Statement by An Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, Verona Murphy TD on the passing of Glen Hansard

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Glen Hansard. Dublin has lost one of its truest voices — a musician who never forgot Ballymun, where he grew up, even as his talent carried him to an Academy Award and worldwide acclaim.

From his early days busking and with The Frames, through The Commitments, to the extraordinary success of Once and “Falling Slowly,” Glen Hansard’s music spoke with a rare honesty. He was there, too, for the homeless and for others whose voices needed to be heard, using his own platform to lift up theirs. He gave a voice to Irish music on the world stage while remaining, always, a Dubliner at heart.

On behalf of Dáil Éireann, I extend my deepest sympathies to his partner Maire, his son Christy, his family, friends and bandmates — and to the many who had Glen’s music as the backdrop to their lives. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."