07 September 2023 , 07:54
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In a heartfelt tribute, Saoirse Ronan has praised Sinéad O'Connor who she believes paved the way for women in entertainment.
Ronan, known for her stellar performances in films like Lady Bird and Little Women, directed by Barbie director Greta Gerwig, acknowledged the "incredible stock" she hails from, which includes talents like Sharon Horgan of Catastrophe and Bad Sisters fame.
The four-time Oscar nominee said: "Think of Sinéad (O'Connor), of Sharon (Horgan), everyone who was around in the 70s, 80s and 90s, who just didn't give a f**k and moved away from the template that had been set."
She further highlighted the challenges faced by women, particularly in Ireland, where societal norms were restrictive and oppressive. She said, "There's been a lot to overcome for all women, but I think in a country like Ireland, where there was such ownership over us in every sense, physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, how unbelievably brave." She added, "What incredible stock to come from. I don't take that for granted at all."
Saoirse Ronan has shared a touching tribute to trailblazer Sinéad O'Connor (PA)
Sinéad died aged 56 at her east London home in July (Getty Images)The tragic news of O'Connor's death at her London home in July, at the age of 56, sent shockwaves through the industry. Saoirse who was born in New York but grew up in Ireland also emphasized the importance of sisterhood, stating: "When you've got other women in your corner, they will defend you like nothing else." She concluded with a personal note, saying, "If you have that which I've always had from my mother you carry it with you your whole life."
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O'Connor became Muslim in 2018 and changed her name to Shuhada Sadaqat which she used in her personal life, calling the decision to convert to Islam the 'natural conclusion of any intelligent theologian's journey'. She had been ordained as a Catholic priest in 1999, after her controversial ripping up of Pope John Paul II's photo on Saturday Night Live in 1992.
Following her heartbreaking death, her former management team announced that she was still working and had planned to release an album, which she had hoped to tour. O'Connor was also exploring the "opportunities" with her book and was in talks for a biopic. In a statement on their website, 67 Management expressed their "love, thoughts and prayer" to the Nothing Compares 2 U singer's family.
Ronan has graced the cover of Harper's Bazaar UK (PA)
Her death left the music world completely heartbroken (PA)They added: "As a tribute to those who were part of Sinead's team over our tenure it has to be mentioned that Sinead was completing her new album, reviewing new tour dates for 2024 and considering opportunities in relation to a movie of her book. Wonderful plans were afoot at this time. Testament and tribute to those who have put their hearts first for Sinead, to whom we are forever grateful. It has been an honour to have worked with Sinead professionally, as musician, producers and her artist managers over the last nine years, but much, much more than that Sinead was family. May she rest in peace." Sinead released her memoir Rememberings in 2021. It was described as a “unique and remarkable chronicle by a unique and remarkable artist."
The late musician is survived by her children Jake Reynolds, 34, Roisín Waters, 27, and sixteen-year-old Yeshua Bonadio. She tragically lost her third child, 17-year-old Shane Lunny, to suicide last year.
The October issue of Harper's Bazaar UK is on sale now.
* This article was crafted with the help of an AI tool, which speeds up The Mirror's editorial research. An editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to [email protected]