A book of condolence for Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Glen Hansard is open at Dublin's Mansion House today, where members of the public can pay their respects following the musician's death.
The condolence book is available to sign from 10am until 4pm today and will also be open during the same hours tomorrow. An online book of condolence has also been opened by Dublin City Council for those wishing to leave messages of sympathy.
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Hansard, the acclaimed frontman of The Frames, died aged 56 following a road traffic collision involving his motorcycle in Dublin in the early hours of yesterday.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Daryl Barron says the books of condolence have been opened to allow people across the city and beyond to honour one of Ireland's most celebrated musicians.
Tributes continue to pour in from across Ireland and the international music community, with President Catherine Connolly describing Hansard as one of Ireland's greatest singer-songwriters.
Glen Hansard. Ben Houdijk, Shutterstock.
In a statement, the President says: "Glen and his band The Frames stood out as one of the leaders of the thriving wave of Irish bands who emerged in the 1990s and were the source of so much inspiration to a generation of young people and musicians."
She highlights his international success alongside Markéta Irglová, saying: "Glen would go on to achieve well deserved worldwide recognition for his work with Markéta Irglová, most notably for their wonderful performances in the film Once, for which they so deservedly won the Oscar for Best Original Song, and later for his solo work."
President Catherine Connolly. Photo Credit: Hot Press
The President also reflects on his acting career, noting: "This recognition in film built on Glen's earlier star turn in The Commitments, where he played the role of Outspan Foster."
Remembering his performances, she says: "Whether with The Frames, with Markéta, or as a solo artist, Glen was renowned for his incomparable live performances, beautiful evenings of music where Glen would regale audiences with stories as well as his music."
She also praises his commitment to social causes, particularly his long-running Christmas Eve busk in Dublin, saying: "Glen will also be remembered for the generosity with which he shared his fame, providing encouragement to young musicians and performers, while working to assist with important causes, in particular those suffering from homelessness."
Concluding her tribute, President Connolly says: "Glen was one of the vital driving influences of the Irish music world, bringing people together in the sharing of live music. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him or experienced his work. May I express my deepest condolences to Glen's wife Maire, to his son Christy, and to all family and friends both in Ireland and throughout the world."
Michael D. Higgins. Damien Storan, Shutterstock
Former President Michael D. Higgins also pays tribute, describing Hansard as "a wonderful musician and performer, a troubadour whose gift for storytelling brought so much joy to audiences across the world."
He says Hansard's career, from busking on the streets of Dublin to worldwide success with The Frames, The Swell Season and as a solo artist, earned him devoted fans across the globe.
Mr Higgins also acknowledges Hansard's dedication to preserving Ireland's musical heritage and remembers his support for homelessness charities through his annual Christmas Eve busk.
He says: "May I express my deepest condolences to Glen's wife Maire, to his son Christy, and to all his family, friends, band mates, fellow musicians and fans, who I know will all be so saddened by this shocking news."
Taoiseach Micheál Martin describes Hansard as a gifted musician and actor who made a lasting contribution to Irish culture.
In a message, he says: "Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Glen Hansard. My sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and fans. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Tánaiste Simon Harris also offers his condolences, describing Hansard as an award-winning artist whose career spanned music, film and international success.
He says Hansard's achievements with The Frames, his Academy Award-winning work on Once alongside Markéta Irglová, and his role in The Commitments ensured his place in Irish cultural history.
Meanwhile, further details continue to emerge about the hours before Hansard's death.
The musician performs at a traditional music session at The Wren's Nest pub in the Strawberry Beds area of west Dublin on the evening before the collision. Videos shared online show him singing and playing guitar alongside fellow musicians.
In a statement, the pub says Hansard leaves shortly after normal closing time and travels east after the session.
The venue also says it wishes to clarify that there was no after-hours gathering and that it closed within normal licensed trading hours.
Hansard is found beside his motorcycle at around 4.30am on a road between Tinkers Hill and Rugged Lane, a short distance from the pub.
It is understood there is little significant damage to the motorcycle, and Gardaí continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. The exact cause of the crash has not yet been established.
