RTE pays tribute To Ronnie Drew

There have been many tributes to the singer and entertainer Ronnie Drew, who has died following a long illness.

Mr Drew died in St Vincent's Private Hospital in Dublin on Saturday afternoon, aged 73.

He is survived by his son Phelim, daughter Cliona and his grandchildren.

President McAleese said Ronnie Drew had brought great pleasure to people at home and abroad and had re-energised and refreshened Ireland's unique musical heritage.

The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, said that the Dubliners singer had been an iconic figure in Irish music over the past five decades.

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen, said that Ronnie Drew was "truly a Dublin icon".

U2 singer Bono said: "Ronnie has left his earthly tour for one of the heavens... they need him up there... it's a little too quiet and pious."

Tributes paid to music great Ronnie Drew