Tributes pour in for ‘Last of the Irish Rovers’

TRIBUTES from far and wide have been paid to the much-loved singer and entertainer Ronnie Drew who has died following a long illness.

The funeral for the world famous Dubliner will take place tomorrow and is expected to be attended by a host of fellow musicians and artists who met the acclaimed balladeer during his creative life.

The 73-year-old died on Saturday in St Vincent’s Hospital after a two-year battle with cancer.

Renowned for his trade- mark beard and gravelly voice, the singer founded the Ronnie Drew Group along with Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna and Ciaran Bourke in 1962 and they eventually became known as The Dubliners.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen led tributes to the famous singer, praising his promotion of traditional Irish music around the globe.

“Ronnie Drew was an iconic figure in Irish music over the last five decades,” he said. “I met him and admired his music, his unique singing voice was loved by so many people.

“He bore his illness with bravery and will be sadly missed.”

In a statement on U2’s official website, Bono said: “Music to inspire, to console... an optimism that was contagious... that’s what U2 took from The Dubliners.

“Ronnie has left his earthly tour for one of the heavens... they need him up there... it’s a little too quiet and pious.”

President Mary McAleese said it was with great sadness she had learned of his death.

“He brought great pleasure to the people of Ireland and yet more around the world,” she said.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said his contribution to Irish music had been immeasurable and a Labour statement hailed the singer for his songs reflecting the values and concerns of the working class.

The Dubliners emerged from back-room sessions in O’Donoghue’s Pub in Dublin’s city centre to become world-renowned.

Drew sang Seven Drunken Nights, one of the band’s biggest hits, which entered the British top 10 in 1967, and appeared on the BBC’s Top of the Pops. The song was banned for a time by RTÉ for offending religious and social mores.

In 1995 The Dubliners appeared once again on Top of the Pops with the Pogues, whose frontman Shane McGowan performed with Drew on their single The Irish Rover.

Born in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, in 1934, Drew underwent six months’ treatment for throat cancer two years ago. His wife of more than 40 years, Deirdre, died last year. The couple lived in Greystones, Co Wicklow.

He is survived by his son Phelim, daughter Cliona and his grandchildren.

Drew’s family said he passed away peacefully while they were at his bedside. “The family are very grateful for all the letters of support and wishes during the term of Ronnie’s illness,” they said in a statement. They also thanked Professor Crown and the entire medical staff of St Vincent’s Private Hospital.

Earlier this year, U2, Bob Geldof, Sinéad O’Connor, Shane McGowan, Christy Moore and others came together to record a tribute to the singer, called The Ballad Of Ronnie Drew.

Musician Phil Coulter, who saw the singer the day before he died, spoke to RTÉ yesterday and joined the tributes to him.

“He was an old school gentleman and had a great passion for words, literature and history and he was terrific company.”

Ronnie Drew’s funeral will be held at 10am tomorrow morning at the Holy Rosary Church in Greystones village, followed by burial after at Redford Cemetery.