The Cranberries Singer Dolores O'Riordan Laid To Rest
The Cranberries' beloved singer has been laid to rest in Ireland.
On Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, Dolores O'Riordan's funeral was held at Saint Ailbe's Church in her hometown of Ballybricken, County Limerick, People reports. A private family burial was later held at the Caherally Cemetery, where her father, Terence, is buried.
The mass service began with a duet recording of "Ave Maria" sung by O'Riordan and Luciano Pavarotti ringing through the small parish church. It was attended by the singer's close friends and family, including her mother, Eileen; her sister, Angela; her brothers Terence, Brendan, Donal, Joseph, and PJ; and her boyfriend, Olé Koretsky. They were joined by her ex-husband Don Burton and the former couple's children, Taylor, Molly, and Dakota. O'Riordan's bandmates — Noel Hogan, Mike Hogan, and Fergal Lawler — were also in attendance.
Family friend Canon Liam McNamara delivered the homily. "The numbers she rescued from the darkness of depression are impossible to count," he said. "No words are adequate to describe Dolores or to accurately state the influence for good she has been over the years."
"She possessed a very special singing voice — a talent worth its weight in gold," McNamara continued. "Intelligent girl that she was, she knew well that she should develop and use that talent. She also knew that talents were given by almighty God to be used generously for the benefit of others."
At midday, Irish radio stations paid tribute to the late singer by simultaneously playing the Cranberries' 1996 hit single "When You're Gone."
As Nicki Swift previously reported, O'Riordan suddenly passed away on Monday, Jan. 15 while staying at a hotel in London. She was 46 years old. "The lead singer with the Irish band The Cranberries was in London for a short recording session. No further details are available at this time," her rep said in a statement at the time. "Family members are devastated to hear the breaking news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time."
O'Riordan rose to fame with the Cranberries in the '90s. The Irish rock band is best known for their songs "Zombie" and "Linger."
Our thoughts are with O'Riordan's loved ones during this difficult time.