A eulogy for Irish singer Sinead O’Connor at her private funeral has said she “suffered more than her share of hardship and adversity”.

Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, an Islamic scholar and Chief Imam at the Islamic Centre of Ireland, paid tribute to the singer’s legacy, after fans lined the streets for her funeral procession.

“Gifted with a voice that moved a generation of young people, she could reduce listeners to tears by her otherworldly resonance,” Dr Umar Al-Qadri added:

“One need only listen to her a cappella version of Danny Boy or the traditional Irish tune Molly Malone to know this about her gift. Sinead’s voice carried with it an undertone of hope, of finding one’s way home.

“The Irish people have long found solace in song from the sufferings of this lower abode, and Sinead was no exception, and in sharing that solace, she brought joy to countless people the world over.”

Dr Umar Al-Qadri also gave his “heartfelt gratitude” to O’Connor’s family and added that he was “humbled by the privilege” of delivering her service.

The hearse carrying O’Connor’s body was surrounded by emotional fans as it made its way to the funeral ceremony in her home town of Bray.

Handwritten notes and flowers were left at the entrance to her former home, thanking her for sharing her voice and her music.

Ireland’s president Michael Higgins, who is attending the funeral service, said the outpouring of grief and appreciation of the life and work of Sinead O’Connor demonstrates the profound impact she had on the Irish people.

O’Connor, 56, was found unresponsive at her London home on July 26. Police have said her death was not suspicious.

She was public about her struggles with mental illness.

When her teenage son Shane died by suicide last year, O’Connor tweeted there was “no point living without him” and she was soon hospitalised.

Her final tweet, sent on July 17, read “For all mothers of Suicided children,” and linked to a Tibetan compassion mantra.

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-PA