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Markéta Irglová has publicly paid tribute to her Once co-star Glen Hansard after the Oscar-winning musician died in a motorcycle crash. Hansard, who shared the Academy Award for the song “Falling Slowly” with Irglová, was 56.
Irglová’s message and public reaction
On Instagram, Irglová expressed deep sympathy for Hansard’s family, singling out his wife, son and brothers and saying she was thinking of them in this difficult time. She asked that his memory and love continue to surround those closest to him.
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Fans and fellow artists responded beneath her post. Many recalled the chemistry between the pair after Once, with one commenter saying the duo created “absolute magic.” Olivia Vedder, daughter of Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, also sent her love to Irglová in the comments.
What happened the night of the crash
Hansard had played a show at The Wren’s Nest in Chapelizod on Tuesday night. The collision occurred in the early hours of Wednesday on a stretch of road between Tinkers Hill and Rugged Lane, a few hundred metres from the pub.
Locals described that section as poorly lit and potentially hazardous after dark. Gardaí were called to the scene shortly before 4.30am. Because of the gap between when Hansard left the pub and when the alarm was raised, staff said they could not be certain of the exact time of the crash.
Local response and investigation
The pub’s owners moved to counter online rumours suggesting an after-hours gathering. In a statement, The Wren’s Nest said it had closed at its usual licensed time and that there had been no lock-in; Hansard left the premises after closing.
It is understood a man driving to work discovered the wreckage, stopped to help and called emergency services. Paramedics treated Hansard at the scene, but he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. Reports indicate there was no major visible damage to his motorcycle. Authorities have not yet released a definitive cause of death.
Tributes have been shared across Ireland and internationally for a musician whose career spanned more than three decades. Colleagues and fans continue to remember his contributions to film and music, and the investigation into the collision is ongoing.
