The Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste shared in a social media post today that he has opened a Book of Condolence for Shane MacGowan, the iconic Pogues star and poetic Irish songwriter, at the Mansion House in Dublin.

The book is open for signing for the citizens of Dublin to extend their sympathies to the family of MacGowan from 11-5 on Friday and Saturday, and available online as well via the link here.

Sharing the announcement via X/Twitter, the Lord Mayor wrote, “On behalf of the people of Dublin I would like to express my condolences to Shane MacGowan’s family and many friends. I knew he had been very ill but today’s news still came as a shock, as I’m sure it did to many of us. It is especially poignant that the writer of one of the most universally loved Christmas songs has passed away at this time of year.”

He added, “Shane was truly a one-off and his loss will be felt by people right across this city and indeed the entire country. I have opened a book of condolence in the Mansion House for people who would like to leave a message for Shane’s family in person.

“Rest in Peace Shane and thanks for the music.”

I have opened a Book of Condolence for Shane MacGowan at the Mansion House today. It will be open until 5pm today, and then 11-5 Friday and Saturday. It is available online also at: https://t.co/4eJaAqYcEM pic.twitter.com/tQWBBTEmO4

— Lord Mayor of Dublin (@LordMayorDublin) November 30, 2023

The legendary singer and songwriter died aged 65 this morning, his family have confirmed in a statement today. MacGowan passed away peacefully at 3am surrounded by his loving wife and family.

His adoring wife, Victoria Mary Clarke, shared a heartfelt tribute to her husband on social media today, expressing, “You will live in my heart forever. Rave on in the garden all wet with rain that you loved so much. You meant the world to me."

The Irish singer was released from St Vincents last week, after spending five months in hospital. He is survived by his wife Victoria, his sister Siobhan, his father Maurice, family, extended family, and a large circle of friends.

Born in Kent to Irish parents on Christmas Day 1957, the singer passed away mere weeks before his festive birthday – a day which is marked timelessly by The Pogues’ beloved Christmas song, ‘Fairytale of New York.’

"This is desperately sad news for anyone who loves Irish music,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes wrote in a tribute to the star today. "There is no doubt that Shane MacGowan was one of the all-time great songwriters – and will be remembered as such.”

Speaking of the forthcoming seasonal exhibition for EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum in collaboration with Hot Press, titled They Gave The Walls Talking, as well as the Christmas issue special on Shane and The Pogues, he remarked that, “Sifting through all of that, it was really striking the extent to which some of the greatest songwriters in the world looked up to Shane MacGowan.”

The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins has also paid tribute, sharing, "His words have connected Irish people all over the globe to their culture and history, encompassing so many human emotions in the most poetic of ways.

"It was a great honour for me, as President of Ireland, to present Shane with a lifetime achievement award in the National Concert Hall in January 2018 as we marked his 60th birthday,” he added. “A richly deserved honour."

Read more tributes paid to the star today at the link here.

The Pogues currently star on the cover of the new issue of Hot Press – to coincide with an upcoming exhibition celebrating Shane and the band at EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum, in Dublin.

The Book of Condolence for Shane MacGowan is open this weekend, Friday and Saturday, from 11-5 at The Mansion House, Dublin for those who wish to pay their respects to the man who changed the landscape of Irish music forever.