Fairytale of New York singer Shane MacGowan will be laid to rest today in Ireland following his sad death at the age of 65. Hollywood actor Johnny Depp was one of several friends to give readings at the emotional ceremony in Nenagh, Tipperary.<\/span><\/p>\n After the priest announced a series of readings, the A-lister approached the pulpit to remember his late friend. Johnny started with a gesture of respect towards The Pogues legend, referring to him as \u201cmaestro\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n He then began: \u201cWe pray for a deeper spirit of compassion in the world. May we feel the pain of others, understand their need and reach out to all who suffer in any way with a continuous love that is rooted in faith and peace. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cLord hear us,\u201d he added, as those in attendance repeated the refrain. Johnny was pictured arriving for the funeral at Saint Mary’s of the Rosary Church earlier today. <\/span><\/p>\n The actor could be seen smiling and tipping his hat as he greeted mourners outside on the street. He wore a black, wide-brimmed grey hat and patterned grey scarf over a black suit.<\/span><\/p>\n Shane tragically died last week following a lengthy hospital stay after his encephalitis diagnosis. <\/span><\/p>\n His widow Victoria Mary Clarke later confirmed that her husband had died of pneumonia. <\/span><\/p>\n Fans were seen paying their respects in the town of Nenagh today, with The Pogues songs playing on loop in the streets.<\/span><\/p>\n Shane\u2019s funeral procession began in the South of Dublin near Ballsbridge where he and wife Victoria lived.<\/span><\/p>\n Elsewhere in the service, Shane\u2019s father-in-law Dave Coon spoke about how the late musician had been \u201cfascinated by the magic\u201d of Revelations.<\/span><\/p>\n “Shane had a wide interest in so many things, in life generally and in religion, definitely,” Dave said. <\/span><\/p>\n He explained that Shane favoured the Book of Revelations because he was “fascinated by its magic and by its mystery” as well as the symbolism running through it.<\/span><\/p>\n Dave also recalled how the colourful and, at times, disturbing imagery that appears in the book had inspired Shane, before delivering a reading from that famous part of the Bible.<\/span><\/p>\n\n