U2 star Adam Clayton was “lucky to be able to spend the last week by his mother’s side”, according to close friends.

The bassist came home a week before Jo Clayton’s death to be with her at the family home near Ballina, Co Mayo.

The rock star’s mother — who passed away last Thursday following a long battle with cancer — was fondly remembered as a woman who took a great interest in her son’s career from the early days.

As a friend explained: “Adam’s mum used to drive him and the lads to the gigs in a Mercedes station wagon way back in the Seventies before anyone gave them a second look.

“She always believed in his talent and helped in any way she could. The two were very close.”

The heartbroken star was supported by friends and family who turned out for the service at Glasnevin Cemetery where the 74-year-old was cremated yesterday afternoon.

A close friend of the band, Gavin Friday, spoke before the service to say: “Adam flew home to be with his mum and he was very grateful to be able to spend a week with her before she died.”

It is believed that Adam’s French girlfriend and their baby son — who was born early last year — attended a private service in Foxford, Co Mayo. Also there was Adam’s father Brian and younger brother Sebastian and his sister Sara Jane.

Bono and The Edge along with members of the U2 entourage flew in for the private service last Friday and Mrs Clayton’s body was then brought to Dublin yesterday for a service at the crematorium in Glasnevin, Dublin.

The U2 star’s father Brian was a pilot and the family settled in Malahide, Co Dublin. Their home in Bofeenaun, Co Mayo, was the family’s holiday home until recent times when retired Brian and Jo moved there permanently.