'She was one of the voices of the century' - Tributes paid to Sinéad O'Connor

WARM tributes have been paid to Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor who has died at the age of 56.

A statement from O’Connor’s family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinead. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.” 

The cause of the singer-songwriter's death is unknown as yet.

Cork singer-songwriter Jack O’Rourke, who supported O'Connor at a gig in the Cork Opera House when he was starting out said: 

“She was an unbelievable artist in any genre in music whether in rock, opera, folk music, or jazz. She was one of the voices of the century. She was just an incredible singer, technically and more importantly she had an ability to connect with her listener,” he said.

He fondly recalled meeting her backstage before performing in the Opera House. “I met her backstage. She was with her son who passed away last year. She was being a mom. For someone who was in awe of her, she was really kind, and she listened. There was something so beautiful and childlike about her. She then got on stage and rocked.

“She was a very brave and courageous woman in tackling injustices in the world. A lot of what she said turned out to be true. She brought about social change hugely,” he added.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin paid tribute to the singer in a tweet, saying he was “devastated to hear of the passing of Sinead O’Connor. One of our greatest musical icons, and someone deeply loved by the people of Ireland, and beyond. Our hearts go out to her children, her family, friends and all who knew and loved her.” 

The Dublin-born singer was propelled to international stardom in 1990 with her version of Nothing Compares 2 U.

Her career spanned five decades during which she released ten studio albums.

Born in Dublin in 1966, O’Connor had four children. Her son Shane died last year, aged 17.