Several community groups in Finglas organised a public gathering to mark the death of rock legend Christy Dignam. 

Hundreds of members of the public of all ages gathered in Finglas from early this morning to say goodbye to the frontman of Aslan. 

Mr Dignam’s funeral cortege travelled through Finglas and concluded with a public gathering at a playing field opposite Erin’s Isle GAA Club with a video tribute as the hearse passed by. 

The hearse carrying the coffin of Christy Dignam driving through Finglas. Image via Matthew Joyce for Newstalk.

The video tribute and gathering was organised by community groups in Finglas, including Tidy Towns. 

“The community came together - different people with different skills and different things,” a Tidy Town member told Newstalk.  

“Everyone had a part to play in this today for Christy.” 

Fans of Mr Dignam travelled from all parts of the country to watch the hearse containing his coffin travel through the village where he had lived. 

“He was a big part of Dublin,” one person said. “But people outside Dublin would tell you he was a big part of Waterford, a big part of Kilkenny, a big part of Cork.” 

17/06/2023. Dublin, Ireland. Aslan Christy Dignam farewell gathering. Pictured fans , Mourners and Family gathered in Finglas to pay respect to singer/Songwriter Christy Dignam of Aslan who past away this week. Photo: Sam
Boal/Rollingnews.ie

Several fans remembered his passionate performances and charisma on stage as the frontman of Aslan. 

“I came home from Lebanon on leave in 1992 and I went to Salt Hill, and [Mr Dignam] was playing,” one man said. “For me, they were the personal gigs – 200 or 300 people in a pub somewhere, belting it out.” 

“Whether you had 100 people in the room or 1,000 people, you got the same show,” another man added. 

A private funeral for friends and family was held following the public gathering. Mr Dignam’s family has asked sympathisers to donate to Saint Francis Hospice in lieu of flowers.

Mr Dignam died peacefully with his family by his side after battling cancer on Tuesday afternoon.