IMRO chairman remembers Ronnie Drew

“Ronnie Drew was a legend, a philosopher and a good friend,” Donald reflects. “Other writers will mention his years with The Dubliners, his chart entries and the many other highlights of a successful career; I can only tell you of a strong and positive friendship over many years.

“I was fortunate to know Ciaran Burke and Luke Kelly for many years before these two original Dubliners died. So I knew Ronnie by repute before I met him in the Green Room of the Gaiety Theatre where we were both working. We drank long and often. When I finally achieved sobriety in 1991, Ronnie wasn't long in noticing the difference in me and asked my secret. So pints and shorts and hilarity became coffees and philosophical chats about drink, drinkers, politics and the world in general.

“I managed his career for a couple of years in the mid-90s and produced his album, Dirty Rotten Shame, with songs by Shane MacGowan, Elvis Costello, Bono and Simon Carmody, Mick Hanly and Christy Moore. We had good times doing that and I got to know him better.

“There were aspects to Ronnie that I found amazing. For instance, in his first paid employment in a mens' haberdashery as a teenager, he observed the lowly status and pay of his fellow employees and persuaded the entire workforce to join their relevant union, bringing thanks from all except the employer who was almost bankrupted. He knew no fear when it came to taking a stand and was willing to perform at any charity gig providing that the cause met with his approval. I also have personal knowledge of him doing good by stealth: when a mutual friend fell on hard times, he was invited for coffee and, when they parted company, the friend realised that Ronnie's handshake had transferred a substantial wad of cash. It was the mutual friend who told me that, not Ronnie.

“Ronnie was a man of conviction as well as extraordinary talent, with utter loyalty to Deirdre, Cliodhna, Phelim, his grandchildren and his eclectic circle of friends. He has been an inspiration and I will miss him.”