Fellow Irishman Hozier shared his love for The Script on Instagram. Commenting on the post announcing Sheehan’s death, Hozier – real name Andrew Hozier-Byrne – wrote: “So saddened to hear this. I am thinking of all of you and Mark’s family at this time and sending you love. Sincere condolences to all of you.”

Lead singer Danny O’Donoghue announced last year that Sheehan had taken a break from The Script’s US tour to spend time with his family.

“It’s his story to tell, but yeah, I guess if I could paraphrase, his kids needed a dad and his wife needed a husband,” the singer said.

“He’s been the driving force behind The Script for so long, [I told him] that “if you want to take some time for your family, you are more than welcome, and I insist that you go and do it”.

He added that the group was supportive and described them as “a bunch of brothers” who “stay together no matter what”.

Irish President Michael D Higgins released a statement regarding Sheehan’s death.

It reads: ‘All who knew Mark Sheehan, and those millions of others who enjoyed and enjoyed his music, will have been deeply shocked to learn of his death too soon.

“It was a mark of the originality and excellence that Mark and his bandmates in The Script were after that they had seen such success around the world, including six UK number one albums and a number three album in the US – a truly remarkable achievement.

“It was a great honor and privilege to have the opportunity to host Mark and The Script when they performed in Áras an Uachtaráin in 2013 as part of my Glaoch – The President’s Call initiative, which celebrated Irish creativity, its reach and impact across the world.

“Through their music, Mark and The Script have played an exceptional role in continuing and promoting this proud tradition of Irish musical success around the world.

“While Mark will be missed by so many, it is of course his family who will suffer the greatest loss. May I express my deepest condolences to Mark’s wife Rina, his children Cameron, Avery and Lil, to his bandmates in The Script, as well as all of his family and friends.

The president concluded with an Irish phrase, “suaimhneas síoraí dá anam”, which means “eternal peace to his soul”.

Singer Ella Henderson posted a heartfelt tribute to Sheehan on her Instagram following news of her death.

the old X factor The contestant shared photos of herself with The Script and Sheehan with the caption: “Mark, I’m totally devastated. No one will ever be able to come close to the energy you had on stage and the hilarious banter you had in behind the scenes.

“I just want to take a moment so we can all share our love and appreciation for Mark Sheehan. A true rockstar who should be remembered for the love and light he brought to this earth! May you be in peace May your music live forever.

She continued: “Sending so much love to all of Mark’s family and close friends and of course my Irish brothers @thescriptofficial… I know the last video is of the shittest quality… but I wanted to share with you all how much this man gave his all and ran around that stage every night on tour You owned it Mark I will always remember you that way All my love…your little sister up north xxx Ella xxxxxx.

Ancient the island of love Host Laura Whitmore was among celebrities to comment on Sheehan’s passing on Instagram.

Commenting on The Script’s announcement post, Whitmore wrote, “Thinking of you all right now. Mark was one of the nicest and most talented men you could meet x.

Fellow Irishman Hozier shared his love for The Script on Instagram. Commenting on the post announcing Sheehan’s death, Hozier – real name Andrew Hozier-Byrne – wrote: “So saddened to hear this. I am thinking of all of you and Mark’s family at this time and sending you love. Sincere condolences to all of you.”

So far, all we know is that Sheehan died in hospital after “a brief illness”. He was 46 years old.

No further information was made available and the band asked for “privacy at this tragic time”.

Many fans responded to The Script’s announcement with their own anecdotes of meeting Sheehan.

“I’m so disgusted to read this!!! I met you all about 10 years ago in DUBAI and we had the best night ever!! No stop laughing he was such a nice guy!! RIP Mark” , wrote a fan alongside a photo from the night.

” Broken Heart. I cannot thank Mark enough for all he has done for me over the years. Thinking of you all!” wrote another.

Someone else shared a selfie with the guitarist with the caption, “Oh wow he was so amazing. I will never forget having met him in 2011!

Fellow Irish rockers Kodaline were among the very first people to react to The Script’s statement.

The band wrote on Twitter: “So sorry to hear of Mark Sheehan’s passing! We had the great fortune to spend time with him over the years and he was always a lovely man! Our deepest condolences to his family and brothers @thescript.

The IndependentMusic chief Roisin O’Connor shared his tribute to Sheehan on Twitter, writing, “The script was EVERYWHERE in the 2010s, you couldn’t watch a teen drama or turn on the radio without hearing one of their songs.” she wrote. “A lot of that was down to Mark Sheehan – great hooks, beautiful rich guitar tones. Doom.”