It's been nearly a year since we lost incomparable singer, activist and icon Sinéad O'Connor and this month, two events are paying special tribute to her with screening of Kathryn Ferguson's stirring documentary Nothing Compares. 

Released in 2022, Ferguson's documentary centres on O'Connor's phenomenal rise to worldwide fame between 1987 and 1993; the ways she used her platform to address social issues such as Church abuse, misogyny and racism; and the caustic backlash she received for speaking truth to power. It's a portrait not just of O'Connor, but of society: a society riddled with abuse, bigotry, racism and misogyny that Sinéad was acutely aware of and courageous enough to address.

Sinéad O'Connor by Cathal Dawson for NOTHING COMPARES

Nothing Compares is a film that displays how society treats women in the public eye, and the gradual evolution towards equality.

In tribute to O'Connor, Nothing Compares will be shown in an open-air screening in Dublin's Merrion Square this Friday, 26th July. Broadcaster Donal Dineen will host a pre-screening discussion with director, Kathryn Ferguson, who Hot Press' Roe McDermott interviewed back in 2022.

If you can’t make it into Merrion Square, the New York-based online screening club will be making Nothing Compares available to watch online from Friday 26 July for a week, meaning that fans all over the world will be able to watch this beautiful documentary for free. Just visit Le Cinema Club's website from July 26 and remember the beauty, talent and power of Sinead.

The screening is part of a four-part public screening series around various Dublin parks. Each screening will focus on a late Irish music icon. Organised by Happenings in partnership with Screen Ireland, Remembering - Iconic Revolutionary Irish Artists will pay homage to O’Connor, Shane MacGowan, Phil Lynott and Luke Kelly.

Each event will include a pre-screening conversation, hosted by Donal Dineen, and music with a host of wonderful guests including directors, family members and fellow musicians. Food and refreshments will be available on the night and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, mats or cushions to keep comfortable.

On 9th August, Herbert Park will screen Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan, in honour of The Pogues founder, who passed away in November 2023.

Then, returning to Herbet Park on 30th August, a screening of 2020’s Phil Lynott: Songs for While I’m Away will celebrate the life of Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott.

Closing out the series on 13th September, a commemorative screening of Luke will pay homage to the life and work of Irish folk icon and The Dubliners frontman Luke Kelly, marking the 40th anniversary of his passing.

Tickets for all screenings are priced at €11.35, inclusive of booking fees, and can be purchased here.