Shane MacGowan funeral: Huge crowds and celebrities expected in Dublin and Tipperary for procession

Mourners have started gathering in Dublin as they prepare to see Shane MacGowan’s funeral procession.

The procession is set to begin at 11am ahead of a funeral mass for the former Pogues singer in Tipperary. 

Aidan Grimes is among those paying their respects and he described MacGowan as an “icon of Dublin”. 

“I remember the first time I saw The Pogues in the Hammersmith Odeon in 1985,” the 60-year-old said. 

“It is imprinted in my mind forever, just the madness and mayhem, the raucous nature of his singing and the music they were playing. Through the years he evolved into a great poet and he will be sadly missed.” 

He recalled meeting him 15 years ago, saying he was a “very charming, nice, friendly man” that talked about music and his time in London.

“I thought it was important to pay my respects. He was an icon of Dublin, just like Brendan Behan, Luke Kelly. His music will be listened to in 100 years’ time,” he added.