Thousands expected in Dublin as funeral of Irish musician Glen Hansard to take place

Ireland will say a final farewell to Glen Hansard today as family, friends, fellow musicians and fans gather in Dublin for the funeral of the acclaimed singer-songwriter.

The funeral service for the Oscar-winning musician will take place at St Patrick's Cathedral this afternoon, less than a week after his death in a motorcycle crash on the outskirts of Dublin at the age of 56.

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Large crowds are expected in the capital following an outpouring of grief in recent days. More than 11,000 mourners attended a public wake at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in Kilmainham on Monday, where people queued for hours to pay their respects to one of Ireland's most beloved musical figures.

Hansard rose from busking on the streets of Dublin to become one of the country's most celebrated artists. He found early fame as the frontman of The Frames before achieving international recognition through the film Once and the Academy Award-winning song Falling Slowly, which he co-wrote with Markéta Irglová.

The service at St Patrick's Cathedral is expected to feature musical tributes from family and friends, reflecting Hansard's lifelong connection to Ireland's music community. Due to the anticipated attendance, access inside the cathedral will be limited, with large screens and a live stream available for those unable to secure a place inside.

A funeral cortege will travel through Dublin city centre before the service, with rolling road closures in place. Following the cathedral ceremony, a private committal service will take place at Mount Jerome Cemetery.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across Ireland and around the world since Hansard's death. Fellow musicians, actors and political leaders have praised not only his artistic achievements but also his commitment to charitable causes, particularly his long-running support for people experiencing homelessness through Dublin's annual Christmas Eve busk.

Hansard, who is predeceased by his beloved parents James and Catherine, is survived by his wife, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, their young son Christy, his sister Martina and brothers Gary, Dylan, Richard and David and an extended circle of family and friends.

As mourners gather in Dublin today, many will remember a musician whose journey from Grafton Street busker to Oscar winner helped shape modern Irish music and inspired generations of performers at home and abroad.