SINÉAD O’CONNOR has died at the age of 56.
The legendary singer was one of this country’s most internationally famous musicians and was much-loved at home and abroad.
O’Connor, who also used the names Magda Davitt and Shuhada Sadaqat after converting to Islam, had four children. One of her children, Shane, is also recently deceased.
President Michael D Higgins has led tributes to the beloved singer this evening, offering his condolences to her father, John, her other family members and “all those with whom she shared her life”.
“My first reaction on hearing the news of Sinéad’s loss was to remember her extraordinarily beautiful, unique voice. What was striking in all of the recordings she made and in all of her appearances was the authenticity of the performance, while her commitment to the delivery of the song and its meaning was total,” the President said.
To those of us who had the privilege of knowing her, one couldn’t but always be struck by the depth of her fearless commitment to the important issues which she brought to public attention, no matter how uncomfortable those truths may have been.
President Higgins described her as one of Ireland’s “greatest and most gifted composers, songwriters and performers of recent decades, one who had a unique talent and extraordinary connection with her audience, all of whom held such love and warmth for her”.
“Her contribution joins those great achievements of Irish women who contributed to our lives, its culture and its history in their own unique but unforgettable ways. May her spirit find the peace she sought in so many different ways.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said on Twitter this evening: “Really sorry to hear of the passing of Sinéad O’Connor. Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare.
“Condolences to her family, her friends and all who loved her music. Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a hAnam.”
Her death was confirmed in a statement from O’Connor’s family to RTÉ who said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinead.
“Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time,” a statement added.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said on Twitter: “Devastated to hear of the passing of Sinead O’Connor.
“One of our greatest musical icons, and someone deeply loved by the people of Ireland, and beyond. Our hearts goes out to her children, her family, friends and all who knew and loved her,” he added.
The lead singer of alternative rock band The Charlatans has referred to Sinead O’Connor as the “true embodiment of a punk spirit” after her death at the age of 56.
In a tweet, Tim Burgess wrote: “Sinead was the true embodiment of a punk spirit.
“She did not compromise and that made her life more of a struggle. Hoping that she has found peace,” he addded.
American rapper and actor Ice T has paid tribute to Sinead O’Connor, saying she “stood for something”, after her death at the age of 56.
In a Twitter post, he wrote: “Respect to Sinead….. She stood for something… Unlike most people…. Rest Easy”, accompanied by a praying hands emoji.
Born Sinead Marie Bernadette O’Connor in Glenageary, County Dublin, in December 1966, the singer had a difficult childhood.
She released her first critically acclaimed album The Lion And The Cobra in 1987.
Her second studio album, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, followed in 1990 and continued the singer’s success as it received glowing reviews.
O’Connor’s 1990 song ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’, from her second album, shot the Dublin-born singer to the top of the global charts, spending four weeks in the number one slot in the US Billboard Hot 100.
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan also paid tributes to the singer on Twitter this evening.
“So sorry to hear of the death of Sinead,” he said.
“She was such a talented singer and was the pride of my city, back in the day. May she rest in peace.”
Irish band Aslan has paid tribute to Sinead O’Connor, who has died aged 56.
Both originating from Dublin, O’Connor collaborated with the band on Up In Arms in 2001. Aslan lead singer Christy Dignam died in June.
A post on the band’s Facebook page read: “Two Legends taken from us so closely together… No words… Rest in Peace Sinead.”
Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor said “the world has lost an artist with the voice of an angel”, following the death of Sinead O’Connor.
In a tweet, McGregor, who O’Connor once sang into the ring for a UFC fight in Las Vegas, wrote: “The world has lost an artist with the voice of an Angel.
“Ireland has lost an iconic voice and one of our absolute finest, by a long shot. And I have lost a friend.
“Sinead’s music will live on and continue to inspire! Rest In Peace, Sinead you are home with your son I am sure.”
With reporting by Muiris O’Cearbhaill, Lauren Boland and Press Association
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