Victoria Mary Clarke has said Shane MacGowan’s passing made her realise, “[People] are stronger than we think”.
Next week marks one year since the passing of Irish musical legend, Shane MacGowan.
The Pogues’ front man passed away on November 30th, 2023, after years of deteriorating health.
Victoria Mary Clarke leaning on Shane MacGowan's coffin. Photograph: Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ieOn Newstalk Breakfast, Shane’s widow, Victoria Mary Clarke, also a writer and artist, said Shane’s passing has made her realise the joy that comes with grieving.
“I think in these situations, you never know what to expect, obviously, but it's been up and down,” she said.
“[I’ve been] really, really down, but then also, [there has been] some really, really joyful bits as well, which were unexpected.
“When you're grieving, you don't really think you're ever going to be happy again, you just think you'll be really miserable forever.
“So if anyone is grieving, I'd say, you know, just stay, stay here - hang on, because there can be some good times and you'd be surprised, I think, at how resilient you actually are.
“You don't find out how resilient you are until you have, you go through it - we're stronger than we think.”
Shane MacGowan (L) and Victoria Mary Clarke (R). Image: AlamyMs Clarke said one of the “very unexpected parts” of the last year has been that “you can celebrate the person and actually spontaneously feel joy”.
She said she doesn’t believe that the “spirit or soul” of a person dies.
“I could really feel his [Shane’s] soul in the room at the funeral, and it was very joyful,” she said.
Ms Clarke’s relationship with Shane spanned from their youth and was a “rollercoaster”.
“You wouldn't have it any other way, would you? It was very exciting and never boring,” she said.
“There was a lot of fun, a lot of travelling, but of course, you know, there's also a lot of struggles, because Shane had many challenges with alcohol, drugs and, you know, and just the pressure of having to perform.
“Being famous is always a pressure for people, but especially for sensitive people and quite often artists are very sensitive.”
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Last night, the artist opened her first solo art exhibition, titled ‘Angels of the Trea Collective’.
Ms Clarke said her “communication with angels” is the thing that is getting her through Shane’s passing.
“They've actually given me advice, they've given me guidance, and they have given me energy,” she said.
“Angels have given me enthusiasm and they've given me motivation and passion for life, which is something I need right now.
“Painting them has just been a very joyful experience.
“I just think again, for anyone who's grieving, any form of creativity is helpful, because it helps you to express the emotion.”
‘Angels of the Trea Collective’ is open at the Irish Georgian Society on South William Street, Dublin, and is running from last night until November 26th.
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Main image: Shane MacGowan and Victoria Mary Clarke at Vicar Street, Dublin. 11/4/2007 Photo. Mark Stedman/RollingNews.ie
