RTÉ News: Death of Ronnie Drew is announced

The Captains and the Kings- The Dubliners. Words: Brendan Behan

RTÉ News: Death of Ronnie Drew is announced: "Mr Cowen said that the Dubliners singer had been an iconic figure in Irish music over the past five decades and that his unique singing voice had been enjoyed by many people."

R.i.p. Ronnie Drew (1934-2008). It's like losing an old friend. A wonderful voice. I think of this "The Captains and the Kings", with the words of that other great Dubliner, Brendan Behan. At the flower show our big marrow/Takes the prize from Evelyn Waugh.

Also his voice on "Love is pleasing", "The leaving of Liverpool" and not least "The Zoological Gardens": Says she to me if you don't come soon/I'll have to get in with the hairy baboon" (Dublin street song). The Dubliners had two hits in the U.K. with Ronnie's voice, "Seven Drunken Nights" (a number 1) and "The Irish Rover" (with The Pogues).



Tribute to Ronnie Drew with U2 and Shane MacGowan

"A pint of plain is your only man" words by Myles na Gopaleen (Flann O'Brien).

Ossian for Newsmusic Desk