Sinead O'Connor's spine-tingling rendition of The Foggy Dew ahead of Conor McGregor vs Chad Mendes has been shared far and wide following the news of her death.
It was announced on Wednesday that Irish music legend O’Connor has died aged 56.
In a statement, the singer's family said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time."
Born in Dublin on 8 December 1966, she first rose to fame in the late 1980s with her debut album The Lion and the Cobra which turned her into an overnight sensation.
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She went on to perform at a number of huge events, including UFC 189 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, when her rendition of the classic Irish song The Foggy Dew inspired Conor McGregor to victory.
"That was some moment... my god," McGregor said after his win over Mendes on July 11, 2015. "She [O'Connor] is an Irish hero, a passionate woman... her song brought chills through my spine."
As mentioned earlier, the above footage was shared by many on social media on Wednesday, including McGregor, who said he was "gutted" to hear of O'Connor's passing.
It was McGregor's idea to invite O'Connor to the event in Las Vegas. "Sinead is a powerful woman, she has a powerful voice," he once said. "When you listen to her music it's eerily beautiful. It's go to war music."
Tributes have poured in for the late musician on social media.
One fan wrote: "This was one of the coolest entrances ever. Wow rest easy. Damn," while another commented: "Wow.. honestly one of the coolest walk outs in UFC history. I get chills to this day. RIP."
A third said: "Genuinely had chills watching this live a few years ago. Nobody sings “The Foggy Dew” better. What an iconic voice. Rest easy Sinead."
A fourth added: "Rest in peace to an absolute legend of my native culture. This will forever be my favourite walkout. Such a blessing she was to us Irish folk."
McGregor first used The Foggy Dew in the UFC ahead of his bout against Diego Brandao at UFC Fight Night in Dublin.
O’Connor’s version with The Chieftains, from their 1995 album The Long Black Veil, is arguably the most well-known recording of the song. The lyrics recount the harrowing events and aftermath of the Easter Rising in Dublin in 1916.
Topics: Conor McGregor, UFC, MMA
Jack Kenmare