Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has paid tribute to Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O’Connor, whose death at 56 was announced by her family, recalling her iconic performance at UFC 189 and calling her an artist with “the voice of an angel.”
Conor McGregor, the former two-division UFC champion, is left mourning the loss of Sinead O’Connor. The Irish singer-songwriter’s death was announced by her family this Wednesday. To honor her, McGregor made a tribute post on X, recalling O’Connor’s unforgettable performance at UFC 189 where she sang him out to the octagon using her renowned song “The Foggy Dew.” The tribute also included a picture taken with O’Connor backstage.
In his tribute, McGregor reflected on the grievous loss not just personally, but also for the world and especially Ireland. “The world has lost an artist with the voice of an Angel,” he wrote. “Ireland has lost an iconic voice and one of our absolute finest, by a long shot. And I have lost a friend. Sinead’s music will live on and continue to inspire! Rest In Peace, Sinead you are home with your son I am sure.” As an Irish icon herself, O’Connor’s sudden departure has evidently left a deep impact on McGregor.
Details surrounding O’Connor’s death were not disclosed and the singer was 56 at the time of her passing. Her family expressed their devastation and wished for privacy during this challenging time through a statement that reads: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinead.” O’Connor achieved global recognition for her No. 1 hit, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” in 1990 but also faced a spate of controversies. The most infamous instance was in 1992 when she ripped up a picture of Pope John Paul II while performing on Saturday Night Live. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, O’Connor shared her struggles with bipolar disorder and her suicide attempt on her 33rd birthday. Her son, Shane, tragically took his life in 2022 when he was 17 years old.