Shane MacGowan would have turned 66 on Christmas Day.
Victoria Mary Clarke has opened up about her first Christmas without her late husband Shane MacGowan, who passed away on November 30th after a long illness.
Speaking about her first Christmas without Shane, Victoria said she felt “desolate” on Christmas morning.
However, she said she found peace and joy during Christmas mass in West Cork.
She told her Instagram followers that the healing voices of the choir made the heartbreaking day slightly easier for her.
“I was feeling really desolate this morning but I was lucky enough to be able to get to Mass in Cuil Aodh home of the famous choir led by Peadar O Riada.
“It was a transcendent experience to feel the joy and love in the church and in the congregation and the healing voices of the choir.”
Victoria said she found “a level of peace that had been out of reach” during the service.
“Just the sound of the beautiful voices and the incense and the beauty of the Irish language being spoken was glorious and healing,” she said.
Victoria praised the West Cork community for supporting her during such a harrowing time.
She said the people of West Cork never fail to be warm, welcoming, and supportive.
Anyone who has lost a loved one knows just how hard the first Christmas can be so surrounding yourself with loved ones is key.
Victoria Mary Clarke said Shane’s birthday and Christmas Day were harder than she ever expected.
“I want to be with him so much it physically hurts. I don’t know how people get through this but I do know that they do and people do feel joy.”
Header image via Instagram/victoriamaryclarkeThis article originally appeared on her.ieREAD NEXT: - Simon's Place team share emotional goodbye message amid drop-ins from celeb visitors- Love Tempo, a new bar by The Big Romance and Mother opens on Thomas Street- 16 of the best spots in Dublin for food and cocktails
Four of the top 10 movies were released between 1946-1990. Ireland’s favourite Christmas movie has been revealed. With the big day just around the corner, new research from Virgin Media Ireland has resulted in a list of the countries most-loved festive flicks. The new study compiled the top 100 highest-grossing Christmas films and analysed their search volumes each December since 2021. The […]
From rock bands to pop royalty, we’re in for a treat next year. Whether it’s outdoors in the summer, or a trip to the 3Arena, Dublin is home to some great gigs. 2025 didn’t disappoint, from pop powerhouses like Olivia Rodrigo and The Script to stadium-filling giants like Oasis and Dua Lipa. And with several […]
It comes just a few months after their final farewell gigs. This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on any sales generated from it. The Wolfe Tones have announced their return to the stage with two massive Dublin gigs. That’s right, the Dublin-formed group who played their final farewell shows in June […]
