14 April 2023 , 23:18
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Fans and celebrities have taken to social media to pay tribute to Mark Sheehan - the musician and founding member of chart topping Irish band The Script, who passed away on Friday.
The dad-of-three died in hospital at the age of 46 following an illness - with those close to the star and those who knew him for his music expressing shock at his death.
Mark was a founding member of The Script - who burst onto the music scene in 2008 and released six albums - and played guitar for the band alongside frontman Danny O’Donoghue, 42, and drummer Glen Power, 44.
The band announced Mark’s passing on social media on Friday, writing in a statement: “Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness.
The Script star Mark Sheehan died on Friday aged 46 (FILE)“The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time.”
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Fans of the group have been united in their grief while tributes to Mark have been made following the shock announcement.
In statement posted on Instagram, Irish presenter Laura Whitmore wrote: “Thinking of you all at this time.
“Mark was one of the nicest and most talented men you could meet.”
In their own Instagram tribute, Irish pop duo Jedward said: “Everyone in the Irish music industry and worldwide mourn your loss RIP Mark such a talented musician from The Script one of the most iconic Irish groups of our generation.”
Mark was a founding member of The Script alongside Glen Power and Danny O'Donoghue (WireImage)Irish band Kodaline described Mark as "such a lovely man", writing on Twitter : “We had the great fortune of getting to spend time in his company over the years and was always such a lovely man. Deepest condolences to his family and his @thescript brothers.”
Irish President Michael D Higgins praised The Script’s “originality and excellence” as he honoured the late Breakeven star’s memory.
In a lengthy statement, he also hailed him as an “outstanding” example of Irish “musical success” on the world stage.
The President wrote: “All those who knew Mark Sheehan, and those millions more who enjoyed and appreciated his music, will have been deeply shocked to hear of his too-early death.
Irish President Michael D Higgins hailed Mark as an “outstanding” example of Irish “musical success” (Mick O'Neill)“It was a mark of the originality and excellence that Mark and his bandmates in The Script sought that they saw such success across the world, including six number one albums in the UK and a number three album in the United States – a truly remarkable achievement.
“It was a great honour and a privilege when I had the opportunity of hosting Mark and The Script when they performed at Aras an Uachtarain in 2013 as part of my initiative Glaoch – The President’s Call, which celebrated Irish creativity and its reach and impact across the world.
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“Through their music, Mark and The Script have played an outstanding part in continuing and promoting this proud tradition of Irish musical success across the world.
“While Mark will be missed by so many, it is his family who will of course experience the greatest loss. May I extend my deepest sympathies to Mark’s wife Rina, to his children Cameron, Avery and Lil, to his bandmates in The Script, and to all his family and friends.”
Jedward have paid tribute to Mark (Getty Images)
Laura Whitmore also paid tribute to the musician (David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)Many other fans also took to social media to express their shock and sadness.
One such fan wrote on Twitter: “So very sorry to hear of Marks passing. Im shocked & saddened to hear of such a young soul taken from us. Love the band & Marks contribution to the songs & music.
"Condolences to the guys & his family & friends who knew him. Rest in Peace.”