Most of GCN’s staff are of an age to remember a time in the mid-’90s when Dolores and The Cranberries were the biggest band around.

For me, the Limerick four-piece were an effortlessly cool ‘alternative’ (all non-dance or pop music was basically called ‘alternative’ in the 1990s) Irish band to be proud of – one that wasn’t fronted by a sanctimonious muppet.

It is precisely because of the significance of O’Riordan and The Cranberries’ enduring impact on Ireland’s musical landscape that the responses to her passing have been so raw.

Yesterday evening, The Cranberries’ official Facebook page posted news of the singer’s sudden death:

Irish musicians and artists led the online mourning:

My first time hearing Dolores O’Riordan’s voice was unforgettable. It threw into question what a voice could sound like in that context of Rock. I’d never heard somebody use their instrument in that way. Shocked and saddened to hear of her passing, thoughts are with her family.

— Hozier (@Hozier) January 15, 2018

Rest in peace Dolores O’Riordan ☘️❤️#QueenOfLimerick #riphttps://t.co/JU0NjuQxE1

— Adrian+Shane (@AdrianAndShane) January 15, 2018

So, so sad about Dolores O’Riordan. Shocking and devastating to lose her so young. She was iconic, her voice even more so. I always thought she looked so small behind those big guitars. https://t.co/CiS6mxsQDz

— Una Mullally (@UnaMullally) January 15, 2018

Poor Dolores O’Riordain, it beggars belief that she’s gone at only 46. I met her once in italy and what a shy fragile presence she was, until she got onstage. Lovely smile too. RIP.

— Dr BRIAN KENNEDY (@KennedySinger) January 15, 2018

Just hearing the news now absolutely devastating x https://t.co/zp73OKKb7x

— Jenny Greene (@djjennygreene) January 15, 2018

Dolores O Riordan has died, Rest In Peace. Very sad day for Limerick, a legend gone

— Rubber Bandits (@Rubberbandits) January 15, 2018

Fans have also being expressing their shock and sadness, as well as sharing the significance of O’Riordan’s life and career to them, on our Facebook page.

The other 3 members of The Cranberries, which formed in Limerick in 1989, paid tribute to Dolores on Twitter:

We are devastated on the passing of our friend Dolores. She was an extraordinary talent and we feel very privileged to have been part of her life from 1989 when we started the Cranberries. The world has lost a true artist today.
Noel, Mike and Fergal

— The Cranberries (@The_Cranberries) January 15, 2018

At this point many media outlets and fans have been reposting the video for Linger – one of my least favourite Cranberries’ songs, partly because it was over-played after its release and partly because the band were, at their core, a kick-ass rock band and Linger doesn’t reflect that.

Others have posted the video for Zombie, which despite it’s cringely earnest lyrics is a fine example of the band at their rock best.

I’ve opted for Salvation, which is my favourite Cranberries song. Rest in peace, Dolores.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KotlCEGNbh8[/embedyt]