Shane MacGowan has been remembered as a 'poet, lyricist and trailblazer' at his funeral mass today.

A host of well-known names from music and film are attending the mass at St Mary of the Rosary Church in Nenagh, Tipperary this afternoon.

President Michael D Higgins is attending alongside actor Johnny Depp and musician Nick Cave.

A recording of U2 frontman Bono giving a reading was played aloud at the funeral.

Johnny Depp arrives in Nenagh for Shane MacGowan's funeral.

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Hollywood actor Johnny Depp was another attendee who contributed a reading to the mass.

Some of the alter gifts offered included a Pogues record, a DVD copy of The Godfather, a Bodhrán, a hurl, and a packet of Barry’s Tea.

08/12/2023 Tipperary, Ireland. Victoria Mary Clarke outside St Mary’s of the Rosary Church in Nenagh today, ahead of the funeral of her husband Shane MacGowan. Photograph: Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Parish priest Father Pat Gilbert described MacGowan in his homily as a "poet, lyricist and trailblazer".

"He reflects life as lived in our time, calling out accepted norms that oftentimes seem unacceptable. In order to speak, he had to be heard, and he had to have that revolutionary edge to life," he said.

"The poet, lyricist, and trailblazer gave successive generations the benefit of his listening. Shane spoke and sang from the listened depths of his own journey. He spoke to life's realities.

"Your life gave growth to so many of us Shane and your bright light gave salvation to our often dark and empty skies."

Musical performances throughout the mass included a rendition of A Rainy Night in Soho by Australian singer Nick Cave.

Glenn Hansard and Lisa O’Neill sang Fairytale of New York with mourners dancing in front of the altar as the song reached its peak.

A book of condolences at the funeral of Shane McGowan in Nenagh. 8-12-23. Credit: Aoife Kearns

The Pogues frontman's sister, Siobhan MacGowan, said during the eulogy that Tipperary has always been his true home.

"Shane's veins ran with Irish blood. It was in Tipperary, our mother's childhood home, that he reunited with the land he loved and found his spiritual home.

"Here in a small cottage, living with 12 or more great aunts and uncles, he listened to their stories, sang songs, and sat beside the fire as aunty Ellen swang the concertina.

"It was a holy place that threw unholy hoolies and a neighbour often said of it 'There'd be sparks flying from the floor.'"

A tribute to Shane MacGowan outside McQuaids Traditional Music Shop in Nenagh today. 8-12-23. Credit: Aoife Kearns

His wife Victoria Mary Clarke described MacGowan as a forgiving and loving person.

"When I first met him he was a little slow to forgive the Brits, but he started to come around to it and really started to forgive everybody immediately," she said.

"I hope you don't mind me saying this Johnny [Depp] but when Johnny had a court case involving his ex-wife Amber [Heard], Shane had a conversation with him and urged him to forgive Amber.

"He just thought it was the best thing to do because he just genuinely believes in forgiveness. He wouldn't hold a grudge against anyone or see the bad in anyone."

MacGowan's coffin passed through Dublin City centre earlier in the day to allow the public to pay their respects to the singer.

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Main Image:  Huge crowds welcome the coffin of Shane MacGowan outside St Mary’s of the Rosary Church in Nenagh today, ahead of his funeral. 08-12-2023 . Photograph: Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie