Statement from Dublin Simon Community on the Passing of Glen Hansard 

Everyone at Dublin Simon Community was devasted to learn today of the passing of our longtime friend and supporter Glen Hansard. While known to many as a genius songwriter and storyteller, for us, he was threefold that, in his generosity, a true advocate for our work and a giant in the fight against homelessness.  

Our long-lasting relationship with Glen started back in 2010, when he organised the first official Christmas Eve Busk. What started out as his brainchild soon became an iconic Dublin Christmas event, a festive singsong that spread cheer but also raised vital awareness of the homelessness crisis as well as funds to keep our essential services running.  

To put it simply, the Busk would not have become what it is today without Glen as the driving force behind it. He took it upon himself to bring together Ireland’s leading musicians to help shine a spotlight on what he saw as an injustice in our society. Over the years, Glen invited some of Ireland’s brightest stars, including Bono, Sinéad O’Connor, Imelda May and Shane MacGowan, among so many others who lent their talents to our cause. Thanks to Glen, over two million euro has been raised and used directly to support people when they needed it most.  

Glen’s focus and concern was always on the wellbeing of the individuals and clients of Dublin Simon that he met. He had deep respect and empathy for those navigating the challenges of homelessness and his natural warmth and compassion always shone through in those moments. 

On behalf of all of our staff and particularly the clients we support, we offer our condolences to his wife, Maire, and his son, Christy. During this unimaginably difficult time for them, we hold them in our thoughts and our hearts. We equally remember and console his fellow musicians, songwriters, and storytellers. Glen’s talents will indeed be his legacy but so too will his commitment to social justice. We will be forever indebted to him for the difference he made in the lives of the people we serve. 

May he rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.