IRISH SINGER and Eurovision star Sandie Jones has died, aged 68.
Sandie’s sad passing was confirmed by her family, following a long period of illness.
Her family are now appealing for assistance in helping bring her ashes home to be buried alongside her parents.
Ireland’s entry to the Eurovision Song Contest in 1972, Sandie made history with her song Ceol an Ghrá, which was the first and so far, only entry to be sung in Irish.
Luxembourg took home the crown that year with Vicky Leandros winning with the song Apres toi.
Sandie sang for bands like The Royal Earls, The Dixies and The Sandie Jones Band and proved a popular figure in the music scene of the time.
One of 11 children born and raised in Crumlin, Dublin, she first began singing as part of the popular showbands of the time.
The 1990s saw her leave Ireland to pursue a career overseas as a singer and performer.
She eventually settled in America, where she lived up until the time of her passing, which followed a period of illness.
An Irish Eurovision icon who did much to champion the Irish language, Sandie remains a firm favourite among fans of the annual contest.
She leaves behind a fine musical legacy and is survived by her siblings Bernadette, Breda, Tony, Paddy, Peter, Paul and Tom.
Her family have launched a GoFundMe page to try and pay for her ashes to be transported back to Ireland to be buried with her parents.
"She has asked us to fulfill her dying wishes by having her cremated when she passes away and then she would us to bring her ashes back to Ireland so she can be buried with her Mam and Dad," the pages explains.
"Sandie has been unable to work for almost 3 years now and her funds are zero so I’m asking anyone out there to please donate whatever you can to help me get my sister home when she leaves this world.
"If there are any surplus funds in the account after we get Sandie back to Ireland and buried with her parents, we will donate to balance to the Irish Cancer Society or to Our Lady’s Hospice. Thank you in advance for your support."
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