A raucous atmosphere filled the National Concert Hall last night as some of rock ‘n roll’s greatest rebels gathered to celebrate the 60th birthday of Pogues singer Shane MacGowan.

Working on Christmas day may seem like an alien concept to you, but for some people, it’s part and parcel of a career in service, reports Ciara McDonnell.

A special gig filled with international stars will celebrate the 60th birthday of Shane MacGowan.

Mrs Browns Boys, Bridget & Eamon, and Baz and Nancy going to see the Pope are some of the highlights on RTÉ for the Christmas period.

Update 10.54am: The family of musician Eamonn Campbell following his recent death in a Dutch hospital.

Singer Shane MacGowan was joined by family, friends and former neighbours as he said goodbye to his mother Therese at her funeral Mass yesterday. Mourners heard she passed on her own musical talent to her son.

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

There’s nothing we like to watch more than a good old parody! Especially when it’s of something iconic and supports a good cause. And what is more iconic about Christmas than the Irish song ‘Fairytale of New York’.

She’s the Dublin DJ who secured a prime slot on BBC radio and hung out with Sam Smith even before he was famous. Claire Droney meets the very cool Annie Mac.

Got an issue? Ask Audrey...

Cork-born Cónal Creedon is a novelist, playwright and documentary film maker. His latest book, The Immortal Deed Of Michael O’Leary, is an account of a man from Inchigeelagh, Co Cork, who became a hero of the First World War.

Peter Merrigan shows us around his Porsche 911Turbo.

On March 17 we Irish celebrate the deeds of St Patrick, but just how much do we actually know about the man behind the day, asks Kevin O’Brien?

As Ed Power ponders a possible digital backlash, he talks to John Creedon about classic songs that never made it to the top of the charts

Glór Theatre, Ennis, Co Clare

Growing up it wasn’t quite a fairytale for Shane McGowan but nowadays, more than ever, December 25 sees his Christmases and birthdays rolled into one.

Shane MacGowan has given his famous Christmas ballad a festive soap-themed makeover to help struggling charities.

He's not bad, but he's no Luke Kelly.

Phil Chevron would have approved.

Phil Chevron, the guitarist for The Pogues, has died aged 56.

Henry McCullough is one of Ireland’s great musicians. He was the only Irishman to play Woodstock, as a member of Joe Cocker’s Grease Band.

Shane MacGowan was so drunk while filming the video for 'Fairytale of New York' that Matt Dillon had to hold him up.

What is it about Christmas that makes movies, music and books so awfully naff? Richard Fitzpatrick gets nostalgic

Spider Stacey of The Pogues has revealed how the band had a bust-up with the cops when they were filming the video for ‘Fairytale Of New York’ in Manhattan.

Pub crawls, bonhomie and midnight Mass do not transfer to sunny LA, says Robbie Williams’ party friend, Corkman Mark Hayes

One Direction have jammed with Johnny Depp.

Van Morrison’s Into the Mystic seems to nestle on the humid air and float away off to the Ramapo Mountains, visible in the distance beyond the ballpark’s centre field fence.

Here Comes Everybody: The Story of the Pogues

Gerry Diver has created an aural landscape based on the spoken word on his Speech Project album, Gerry Quinn reports.

THE Dubliners are to be honoured for their lifetime achievements at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

The Dubliners are to be honoured for their lifetime achievements at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

'Fairytale of New York' by The Pogues, featuring Kirsty MacColl, has topped a Christmas poll of UK drivers.

PREVIOUSLY, Kevin McMenamin’s head would have been wrecked before a big game, his nerves nearly shot, his energy practically drained.

WHEN The Pogues sang “I’m a man you don’t meet every day”, they could have been referring to the acclaimed “Irish” Maori leader, Tipene O’Regan.

The line-up has been announced for a series of concerts counting down to the UK Olympics.

Jason Sheehan

Johnny Depp is to play guitar live with his favourite British band.

IT WAS day two of the occupation of the beachhead which the Green Army had established for themselves in the outdoor bar in front of the Radisson Hotel in central Sofia.

Legendary folk singer Ronnie Drew has died at the age of 73, after a lengthy illness.

The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan has dismissed rumours he is seriously ill - insisting he is fit and well.

Westlife walked away with the Best Irish Pop Act for the eighth year in a row at tonight’s Meteor Irish Music Awards in Dublin.