SHANE FILAN has paid tribute to his “incredible, beautiful” mother, Mae, following her sad passing over the weekend.
The Westlife star broke his silence following the news with a tweet confirming his mother had died peacefully and surrounded by her close family.
The 40-year-old thanked his friends, family and fans for their support and well wishes following the news of his mother’s death.
He also encouraged anyone wishing to send flowers to Mae’s funeral to instead donate to Sligo West Hospice, where she spent her final few days.
Filan tweeted: “Yesterday, Sunday 15th of December was the saddest day of my life…
“My mother Mae who was an incredible beautiful woman, wife, mother, grandmother & friend passed away peacefully surrounded by all her family.
“I’d like to say thank you to everyone for all your well wishes at this time. To all the fans for all your support & lovely messages. Thank you …
“Her funeral is a very private time for me & my family to grieve & I know you all understand & will respect that.’
“If you would like to do something in her memory you can make a small donation to Sligo North West Hospice …
“Who looked after her so beautifully & peacefully in her final days and will continue to do so for so many more families, Thank you. Love always, Shane and family.”
One of the biggest supporters of Shane’s dreams to become a pop star, it was Mae who famously convinced Louis Walsh to give her son’s fledgling boyband a shot at stardom.
— Shane Filan (@ShaneFilan) December 16, 2019
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Walsh recalled how Mae got Shane his big break with a simple phone call.
"She knew my mother. Mae was from Kiltimagh originally and was living in Sligo,” she said.
"Anyway, she rang me and said how good her son and the group were, and for some reason I believed her.
"Every mother says their son is brilliant. I believed Mae Filan.
"And I met them and there was something about them. They were rough around the edges."
Originally from Kiltimagh, Co Mayo, Mae is survived by her husband Peter, and children Finbarr, Peter, Yvonne, Liam, Denise, Mairéad and Shane.
She is also survived by her sister Kathleen (Kay) Gilmartin as well as her sons-in-law Michael, Rowan and Cathal, daughters-in-law Geraldine, Ciara, Patricia and Gillian.
Mae will also be remembered by her 22 grandchildren as well as her brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, along with her many nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and countless other friends and acquaintances.
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