Jessie joins tribute to 'warrior' Sinead

Singer Buckley in the line-up for RTE Culture Night bash

-  KATIE GALLAGHER

JESSIE Buckley will pay tribute to Irish singer Sinead O'Connor with a special performance at RTE's Culture Night.

The Co Kerry-born Hollywood starlet hailed her as a "warrior to humanity" and said it was "a privilege to have been added to the list of stellar musicians who will perform with the RTE Concert Orchestra on the night.

The Wild Rose actress and singer, 33, added: "Sinead was such a huge influence on so many women in Ireland and across the world, her courage, her mind, her politics and her intense beauty and soul.

"She was a warrior to humanity. I remember hearing her for the first time and feeling her uncompromising need to connect and affect.

"Recognising what couldn't be said and speaking it out loud. I am so grateful for all her fire and all her love.