This one really got me yesterday. As others have said I think you always sort of expected things to end this way. The loss of her son was a huge tragedy and would be a struggle for any of us to recover from.
She was such a brave, talented, intelligent, fun, loving, strong woman and an inspiration for many young women growing up at that time. And that voice! Stunning. She was completely vilified for tearing up the picture of the pope at the time but she never regretted it and proved right in time. Fame did not sit easy with her and she always said she never wanted to be a pop star but a protest singer but her immense talent meant fame followed. She suffered horrific abuse as a child by her mother and did end up in care. Her childhood traumas haunted her through life and she spent a lot of time in and out of Psychiatric hospitals. She spoke so openly about her struggles, abuse and mental health at a time when no one else did which shows such bravery. She was adored in Ireland and people had such a genuine love for her and wanted her to be happy. She lived in Bray Co. Wicklow for a long time and I used to often see her out and about with her dogs.
I just hope she is at peace now with her beloved son Shane and condolences to her family and friends and all that knew and loved her. We won't see her like again.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam