Thousands of mourners gathered in the small Irish coastal town of Bray on Tuesday to pay their respects to the late Sinad O'Connor. The former home of the iconic musician became a gathering place as members of the public lined the streets and laid flowers outside the house. Large crowds waved Irish flags and carried pictures of O'Connor as the funeral procession drove along the seafront of the town.

The procession started at O'Connor's former home and made its way to a private service, where notable figures including Irish President Michael D Higgins and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar were in attendance. The Chief Imam at the Islamic Centre of Ireland, Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, led the prayers at the service, reflecting the faith that O'Connor embraced in her later life.

Mourners listened to some of O'Connor's biggest hits played over speakers from a campervan as they waited for the funeral procession. They sang along to her 1990 hit "Nothing Compares 2 U," for which she was best known. The Volkswagen campervan accompanied the black hearse carrying O'Connor's coffin during the procession, stopping outside her former home in both directions as crowds applauded.

O'Connor's rendition of "Nothing Compares 2 U," originally written by Prince, propelled her to global fame and earned her multiple Grammy Award nominations. However, she was also known for her controversial career and outspoken criticism of the Catholic Church in Ireland. In 1992, she caused intense outrage in the United States when she ripped a photo of Pope John Paul II during a performance on Saturday Night Live.

Despite the controversy, O'Connor retained national treasure status in her home country of Ireland. Earlier in the week, a video produced by Dublin-based creative agency The Tenth Man went viral as a giant installation honoring the singer was unveiled off the coast of Bray. The installation featured a sign that read "ÉIRE LOVES SINÉAD," displayed above a World War Two navigational landmark.

O'Connor's remains have been returned to her family following her death at the age of 56. An autopsy has been completed, but the cause of death has not yet been released to the public. London authorities are not treating her death as suspicious. O'Connor's family had planned a private Muslim burial for her, as she had converted to Islam in 2018. However, her coffin was first carried past her last home in Ireland, in accordance with an old Irish custom.

Throughout her career, O'Connor was known for her talent, controversy, and struggles with mental health. Her music touched the hearts of many, and her advocacy for the marginalized and oppressed made her a compassionate figure. Archbishop Eamon Martin of the Catholic Church in Ireland acknowledged her kindness and empathy, despite her previous criticisms of the church.

Sin?©ad O'Connor leaves behind a legacy as a talented and influential musician who fearlessly spoke her mind. Her passing comes just 18 months after the death of her son, Shane, and her family and friends are devastated by the loss. The public awaits further details about the cause of her death, as her memory continues to be celebrated by fans and supporters around the world.