a leading activist in the Apollo House occupation and Home Sweet Home campaign back in 2016.
“Glen Hansard was a unique, gifted musician and one of our country’s most cherished voices. As a person, he was warm, kind and deeply passionate. He has been taken too soon and so tragically. It is heartbreaking. He has left a legacy that music fans will treasure. The depth of sadness being felt across Ireland today is a measure of the love and respect we have for Glen. I want to express my sympathies to Maire and their young son, to his family and wide circle of friends, to his fans and to all who loved this wonderful artist and man. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
