The latest entertainment news Ireland has been marked by grief, reflection and an outpouring of love for Glen Hansard following his sudden death. Among the most emotional tributes came from Ronan Keating, who revealed the final exchange he shared with the acclaimed singer-songwriter, admitting he feels he “left it too long” to reconnect.
Hansard died in the early hours of Wednesday after a motorbike crash at the Strawberry Beds in Lucan, Co Dublin. The loss has sent shockwaves through Irish entertainment news, with fans, fellow musicians and public figures paying tribute to a man widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most gifted and generous artists.
Ronan Keating shares deeply personal tribute in entertainment news Ireland
Ronan Keating posted a screenshot of his last conversation with Hansard, dating back to February 2025. In the message, Ronan wrote: “In Sydney on a beach listening to you sing your heart out. Love you.” Hansard replied warmly: “Love you brother. I’ll be there next week! You around for a bit?”
That meeting never happened, and Keating’s public reflection captured the sadness many feel in the wake of Hansard’s passing. He said he had delayed reaching out, adding that now he can no longer ask for advice or hear Hansard’s thoughts and wisdom. Keating also praised him in moving words, thanking him for sharing his music and promising to keep singing his songs.
It is a moment that has resonated far beyond celebrity news Ireland, speaking to a wider sense of regret, friendship and the fragile nature of time.
Tributes pour in from Ireland and beyond
Hansard’s death has become one of the most talked-about stories in entertainment updates Ireland this week. High-profile figures from music, film and public life have shared messages of sympathy and admiration, underlining the scale of his influence.
- Barack Obama
- Bruce Springsteen
- Rachel Zegler
- Lin-Manuel Miranda
- Billie Eilish
Closer to home, singer Imelda May also shared an emotional tribute after initially being too devastated to comment. She later posted a tender performance clip alongside a heartfelt poem mourning the loss of her friend, recalling their missed final contact with the line: “Passing Ships. Sail Away!!!”
For followers of Irish celebrity news and music news Ireland, the response has highlighted just how deeply Hansard was admired, not only for his artistry but for his warmth and character.
Funeral details confirmed for Glen Hansard
In significant latest entertainment news Ireland, details of Hansard’s funeral have now been confirmed. A public wake will take place on Monday, with mourners invited to pay respects as he lies in repose at the Baroque Chapel in IMMA, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, from 11am to 4pm.
The funeral will follow on Tuesday at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin city centre at 1:30pm. While the service will be open to the public, space inside the cathedral is expected to be limited because of the large turnout anticipated. The ceremony will also be streamed online through the cathedral’s website.
A farewell fitting for a beloved artist
Hansard’s final public appearance reportedly came during a trad session at The Wren’s Nest in Chapelizod, just hours before the crash. That detail has only deepened the emotion surrounding the story in pop culture Ireland and across the wider arts community.
His passing leaves a profound gap in Irish music and in the cultural life of the country. For many, the tributes from Ronan Keating and Imelda May have given voice to a national sense of loss.
As entertainment news Ireland continues to follow this story, one thing is clear: Glen Hansard’s songs, spirit and generosity have left a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten.
