Sinéad O’Connor: London Irish community to host ‘reflection space’ for singer’s funeral

Members of the Irish community in London are invited to pay their respects to the late singer Sinéad O’Connor on the day of her funeral.

The London Irish centre in Camden is hosting a quiet space for people to come to “gather and reflect” on Tuesday August 8, while the singer’s funeral takes place in Ireland.

The McNamara suite will be open from 10am for those who wish to reflect on the late singer’s life.

O’Connor was found dead in her home in Herne Hill, south London, on July 26.

Her family issued a statement after her death which read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time."

Tributes poured in worldwide to celebrate and commemorate the singer’s life.

Mourners in Ireland have been invited to say their “last goodbye” as they line the County Wicklow seafront where she used to live.

The cortege will travel along the seafront in Bray, from the Harbour Bar to the other end of the Strand Road, before continuing on to a private burial.

The cortege will pass O’Connor’s former home on Strand Road, Montebello, where people have been leaving flowers and tributes since her death.

O’Connor was best known for her 1990 single Nothing Compares 2 U, written by Prince, which went on to hit number one around the world.

She is remembered for her activism, particularly in speaking out against child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.

In 1992, she controversially ripped up a picture of Pope John Paul II during a performance on US TV show Saturday Night Live.

O’Connor’s death comes just a year after her son Shane passed away last year aged 17. His body was recovered in the Bray area of Wicklow, Ireland, after he was reported missing.

In her final tweet, O’Connor posted a photo of Shane and wrote: “Been living as undead night creature since. He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul.”

The London Irish Centre can be found at 50-52 Camden Square, London, NW1 9XB.