She passed away over the weekend.

Westlife's Shane Filan has thanked fans for their support following the passing of his mother. Mae Filan died in Sligo's North West Hospice on Sunday surrounded by friends and family.  Shane, one of seven children, has since taken to Instagram to thank fans for their kind words during this difficult time. "Yesterday, Sunday 15th of December, was the saddest day of my life," he wrote. "My mother Mae who was an incredible, beautiful woman, wife, mother, grandmother & friend passed away peacefully surrounded by all her family. "I'd like to say thank you to everyone for all your well wishes at this time. To all the fans for all your support & lovely messages, Thank you." https://www.instagram.com/p/B6IW03eBEQc/ Shane said that his mother's funeral, which will take place in Sligo today, is a "very private time for me & my family to grieve." "I know you all understand & will respect that." Shane added that anybody looking to support him and his family could make a small donation to Sligo's North West Hospice "who looked after her so beautifully and peacefully in her final days and will continue to do so for many more families." Westlife's Kian Egan was among those who shared condolences yesterday. "We will be there for you brother through this very sad time," he wrote. "She was an amazing woman."