Irish President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to Mark Sheehan, the guitarist of Irish rock band The Script, in a heartfelt statement. The president praised Sheehan’s musical talent and the band’s ability to bring people together through their music. The tribute comes after Sheehan announced that he would be taking a break from the band to focus on his mental health. President Higgins’ message serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of supporting one another during difficult times.
The music world is mourning the loss of Mark Sheehan, the guitarist and co-founder of The Script, who has died at the age of 46 following a short illness. Sheehan, who formed the band with frontman Danny O’Donoghue and drummer Glen Power, passed away in hospital on Friday.
President Michael D Higgins led the tributes to Sheehan, praising The Script’s “originality and excellence” and hailing the musician as an “outstanding” example of Irish “musical success” on the world stage. In a statement released shortly after the news broke, he said: “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. 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.”
President Higgins also reflected on the band’s visit to his residence in 2013, when they performed at Aras an Uachtarain as part of his Glaoch – The President’s Call initiative. “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.”
Sheehan, who was married to Rina Sheehan and had three children, was remembered by his bandmates in a statement shared on social media. “Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness. The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time.”
The Script were formed in Dublin in 2001 and quickly established themselves as one of the biggest bands in Ireland. Their eponymous debut album was released in 2008 and reached number one in both the UK and Ireland. It featured hits such as We Cry, Breakeven, and The Man Who Can’t Be Moved, with the latter peaking at number two in the UK singles charts. The band went on to release six studio albums and one compilation project, Tales From The Script – Greatest Hits, which was released last year. Six of these albums peaked at number one in the UK charts while their third album, Number 3, made it to number two.
Sheehan’s passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians alike. Fellow Irish rockers Kodaline paid tribute to the guitarist on Twitter, writing: “So sorry to hear the passing of Mark Sheehan. We had the great fortune of getting to spend time in his company over the years and he was always such a lovely man. Deepest condolences to his family and his @thescript brothers.” Irish presenter Laura Whitmore added: “Thinking of you all at this time. Mark was one of the nicest and most talented men you could meet.”
Sheehan’s talent as a musician was recognised around the world. In June 2013, The Script performed for the Queen at the BBC’s Broadcasting House in central London. At the end of the performance, the Queen joked with lead singer O’Donoghue about the mud at the Glastonbury music festival. Sheehan later said it had been a surreal experience: “Still today, coming in today, I thought people were playing a joke on us.”
The Script are due to support Pink on her European tour later this year.
In conclusion, Michael D Higgins’ heartfelt tribute to Mark Sheehan serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of our nation’s artists. Sheehan’s significant impact on the music industry has not gone unnoticed, and the words of the President have surely resonated with the many fans and admirers of his work. As we continue to navigate challenging times, let us not forget the power of music to unite and inspire, and let us honor those who have dedicated their lives to creating it.
