Thousands Pay Tribute to Glen Hansard at Dublin Public Wake

Thousands of fans and mourners gathered in Dublin to pay their final respects to Glen Hansard, the celebrated Irish musician and singer-songwriter, at a public wake held ahead of his funeral on Tuesday. Crowds described the occasion as a deeply moving outpouring of love for an artist who had become a touchstone of Irish musical culture.

Hansard, best known internationally for his Academy Award-winning song from the film Once, and as a founding member of the band The Frames, was widely regarded as one of Ireland's most authentic and beloved musical voices. His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief both in Ireland and among fans around the world.

A Loss for Irish Culture

Tributes poured in from musicians, politicians, and ordinary fans alike, with many describing Hansard's death as an irreplaceable loss for Irish artistic life. His work was characterised by an emotional directness and authenticity that connected deeply with listeners across generations.

The public wake, drawing crowds of thousands, reflected the scale of affection and respect he commanded in Ireland. Speakers and performers at the event referenced not only his musical achievements but his generosity of spirit and his long commitment to the Dublin music scene.

International Recognition

Hansard gained widespread international recognition when the song Falling Slowly, performed with Marketa Irglova in Once, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008. The film introduced his work to global audiences and cemented his reputation as one of the most emotionally compelling songwriter-performers of his generation.