Dolores O'Riordan remembered by loved ones in Limerick at Month's Mind Mass

PRECIOUS moments in the life of Dolores O’Riordan were remembered by family and friends at the Months Mind Mass of the rock star in the Limerick church where she sang as a child.

A collage of photographs reflecting private family moments in the life of the Ballybricken native stood at the front of the altar of St Ailbe’s Church.

Family and close friends of the globally-celebrated singer gathered in the pews of the church on Saturday evening, six weeks after her sudden death in a London hotel room.

Among those in attendance included Dolores’ mother Eileen who last week spoke to the Limerick Leader of how she feels the presence of her daughter with her all the time, helping her in her time of grief.

“I talk to her all time. I feel she is there all the time - helping me. I give out to her sometimes too,” said Eileen.

A photograph of Dolores meeting Pope John Paul II - which Eileen holds dear to her heart - was placed on a table at the front of the altar. Behind it, on the large collage were photographs of a beaming Dolores embracing family members and smiling brightly as a child.   

The Month’s Mind Mass was celebrated by Fr James Walton, parish priest of Ballybricken and Bohermore, who told mourners that a Mass would be offered up for their intentions, at the request of the O’Riordan family.

Young members of the O’Riordan family who, just like Dolores, have been blessed with beautiful singing voices, sang hymns including Amazing Grace, in memory of The Cranberries frontwoman.

After Mass, family and friends made the short journey to nearby Kirby’s Hunting Lodge, where, again, memories of the global superstar were fondly recalled .

In an acknowledgment published on the Limerick Leader last week the O’Riordan family  expressed their “heartfelt thanks for the many expressions of sympathies and kindness following our loss at this sad time.

“A sincere thanks to all who offered their support, kindness and sympathy over the past month, and to the many thousands of sympathisers and fans who sent mass cards, flowers and letters of sympathy.”

Thanks were also extended to The Cranberries band members and crew.