Thousands of mourners queued at the Baroque Chapel within the Irish Museum of Modern Art at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham to pay respects to Oscar-winning musician Glen Hansard, who died in a motorcycle crash on the outskirts of Dublin according to news reports. Fans and fellow artists gathered to view his wicker coffin, adorned with greenery, apples, and his two guitars at the foot of the table, following the fatal collision that occurred hours after he participated in a traditional music session at The Wren’s Nest pub.
Public Wake at Royal Hospital Kilmainham Draws Thousands
Mourners lined up to file past the chapel windows where trad musicians played beneath stained glass. Visitors laid their hands on the wicker coffin, leaving flowers, cards, and notes in tribute to the frontman of The Frames. DJ Sinead Ni Mhorda, among the first in line, recalled Hansard’s “raw talent that is joyous and all-consuming and life-changing,” noting his humility and success after Bruce Springsteen reached out to compliment him.
Dave Ashe described Hansard’s death as a “shock” and characterized him as a vital “cultural node” for Ireland’s music scene. Songwriter Barra Donovan remembered a recent meeting in Dublin where Hansard spent thirty minutes asking questions about Donovan’s own music, calling him an “absolute giant in the music community.” Singer-songwriter Zoe Hayter, who met Hansard at age ten, stated that he introduced her to a magical world of music.
Did you know? Glen Hansard co-wrote the song “Falling Slowly” for the film Once, earning an Academy Award for best original song in 2008 alongside Marketa Irglova. He also established an annual Christmas Eve charity busk outside the Gaiety Theatre to raise funds for the city’s homeless population.
Cultural Legacy and Ongoing Tributes
Beyond his Academy Award-winning cinematic work and his tenure with The Frames, Hansard built a lasting reputation as a mentor for younger artists. Maureen Doyle and Richard Thorpe travelled from Co Kilkenny to offer condolences to Hansard’s wife and young son, Christy, emphasizing his character as a “good person” who consistently supported fellow musicians.
Friends, collaborators, and fans continue to sign condolence books at the Irish Museum of Modern Art venue, reflecting on his role as a trailblazer for Irish singer-songwriters. His sudden passing leaves a profound absence across Dublin’s traditional music circles and the wider international artistic community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Glen Hansard’s public wake held?
The public wake took place at the Baroque Chapel inside the Irish Museum of Modern Art at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin, according to reporting from the Press Association.
What musical projects was Glen Hansard known for?
He fronted the Irish band The Frames, featured in celebrated film The Commitments, and won an Oscar for best original song for “Falling Slowly” from the movie Once.
How did Glen Hansard contribute to charity work in Dublin?
He began an annual Christmas Eve charity busk outside the Gaiety Theatre 16 years ago, drawing members of the public to see famous Irish musicians perform in aid of the homeless in the city.
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