Oscar-winning musician Glen Hansland dies in early-morning motorcycle crash near Dublin

Glen Hansland, the Oscar-winning singer-songwriter, died in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash shortly before 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday on Lower Road, about two miles west of Dublin. The 56-year-old had been at the Wren’s Nest pub in western Dublin attending a traditional music session hosted by the group Trad 15, which was advertised as a celebration of Mayo’s recent All-Ireland football victory.

According to police, Hansland left the pub on his motorbike and collided with an obstacle less than two miles away. While no criminal investigation is expected because the crash involved only his vehicle, authorities will conduct a probe to determine the cause and will prepare a file for the coroner’s inquest. A post-mortem, including toxicology, will be performed.

The Wren’s Nest issued a statement on social media expressing sorrow over the loss and noting Hansland’s long-standing presence at the venue. His management also released a notice confirming his death and requesting privacy for his family.

Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin said Hansland was “a talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years.” Hansland, who split his time between Ireland and Finland, was married to Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa and had a son born in 2022. He rose to fame as the frontman of The Frames, later winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly” from the film “Once,” and achieved further success with the Broadway adaptation of the movie.