Imelda May's father Tony Clabby has passed away aged 91

Irish singer Imelda May has announced the passing of her father Tony Clabby.

“Our dearest father Tony Clabby has passed away on this fine day, the 12^th day of Christmas, Nollaig na mBán, Little Christmas, the Epiphany and the day of the Kings,” said May in a social media post on Sunday morning.

"We are heartbroken but truly grateful,” she added. “More than anyone I’ve ever met, Dad was pure LOVE. As he said himself only hours ago, he’s had a great time, it’s time to go easy, it’s time to go to Madge. And true love lives forever."

Her mother Madge, affectionately nicknamed 'The Queen Of The Liberties', passed away in her sleep in 2021, aged 91.

Our dearest father Tony Clabby has passed away gently on this the 12th day of Christmas, Nollaig na mBán, Little Christmas, the Epiphany,
the Day of the Kings.
He was pure LOVE
He “had a great time, it’s time to go easy, time to go to Madge”
And true love lives forever ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ji1ckaLycI

— Imelda May (@ImeldaOfficial) January 7, 2024

"Instead of reading bedtime stories, my dad read poetry to us,” May told the Irish Examiner in 2021.  “He used to act them out. How much better can you get? He loved Pat Ingoldsby, Spike Milligan, WB Yeats. He read Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings to me, start to finish.

"The Little Match Girl was my favourite when I was about six. I used to cry every time. He used to say, `Why do you want to read that one?’ I’d say, `I don’t know. I love it.’ I’m doing the same with my daughter, who is nine years old now. I’m passing on the tradition."

Fans and colleagues alike have paid their respects to the musician’s father on social media.

“My condolences, Imelda,” said Hot Press’ Stuart Clark. “Was fortunate to meet him with your Mum, what a lovely, warm man he was.”

"Imelda I'm so sorry,” tweeted presenter Laura Whitmore. “What an amazing man, and you and your family are his legacy."

Details for Mr Clabby’s funeral have yet to be announced.