3 hours agoGlen Hansard funeral: Glen Hansard’s funeral is taking place today at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin at 1.30pm. The Oscar winner and Frames frontman died in the early hours of July 29th. The 56-year-old died following a motorcycle crash at the Strawberry Beds, Lucan, before 4.30am.According to a brief Garda statement, which did not name Glen Hansard, the incident took place on a stretch of Lower Road, between Tinkers Hill and Rugged Lane.“The motorcyclist, a man in his 50s, was treated at the scene but was pronounced deceased a short time later,” the Garda said.The funeral is open to the public; however, access inside the cathedral is extremely limited given the huge numbers paying tribute to the musician.2 hours agoTributes to Glen HansardSince the musician’s death last week, tributes have poured out from politicians, public figures and musicians both internationally and here in Ireland. Among them, was Bruce Springsteen, who shared a statement describing Hansard as “a great musician, a good friend and a generous and gracious man”. Closer to home, at Waterford music festival All Together Now, Kildare musician Christy Moore dedicated a performance of The Auld Triangle to the Ballymun star, remembering him as a dear friend and collaborator. In the political sphere, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was “deeply saddened” by the death of Hansard, who he said was “a talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years”.On the streets of Dublin, members of the public and buskers turned out in their droves to honour Hansard, who himself was a lifelong busker. Watch: Dublin buskers pay tribute to Glen HansardDublin's buskers turned out to pay tribute to Glen Hansard who died in motorbike crash in Dublin last week. Video: Enda O'Dowd 2 hours agoFans gather in St Patrick’s Park An hour ahead of the funeral service, fans, buskers and mourners gathered outside St Patrick’s Cathedral. Queues have already begun to form, musicians played live in the adjacent park and some mourners have secured spots in front of the large screen that will broadcast the funeral from inside the church. Watch: Conor Pope’s video of fans gathered in at Patrick’s Cathedral ahead of serviceFans gather outside St Patrick's Cathedral an hour ahead of service 2 hours agoThe funeral set-up is very elaborate and split between the public, the VIPs, and family and friends, writes Conor Pope. The former U2 manager Paul McGuinness, artist Guggi and Hozier have all been seen entering the church as have former Commitments bandmates Andrew Strong and Angeline Ball. John Sheehan from the Dubliners also arrived, as well as Tom Dunne from Something Happens and activist Dean Scurry.There wasn’t even standing room in the church a full 90 minutes before the service was set to start.Paul McGuinness arriving for the funeral of Glen Hansard at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. Photograph: Damien Eagers/PA Wire 2 hours agoIt is not just Irish artists that have travelled to pay their respects at but international stars too, including Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam. Conor Pope described the scene, saying that “every now and then a fleet of SUVs arrives to a soundtrack of camera clicks”.2 hours agoComedians and actors also arrived to pay their respects; among them are Roscommon native Chris O’Dowd and Alan Patridge star Steve Coogan. John Carney, the director of Once, was seen talking to Coogan while singer Dermot Kennedy and O’Dowd headed quickly into the church after arriving on foot.Steven Coogan attended Glen Hansard's funeral. Photograph: Enda O'Dowd 2 hours agoIn lieu of flowers or gifts, the family have asked that donations be made to the Simon Community and Ukrainian Action Ireland. A lifelong activist, Hansard held a beloved Christmas Eve busk for the Simon Community annually.1 hour agoMore musicians arrive:Fifteen minutes ahead of the funeral, Bono and the Edge have joined the slew of musicians attending the service. Imelda May, who had a 35-year-friendship with Hansard and was a long-time collaborator, also entered the cathedral. Imelda May (right) pictured arriving for the funeral of Glen Hansard at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin City Centre this afternoon. Photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin