2 months ago
44 DJ Sinead Ni Mhorda, who was among the first in line on Monday, said Hansard had "a raw talent that is joyous and all-consuming and life-changing".
"He's done so much for Irish music. He really was a trailblazer for a lot of singer-songwriters, he brought people under his wing," she told the Press Association.
"He had such a generous spirit."
Singer songwriter Zoe Hayter met Hansard when she was 10 years old.
"I never, ever thought someone could change your life in the best way possible," she said.
"The whole world is crying, and there'll never be anyone like that, and I'll never stop loving him and I know no-one else will."
Ronan Buckley, who was joined by his wife Rebecca and their two children, Leah and Lily, had been to many of the musician's concerts.
He told BBC News NI that Hansard's outlook on life was "brilliant".
"We felt we had to be here.
"We have the kids here today and they're also fans through us."
"It's just a massive loss to Ireland," added Rebecca.
