Huge crowds pay respects as Bishop Leahy thanks Dolores O’Riordan’s family
The Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy today thanked the family of Dolores O’Riordan for affording the people of Limerick and beyond the opportunity to pay their respects to her today at St. Joseph’s Church in the city.
Ahead of her funeral tomorrow and Tuesday, the family of the Ballybricken woman arranged for her remains to lay in repose today at the same church in Limerick city where she made her First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Bishop Leahy was on hand with administrator of St. Joseph’s Parish Oliver Plunkett to receive Dolores remains at the Church at midday and meet with her mother Eileen and other family members who attended.
Speaking afterwards he said: “It was a very moving to be here, to see the generosity of Dolores’ mother Eileen and other family members not alone in providing this opportunity ahead of the funeral for the public to pay their respects but for being there also.
“Dolores’ had great spirituality and having met her mother today, it’s easy see why. She is taking a lot of strength from her faith at this difficult time and is a remarkable woman.”
Thousands of people are filing past the Limerick woman’s coffin this afternoon to pay their respects.
Addressing the large congregation at the outset, Bishop Leahy said: “In blessing the remains of Dolores O’Riordan here in St. Joseph’s Church in Limerick today, I am conscious that, while millions across the world have been shocked by the sad news of her death, today is Limerick’s public moment to bid farewell.
“We come to offer a heartfelt greeting to a deeply loved and cherished daughter of Limerick, a talented representative of the potential of Limerick people and a convinced advocate of living life in truth, love and peace.
“As we file pass her coffin, let’s remember God’s love and mercy and pray for her, her family and those she loved and helped in life.
"Dolores appreciated the value of spirituality in our lives. She made her First Communion in this church and was confirmed here. She attended the nearby An Mhodh Scoil (Model School) and Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ school. Her spiritual journey continued in many parts of our world, and yet Dolores remained anchored in Limerick. We can be grateful to Dolores’ family for choosing this beautiful church as a venue for her lying in repose.
“Today as the Limerick people she greatly loved come to pay their respects, let us pray for Dolores: ‘May the angels lead you into paradise; and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem, where there will be no more tears, no more death or pain, for the time of heavenly singing has come’.”
Dolores O Riordans remains have arrived at St Hosephs church O Connell Ave Limerick pic.twitter.com/K20W9CiO2H
— Cathy Halloran (@HalloranCathy) January 21, 2018
The public are paying their respects to Dolores O'Riordan in Limerick this afternoon.
The late Cranberries singer will lie in repose at St Joseph's Church until 4pm.
RTE report that Dolores O'Riordan's mother, as well as her six brothers and sister accompanied the body to the church on O'Connell Avenue where they were met by Bishop Brendan Leahy.
Queue for #DoloresORiordan pic.twitter.com/gs2Sar2Fwh
— Dr Paul O'Brien (@FearStairLmk) January 21, 2018
Her remains will also repose at Cross's Funeral Home in Ballyneety, Limerick, tomorrow from 4pm, followed by removal at 8pm to Saint Ailbe's Church in her native Ballybricken.
Her funeral mass will take place on Tuesday morning in St Ailbe's Church followed by a private family burial.
A public wake is being held for Cranberries’ star Dolores O’Riordan in Limerick this afternoon.
Large crowds of mourners are expected to gather to pay their last respects between 12.30 and 4pm, as the body of the 46-year-old mother of three lies in repose at St Joseph’s Church, O’Connell Avenue.
Fans were shocked and saddened when the singer was found dead in a London hotel room on Monday, and thousands have signed a book of condolence which opened at Limerick City Hall on Tuesday.
On Monday her body will be removed to Ballybricken, ahead of funeral mass on Tuesday at St Ailbe’s Church.
