Shane MacGowan's family issue emotional statement ahead of funeral 'The champion of Ireland'

Shane's heartbroken wife, sister and father have issued an emotional statement to thank fans for their support over the past few days and shared details of his funeral procession

Shane MacGowan's family have released an emotional statement ahead of the legendary singer's funeral on Friday.

They described the Pogues frontman as "the champion of Ireland" and are inviting fans to say their final farewell to him before he is laid to rest.

Shane's funeral details were released earlier this week, with his wife Victoria Mary Clarke confirming a procession will travel through Dublin before his funeral mass, which will take place in Nenagh, Tipperary.

Read more: Victoria Mary Clarke on her love for Shane MacGowan 'I knew the first time I kissed him he was my soulmate'

A new statement shared by Victoria, Shane's sister Siobhan and his father Maurice details how they feel "thankful for the many people that loved him as a musician, songwriter and champion of Ireland."

The statement reads: "Shane MacGowan's wife Victoria Mary Clarke, his father Maurice, sister Siobhan and wider family would like to thank everyone for the enormous outpouring of affection and messages of condolence they have received since his passing.

"Knowing that people might wish to have the opportunity to say a final farewell, on Friday 8th December from 11.00am, Shane's funeral cortege will pass through the streets of Dublin.

"The Gardai have asked that people wishing to pay their final respects to Shane gather on the footpath along this route.

"Shane's family are thankful for the many people that loved him as a musician, songwriter and champion of Ireland and its culture and hope they are in some way repaying that loyalty by giving those that loved and admired him a chance to wish him God Speed and say Slán."

Shane's funeral procession takes place in Dublin this Friday between 10.30am and 11.45am.

The procession is due to start in Ringsend at 10.30am, close to where Shane and his wife Victoria Mary Clarke lived.

His coffin will arrive by hearse at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium and will be transferred to a horse drawn carriage.

Next, the Artane Band a a piper will lead the carriage and family cars onto South Lotts Road, across McMahon Bridge and down Pearse Street to Westland Row.

It will then cross over to Lincoln Place into Fenian Street and then on to Denzille Lane. Here, Shane's coffin will be transferred back into the hearse and brought to St Mary of the Rosary Church in Nenagh.

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