26 July 2023 , 19:22
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Conor McGregor has led the tributes to famed Irish singer Sinead O'Connor after it was confirmed she had passed away at the age of 56.
The UFC icon was joined by O'Connor for his ring walk at UFC 189 when he first became world champion, with the promotion breaking with tradition to allow live performances for the main event. UFC president Dana White had never allowed it previously and hasn't allowed it since, making her performance of 'The Foggy Dew' all the more sentimental to the Irishman.
O'Connor was one of Ireland's most prominent musicians, first breaking on to the scene with her album The Lion And The Cobra in 1987. She reached the top 40 in the charts eight times throughout her decades-long career and became an important figure in McGregor's career with her performance of the traditional Irish ballad.
Sinead O'Connor performed the walkout for Conor McGregor's first world title fight (Getty Images)The musician's family shared news of her passing in a statement tonight which read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time." McGregor's one-word statement on Twitter simply stated that he was "gutted".
He later tweeted "what a woman! Rest in Peace, Sinead," before making a longer post that read: "The world has lost an artist with the voice of an Angel. 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."
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In a previous Instagram post written during the coronavirus pandemic, McGregor declared that he "would die for" the late singer, telling her in a message: "Emotional to say the least. Quick shout to Sinead O Connor, I would die for you Sinead and I f***ing mean it."
Speaking ahead of his fight at UFC 189, the Irishman told media: "I love Sinead O'Connor, I'm a big fan of Sinead, she is a passionate woman, her voice is - she has a beautiful voice and it's eerily symbolic of war. So for as long as my career I've been coming out to Sinead and now we get to do it live, so it's going to be a phenomenal occasion."
McGregor's was one of countless tributes to O'Connor. Irish Taoiseach [Prime Minister] Leo Varadkar wrote: "Really sorry to hear of the passing of Sinéad O'Connor. Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare. Condolences to her family, her friends and all who loved her music. Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a hAnam. [Rest in peace]."