Alec Baldwin and Shane MacGowan pay tribute to Sinead O'Connor's son Shane

Shane (17), Sinead's third child whom she shared with trad musician Donal Lunny, was found dead in Bray just two days after being reported missing from Newbridge, Co. Kildare and had last been seen in Tallaght.

He had reportedly been on “suicide watch” at Tallaght University Hospital.

On Saturday, Sinead confirmed that Shane “decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God.” She later said that she had formally identified her son’s remains.

Since then, social media has been flooded with messages of support for Sinead and her family during this difficult time.

Singer Imelda May shared a poem written by Shane on Twitter and said: “Wise words from a beautiful boy. May he rest in peace and rise with love. I send my love to you @OhSineady and @donallunny on the loss of your beloved son.”

Ireland AM star wrote: “I am so terribly sorry for your tragic loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.”

Actor Alec Baldwin shared his condolences: “My God, I’m so sorry.”

Lead singer of the Waterboys, Mike Scott, tweeted: “Condolences to Sinead O’Connor and Donal Lunny, parents of 17-year-old Shane who it has been announced today has died.”

And Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan, a close friend of Sinead’s, posted a tribute to her "beautiful boy” online.

He wrote: “Sinead you have always been there for me and for so many people, in this world you have been a comfort and you have been a soul who is not afraid to feel the pain of the suffering and you have always tried to heal and help.

“I pray and Victoria prays that you can be comforted now and find strength and healing and peace in your own sorrow and loss, he was a beautiful boy and I loved him, and I pray he can be at peace and also be able to stay connected with you.”

MacGowan’s former bandmate Cait O’Riordan wrote: “I’m so sorry Sinead.”

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, contact the Samaritans on 116 123; Pieta House on 1800 247 247 or text HELLO to 50808, a free 24/7 text support service for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis.