President leads tributes to banjo legend McKenna

President Michael D Higgins has led tributes to folk musician Barney McKenna, the last surviving member of The Dubliners, who died yesterday aged 72.

The renowned banjo player — affectionately dubbed Banjo Barney — passed away in his beloved Dublin, after collapsing at his home in Howth.

He was the last remaining member of the original line-up of The Dubliners, celebrated worldwide for their revival of Irish folk songs, their raucous sound, and their hell-raising.