Madonna was in Dublin yesterday attending the funeral of her close friend and architect David Collins who passed away after a battle with skin cancer.

Escorted by bodyguards and female friends, the pop star arrived at the church in Monkstown for the Glenageary architect after Holy Communion.

According to The Irish Times, a church warden handed out missalettes to the celebrity entourage, who missed the tribute by priest Fr Michael Collins. He described his brother as generous and soft hearted.

The architect died in London last week after being diagnosed with skin cancer less than a month ago.

Madonna gave what the family described as an “absolutely beautiful” speech about Collins following his burial at Shanganagh Cemetery.

Speaking in front of 80 guests at the Ritz-Carlton, Madonna reflected on meeting the architect while in Miami back in the 90s where he had designed a nightclub for a mutual friend of theirs.

She said that when she had moved to London, it was in fact Collins who came to her rescue when she felt she knew no one in the city. They had remained very close.

David Collins was an internationally acclaimed man who designed iconic buildings such as Nobu and Claridge’s.

“She flew in on her private plane, like Graham Norton flew in on his,” said Fr Michael, “and she entertained everyone.”

Pics via MadonnaPowerBr and @ale_mDolla