Limerick people remember Sinead O'Connor's last performance in city
WHEN Sinéad O’Connor last performed in Limerick, she spent much of her downtime chatting with support act, vocalist Steafan Hanvey to give him backing and encouragement.
This memory, from Mick Dolan, who organised the concert at the Milk Market, demonstrates the type of character the singer was.
There have been tributes from across Limerick, Ireland and the rest of the world this week at the untimely passing of the talented singer, who inspired generations not just with her music, but also her convictions, some of which were unpopular.
She graced the stage in Limerick on a number of occasions, most recently in November 2019 when she performed on her last Irish tour.
Tickets to her show at the Milk Market - named the Big Top for the occasion given the appearance of its roof - sold out in less than three hours, showing her universal popularity.
Mick, renowned worldwide for bringing live music to Limerick, said the singer was also booked to play as part of her album tour in King John’s Castle before her sad passing.
“We had her in University Concert Hall a good few years ago, and when she was making her comeback, she came to the Big Top and she had a great time. We were really looking forward to having her back into the castle. She was a superstar - end of story. And a very special person,” he said.
“She made every song she sang her own. Never did I expect this to happen. It’s heartbreaking stuff,” added the promoter.
Steafan, who hails from Downpatrick, shared his own memory of supporting the award-winning singer on what would prove to be her final tour.
“The bonus was getting to see her live six times and she just kept getting better. I'm shocked and saddened, gone way too soon, what more to be said? Rest well Sinéad and thanks for having me,” he wrote on Instagram.
Mick Lacey, who chairs the Mid West Regional Drugs and Alcohol Forum and is himself a writer and poet, remembers meeting a young Sinéad during the construction of Temple Bar in Dublin.
She was a waitress, he an electrician at the time and was working there having won a contract to wire up many of the new premises.
“She was very very brave. I think she was very fragile, but very vibrant. She put her career on the line many times.
Challenging the system would take a huge toll on her. But she was always trying to recreate herself. An absolute icon,” said Mick.
The love held for the singer in Limerick was evident at an event to remember her in Arthur's Quay Park on Sunday.
Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell said: “She had such a unique voice and put a lot of meaning into her singing. She has left a deep-rooted legacy. There was still talent in her voice - and there were still lots of songs to be sung.”