THOUSANDS of people gathered at a church in Limerick yesterday to remember the life of Cranberries frontwoman Dolores O’Riordan.

Fans of all ages, many clutching white roses and daffodils, streamed to St Joseph’s Church, where a public reposal was held.

It was the first in a series of services that will take place before the funeral mass in the Church of Saint Ailbe in Ballybricken, Co Limerick, tomorrow at 11.30am.

Hundreds of Munster Rugby fans were among those who turned out to pay their respects yesterday after their European match was postponed.

Large crowds lined the road outside the church for most of the afternoon as they waited patiently to get in.

O’Riordan’s voice filled the building as her songs were played throughout the service. Photographs of the Irish singer performing and one of her with the Pope were placed along the church walls. Four books of condolence were opened for mourners to sign.

The funeral mass will be broadcast live by Limerick’s local radio station. The service will be followed by a private family burial.

O’Riordan, 46, was in London to discuss plans for the Cranberries’ latest album when she was found dead in a hotel a week ago. An inquest was opened and adjourned.