Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sinead O’Connor describes ‘lovely Hindu’ send-off for son Shane

Singer’s son died last week aged 17

Isobel Lewis
Saturday 15 January 2022 09:22 EST
Comments
Sinead O'Connor posts candid video describing her mental health

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sinead O’Connor has said goodbye to her son Shane with a “lovely Hindu ceremony” following his death aged 17.

O’Connor announced Shane’s death on Twitter last Saturday (8 January), writing that he “decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God”.

​​The “Nothing Compares 2 U” singer went on to fiercely criticise the Irish health service HSE, the child and family agency Tusla, and the Irish state overall. She later apologised for “lashing out” on social media.

On Saturday (15 January), O’Connor – who is Muslim – tweeted that she and her loved ones had just held a Hindu ceremony to remember Shane.

“We just said goodbye to our beautiful angel, Shaney,” she wrote. “Very lovely Hindu ceremony.  Shane will have loved it. He was always chanting ‘Om. Shanti’.”

O’Connor continued: “I put a few packs of fags in the coffin for him in case there’s none in heaven. He’ll have loved that too.  Om. Shanti.”

Earlier this week, it was reported that Shane’s death will be referred to the National Review Panel (NRP) for investigation.

The NRP was established in 2010 to investigate serious incidents, including the deaths of children in care and/or known to the child protection system.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, the Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in