Statement by President Connolly on the death of Glen Hansard
Date: Wed 29 Jul, 2026 | 15:03
As President of Ireland, may I join with all of those who have expressed such shock on learning of the death of Glen Hansard.
Glen Hansard will be remembered as one of Ireland’s great singer-songwriters. Glen and his band the Frames stood out as one of the leaders of the thriving wave of Irish bands who emerged in the 1990s and were the source of so much inspiration to a generation of young people and musicians.
Glen would go on to achieve well deserved worldwide recognition for his work with Markéta Irglová, most notably for their wonderful performances in the film Once, for which they so deservedly won the Oscar for Best Original Song, and later for his solo work. This recognition in film built on Glen’s earlier star turn in The Commitments, where he played the role of Outspan Foster.
Whether with the Frames, with Markéta, or as a solo artist, Glen was renowned for his incomparable live performances, beautiful evenings of music where Glen would regale audiences with stories as well as his music, along with that of many of those who had touched his life over the decades.
Glen will also be remembered for the generosity with which he shared his fame, providing encouragement to young musicians and performers, while working to assist with important causes, in particular those suffering from homelessness, with his annual Christmas Eve busk in Dublin’s city centre one of the highlights of the Christmas period.
Glen was one of the vital driving influences of the Irish music world, bringing people together in the sharing of live music. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him or experienced his work.
May I express my deepest condolences to Glen’s wife Maire, to his son Christy, and to all family and friends both in Ireland and throughout the world.