Drew to be laid to rest today

Irish folk singer Ronnie Drew will be laid to rest today beside his wife Deirdre following his death at the weekend.

Folk singer Ronnie Drew will be laid to rest today beside his wife Deirdre following his death at the weekend.

After a two-day wake in the family home in Greystones, Co Wicklow, a funeral service will be held in the local parish church with famous faces from the world of music and entertainment expected to attend.

Drew died on Saturday aged 73 after a long battle with illness and will be laid to rest beside his wife Deirdre, who died last year.

The singer formed The Dubliners in 1962 and became an iconic figure in Irish music over the last five decades prompting tributes from President Mary McAleese and U2 frontman Bono.

Drew is survived by his son Phelim, daughter Cliodhna and five grandchildren.

Mass takes place at 10am at the Church of the Holy Rosary before the burial service at Redford Cemetery in the town.