Ronnie Drew dies in Dublin

Formerly a member of The Dubliners, Ronnie was one of the most important figures in the Irish ballad movement and he became an immediately recognisable, and widely loved figure in Irish life. He passed away peacefully in St. Vincent's Private Hospital in Dublin, a statement issued by his son Feilim Drew revealed today. He had fought a long battle with cancer.

Earlier this year, after the news of his cancer had become public, he was the subject of a tribute single, 'Here's To You Ronnie Drew', written by Simon Carmody, Bono of U2 and Robert Hunter of The Grateful Dead, which went to No.1 in the Irish charts. Hot Press spoke to him at the time, and his response to the record was wonderfully dignified and gracious.

"An immensely likeable character, he was always modest, humourous and thoroughly good natured," Hot Press editor Niall Stokes commented. "He was a great singer, but also one of those larger than life characters who was born to be an entertainer and a performer.

"He was a brilliant story-teller and raconteur, with a marvellously distinctive speaking voice. His diction was brilliant, so that you could understand every word he uttered in that marvellous gravelly Dubllin brogue, whether he was singing or spinning a yarn. It was a privilege to have known him."

The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, paid tribute to Ronnie Drew this afternoon saying that the Dubliners singer had been an iconic figure in Irish music over the past five decades.

Mr Cowen added that Drew, whether as part of the Dubliners or during his solo career, will be remembered for his promotion of Irish music both at home and around the globe.

The President Mary McAleese also issued a statement. '"It is with great sadness," she said, "that I have learned of the death of the great Irish singer Ronnie Drew.

"He will be greatly missed by many, but most particularly by his family with whom our thoughts are today," she added.

Ronnie Drew founded the Ronnie Drew Group in 1962. Shortly afterwards they changed their name to The Dubliners, with Luke Kelly, Ciaran Bourke and Barney McKenna featuring alongside Ronnie in the line-up. They went on to become one of the most important folk groups in Irish history.

They were at at the forefront of the Irish ballad revival throughout the 1960s, scoring one of the most remarkable it singles of the era in 1967 with the bawdy ballad 'Seven Drunken Nights' – which Ronnie sang. They had a second top 20 hit with 'Black Velvet Band', sung by Luke Kelly.

The touring life having taken its toll, Ronnie left the group in 1974 but rejoined in 1979 and remained a member until the mid-'90s when he embarked on a solo career again. He was with the group and featured and vocalist alongside Shane McGowan on their collaboration with The Pogues on 'The Irish Rover', which was also a top 10 hit in the UK.

Of the original Dubliners, only Barmey McKenna remains alive. "They were a great and hugely influential group," Niall Stokes commented. "But the life they led was a tough one, and took its toll. This is a terribly sad moment for anyone who loves Ireland and Irish music. Ronnie will be greatly missed. But his spirit will live on in the wonderful work he did – and in that never to be forgotten, unmistakable, voice."

Hot Press extends its sympathy to all of his family and friends.