Sinéad O'Connor's death was announced by her family last night.
In the age of TikTok and perpetual online-ness, the word "iconic" is thrown around so haphazardly it almost loses all meaning. But if there's one Irish artist who utterly personifies it, it's Sinéad O'Connor.
Tributes have been pouring in for the singer, with those who had the privilege of meeting her describing her as brilliant, smart and passionate with a great sense of humour - her quick quips and comedic comebacks are as legendary as her fearless cries in support of minorities.
Sinéad O'Connor gave a voice to voiceless communities at times when it was not just untrendy, but detrimental to her career and public image. She was unblinking in the face of backlash and scrutiny, and never stopped speaking out - dedicating her most recent award at the RTÉ Choice Music Awards to the refugee community of Ireland.
There are countless moments being shared and fondly recalled in the wake of her death - here are some we're reflecting on this morning.
Calling out RTÉ
As usual, Sinéad was ahead of us all, questioning the way money moved through RTÉ long before the scandal broke this year. She also successfully made Ryan squirm more than the entire Oireachtas Committee.
https://twitter.com/ActingTheGom/status/1684266326791970818?s=20
Breaking down stigma against HIV/AIDS
People across the globe are remembering Sinéad for her activism today, particularly her support for those living with HIV/AIDS at a time when they were abandoned by so many.
https://twitter.com/JasonReidUK/status/1684282610971824128?s=20
Becoming a priest
If you knew nothing about Sinéad O'Connor growing up, you probably still heard about her being ordained as a priest in Lourdes in 1999.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsWL0uOyZkA
Politely turning down an appearance on Piers Morgan's show
Concise, to the point, and wholly accurate.
https://twitter.com/StuartRouse/status/1684474234133778433?s=20
Dedicating her final award to refugees in Ireland
Sinéad never missed an opportunity to speak up for those being mistreated by the masses, and her final appearance where she dedicated her Choice Music Prize Classic Irish Album Award to the refugee community in Ireland was no different.
https://twitter.com/choiceprize/status/1633952754996502529?s=20
Telling everyone she loves them
Before skilfully cutting them down to size. There are countless moments like this, but Sinéad holding Gay Byrne's hand and telling him she loves him while also revealing a secret "he'll kill her for" is a perfect example of her inimitable humour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=055Inr77JUU&t=1s
Campaigning for abortion rights
Long before repeal jumpers and murals, Sinéad O'Connor was speaking out about the need for safe access to abortion on Irish soil.
https://twitter.com/haaohaoo/status/1684327473146634242?s=20
The SNL moment
After ripping up a picture of the Pope on live tv and appealing to the public to "fight the real enemy", Sinéad faced a level of scrutiny it's hard to even contemplate today. She tore up the photo as an act of defiance against the Church and the silence around their abuse, declaring:
"Until the ignoble and unhappy regime which holds all of us through child abuse has been toppled, utterly destroyed.
"Until that day there is no continent that will know peace. Children, children. Fight.
"We find it necessary. We know we will win. We have confidence in the victory of good over evil."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dKdBlKgquw
Her live performances
Whilst focussing on her activism, you'd almost forget what a charismatic, unique and profoundly brilliant performer Sinéad O'Connor was. If you know her mostly for her era-defining rendition of
Nothing Compares 2 U, a deep dive into her wide and varied catalogue is definitely in order today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXee0_wJeNw
Header images via Getty
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