Undertaker reveals why Johnny Depp carried Shane MacGowan’s coffin – as furious Irish priest says star’s funeral was a ‘scandal’ and ‘completely inappropriate’ – warning Fairytale Of New York is too foul-mouthed to be sung in a church

A funeral director has revealed Johnny Depp carried Shane MacGowan's coffin despite the reluctance of security guards – and says he does not regret the last-minute decision.

Tipperary funeral director Philly Ryan says he invited the late singer's famous friend to perform the honors at St Mary of the Rosary Church, but admitted this was never part of the plan.

Photos show the 60-year-old Pirates of the Caribbean star, along with other pallbearers, carrying the wicker coffin out of the church as mourners look on.

“When I saw the pride on his face as he carried Shane through the church, I knew I made the right decision,” said MacGowan's close friend Ryan.

“Johnny deserved to carry Shane's casket. He was his best man. He was there for the right reasons,” Ryan told the Irish Sun.

But the decision was met with resistance, with Ryan revealing: 'A security man rushed over and said, “Johnny! This isn't in the plan!” But Johnny told the security guy, “No, I'm going to do this.”

The funeral director spoke out after a priest branded the star-studded funeral a “scandal”, saying the inclusion of The Pogues' 1988 festive classic Fairytale of New York was “completely out of place”.

Johnny Depp carries his friend's coffin during the funeral at St Mary's Church, Nenagh, Co Tipperary

Celebrity Johnny Depp (center) among the pallbearers carrying the wicker coffin

It was not part of the original plan to involve Depp as a porter

MacGowan was battling a brain condition, with his wife Victoria sharing a photo of him in his hospital bed

“The words used in that song and in the church showed no understanding of the sacredness of what the place is and the sacredness of the Mass,” Father Paddy McCafferty said. Belfast Live.

'It was completely inappropriate to say the least, to the point of scandal, and something must be done about these so-called celebrity funerals in a Catholic church.

“We are not there to entertain, we are there to celebrate the worship of God and lead people in the worship of God. I wouldn't allow that in my church.”

MacGowan, who died after a battle with pneumonia, is best known for the Christmas classic Fairytale of New York, which is expected to reach number one in the charts over the festive period.

Priest Fr Paddy McCafferty branded the star-studded funeral a 'scandal' and said the inclusion of The Pogues' 1998 festive classic Fairytale of New York was 'totally out of place'.

Former members of The Pogues – Jem Finer, Terry Woods, Spider Stacey and James Fearnley – perform one of the service's final songs

Johnny Depp says goodbye to his friend Shane McGowan

Johnny Depp read the prayers of the faithful during the service in honor of the Pogues icon

In an emotional scene, Depp was seen knocking on the coffin to say goodbye to his old friend

The Irish singer had been released from hospital more than a week earlier after undergoing treatment for viral encephalitis, a condition that causes swelling in the brain.

His funeral took place on December 8.

The service in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, was well attended by celebrities including Nick Cave and Bob Geldof.

Depp was joined by Liam O'Maonlai, frontman of Irish band Hothouse Flowers, as they read out the prayers of the faithful during the service.

During the service, Depp paused for an emotional moment as he touched the casket of his friend and Pogues singer.

MacGowan's coffin was brought to the front of the church, draped in an Irish tricolor flag and placed close to a large black and white photo of him.

Later, a group of men, including Depp, helped carry MacGowan's coffin from the service to loud applause.

MacGowan, (pictured) who died after a battle with pneumonia, is best known for the Christmas classic Fairytale of New York

The service at Saint Mary of the Rosary Church in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, was well attended by celebrities including Nick Cave, Bob Geldof and Depp