Public wake to be held for Glen Hansard in Dublin on Monday

Community Mourns Glen Hansard: Public Wake Announced in Dublin

Memorial Services Set for Musician

Traveloasisspot.com – Dublin residents and music lovers alike will have the opportunity to gather and honor the life of Oscar-winning artist Glen Hansard through a public wake scheduled for this coming Monday. The event provides an accessible moment for people to express their condolences and celebrate the legacy of the beloved musician. The gathering will occur within the Baroque Chapel, situated at the Irish Museum of Modern Art located at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Attendees may visit between 11 o’clock in the morning and 4 o’clock in the afternoon to pay their respects. Following this, Hansard’s funeral service is planned for Tuesday at 1:30pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. This ceremony will welcome both public attendees and those wishing to watch the proceedings via online streaming. According to the official funeral notice, musical performances will be delivered by close friends and family members of the deceased, honoring his deep connection to music throughout his life.

A Life Cut Short

Hansard, who was 56 years old and originally from Ballymun in Dublin, passed away on Wednesday following a tragic motorbike accident. The collision occurred just hours after he participated in a traditional music session at a neighborhood pub, bringing his musical journey to an unexpected close. He leaves behind his wife, Maire Saaritsa, a poet from Finland, along with their young son Christy, who is three years old. The music world has responded with an outpouring of grief. Among those offering public tributes are former American president Barack Obama, legendary rock musician Bruce Springsteen, American actress Rachel Zegler, Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Grammy-winning pop artist Billie Eilish. Irish musical icons including Bono, Bob Geldof, Cait O’Riordan, Andrea Corr, and Hozier have also shared their thoughts. Additionally, buskers assembled throughout Dublin city on Thursday, commemorating the locations and venues where Hansard first began his professional career.

A Bond Forged Through Music

Earlier on Friday, Czech musician Markéta Irglová shared her heartfelt condolences. The two artists co-wrote the Academy Award-winning track “Falling Slowly” for the 2007 film Once, a movie in which both performers starred. Beyond their cinematic success, they collaborated on three studio albums together. Their story began when they first encountered each other at a concert in Irglová’s hometown. She was just 13 years old at the time, while Hansard was 31. During the promotional tour for Once, the two developed a romantic relationship that lasted for two years before concluding.

“My deepest condolences to Glen’s family, his brothers and his beautiful wife and son, you are all in my thoughts and prayers,” she wrote on Instagram.

“I am so sorry for your tragic loss, my heart goes out to you. May his love always surround you, his spirit guide and protect you, and may his light shine on throughout your days.”

A Legacy of Activism

Beyond his celebrated musical achievements, Hansard earned recognition for his dedicated activist efforts, especially his commitment to supporting homeless individuals. Sixteen years ago, he initiated an annual charity busking performance on Christmas Eve outside the Gaiety Theatre. This tradition attracted public audiences to witness renowned Irish musicians perform, with proceeds benefiting homeless charities in the city. His activism extended beyond homelessness. Hansard participated in demonstrations addressing Ireland’s housing crisis, joined a march commemorating three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and was involved in the anti-austerity water charge protests that took place in 2014. Through his music, his personal relationships, and his community engagement, Glen Hansard leaves behind a profound impact on both Irish culture and the global music scene.