“I have lost a friend.”
Earlier today, the tragic news emerged that legendary Irish singer, Sinead O’Connor had died away at the age of just 56.
In the immediate aftermath of her death, her family issued a statement to RTE reading: “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.”
The songwriter, who never shyed from speaking her mind and her truth, released ten studio albums, with Nothing Compares 2 U reaching the number one world single spot back in 1990.
Her debut album The Lion and The Cobra was released in 1987 and her second album, I Do Not Want What I haven’t Got sold more than seven million copies across the world.
Following the news of her death, people have taken to social media to share many thousands of tributes to O’Connor.
Sinead O’Connor just died. She was heavily criticized in 1992 for tearing up a picture of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live, condemning of paedophilia in the Catholic Church. She was right all along.
— 🅹
pic.twitter.com/GJJ6lPduSo🅴🆈աrecκ ☭ (@joeywreck) July 26, 2023
Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, paid tribute to O’Connor writing: “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.”
Another heartbreaking tribute came from UFC superstar, Conor McGregor, who shared a message to his followers on X.
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
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 26, 2023pic.twitter.com/9hvpwxuUyP
The mixed martial artist, who frequently came out to O’Connor’s iconic version of The Foggy Dew, 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.”
McGregor concluded his tribute, writing: “Sinead’s music will live on and continue to inspire! Rest In Peace, Sinead you are home with your son I am sure.”
O’Connor will be remembered long after her death not only as a fantastic musician and songwriter, but as an artist who fought throughout her life for everything she believed in.
A true artist.
Our thoughts go out to O’Connor’s family and friends during this awful time.
