Undertaker reveals why Johnny Depp carried Shane MacGowan’s coffin, Priest Calls it a ‘Scandal.’
Philly Ryan, an undertaker from Tipperary, disclosed that Johnny Depp carried Shane MacGowan’s coffin, defying security officers’ reservations. Ryan invited the celebrity friend to perform the honor at St Mary of the Rosary Church, although it was not initially planned. Images captured the Pirates of the Caribbean star, 60, alongside other pallbearers, carrying the wicker casket out of the church, observed by mourners.
“When I saw the pride on his face as he carried Shane down the church, I knew I’d made the right decision,” said Ryan, a close friend of MacGowan. He emphasized that Johnny deserved to carry the coffin, being Shane’s best man and present for the right reasons.
Despite resistance and objections from security, Johnny insisted on the decision. The undertaker shared this as a priest criticized the star-studded funeral, calling it a ‘scandal,’ especially deeming The Pogues’ song ‘Fairytale of New York’ ‘totally out of place.’
“The words used in that song and in the church showed no understanding of the sacredness of the place and the holiness of the mass,” expressed Fr Paddy McCafferty, the parish priest of the Corpus Christi parish in West Belfast.
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He found it completely inappropriate, even to the point of scandal, and believes there should be action regarding such celebrity funerals in a Catholic church. Fr Paddy emphasized that the purpose is to celebrate the worship of God and lead people in that worship, not for entertainment. MacGowan, known for the Christmas classic “Fairytale of New York,” passed away after battling pneumonia, with the song expected to top the charts during the festive period.
“The Irish singer had been released from the hospital over a week earlier after receiving treatment for viral encephalitis, a condition causing brain swelling. His funeral took place on December 8 in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, with notable attendees like Nick Cave and Bob Geldof.
Depp, alongside Liam O’Maonlai from Hothouse Flowers, participated by reading prayers during the service. Depp, visibly emotional, took a moment to touch MacGowan’s coffin. The coffin, adorned with an Irish tricolour flag, was positioned near a large photograph of the late Pogues singer. Subsequently, a group, including Depp, carried MacGowan’s coffin out of the service to a round of applause.”
Source: dailymail
Undertaker reveals why Johnny Depp carried Shane MacGowan’s coffin, Priest Calls it a ‘Scandal.’
