Figures in the world of music, media and politics have paid tribute to The Pogues' frontman Shane MacGowan, who has died aged 65.
Leading the tributes was President Michael D. Higgins, who said in a statement: "Like so many across the world, it was with the greatest sadness that I learned this morning of the death of Shane MacGowan.
"Shane will be remembered as one of music's greatest lyricists. So many of his songs would be perfectly crafted poems, if that would not have deprived us of the opportunity to hear him sing them."
He continued: "The genius of Shane's contribution includes the fact that his songs capture within them, as Shane would put it, the measure of our dreams - of so many worlds, and particularly those of love, of the emigrant experience and of facing the challenges of that experience with authenticity and courage, and of living and seeing the sides of life that so many turn away from."
He said that MacGowan's words "connected Irish people all over the globe to their culture and history" and encompassed "so many human emotions in the most poetic of ways."
President Higgins added: "Shane's talent was nurtured from a young age by his mother Therese, herself an award winning folk singer in her own right. Therese, who lost her life in such tragic circumstances on New Year’s Day 2017, inspired in Shane the love of Irish music and traditions which resulted in the wonderful music and lyrics which have been a source of such joy for so many people.
"Born on Christmas Day, there was perhaps some form of destiny which led Shane to writing Fairytale of New York, the timeless quality of which will surely mean that it will be listened to every Christmas for the next century or more.
"Likewise songs like Rainy Night in Soho, A Pair of Brown Eyes, If I Should Fall from Grace with God and so many others will live on far into the years and decades to come.
"I think too of Haunted, and the particular poignancy that both Shane and Sinéad O’Connor have left us in such quick succession."
President Higgins said that it was a great honour for him to present MacGowan with a lifetime achievement award in the National Concert Hall in January 2018 for the musician's 60th birthday, which he described as "a richly deserved honour."
"The statement concluded with, "On behalf of Sabina and I, may I extend my deepest condolences to Shane’s wife Victoria, his sister Siobhán, his father Maurice, his bandmates in the Pogues and other projects, and to all his many friends and family."
Victoria Mary Clarke, MacGowan's wife, also paid tribute. She wrote about her love for MacGowan on Instagram.
She wrote: "Shane who will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love of my life and the most beautiful soul and beautiful angel and the sun and the moon and the start and end of everything that I hold dear has gone to be with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese."
She continued: "I am blessed beyond words to have met him and to have loved him and to have been so endlessly and unconditionally loved by him and to have had so many years of life and love and joy and fun and laughter and so many adventures."
On X, formerly Twitter, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar wrote, "He was an amazing musician and artist. His songs beautifully captured the Irish experience, especially the experience of being Irish abroad."
Tanáiste Micheál Martin said he was "devastated" by news.
In a social media post, Mr Martin said: "Devastated by the passing of Shane MacGowan.
"An iconic musician talented in many genres, particularly influenced by his time in Tipperary.
"His passing is particularly poignant at this time of year as we listen to Fairytale Of New York – a song that resonates with all of us."
Mr Martin added: "My deepest sympathies to his wife Victoria Mary and all the MacGowan family."
Former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said Ireland had lost a "great patriot".
In a social media post, Mr Adams said: "I am really sorry to hear of death of Shane Magowan (sic).
"Ireland has lost a great patriot, a poet and friend of the down trodden and marginalised."
Peter "Spider" Stacy has paid tribute to his fellow bandmate Shane MacGowan, sharing an image of him performing on a stage.
'O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done..' pic.twitter.com/YnkreXRmYB
— Spider Stacy (@spiderstacy) November 30, 2023
On X, formerly Twitter, Stacy wrote: "'O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done..'"
The line was accompanied by a black and white image of MacGowan smiling on stage.
Stacy co-founded The Pogues along with MacGowan, Jem Finer and James Fearnley and appeared on all of their recordings.
Nick Cave paid tribute to Shane MacGowan saying: "A true friend and the greatest songwriter of his generation. A very sad day."
Irish folk group The Wolfe Tones said Shane MacGowan was a "lyricist supreme".
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the group said: "Shane MacGowan RIP, lyricist supreme, unbelievable talent, sincerest condolences to Victoria and Shane's family and friends."
Shane MacGowan RIP, lyricist supreme, unbelievable talent, sincerest condolences to Victoria and Shane's family and friends, Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
— The Wolfe Tones 🇮🇪 (@wolfetones) November 30, 2023
A Downing Street spokesperson for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the Sunak's "thoughts are with his family and loved ones and, likewise with all of his fans".
Tv personality Carol Vorderman said Shane MacGowan and Sinead O'Connor were "the incredible rebels of my generation."
Stuart Clark, Deputy Editor of music magazine Hot Press, told Today with Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1, that he was in "a state of shock" and "very upset" at the news.
"His contribution to Irish culture is off the scale."
Actress Siobhán McSweeney, best known for Derry Girls, posted on X: "Shane was the voice of London for us Irish. When I was scared about moving here he lured me over with songs about chancers, drinkers, lovers, poets and scoundrels. That's the place for me, I thought! He also taught me how to miss home, whatever that may be. Damn shame, Shane."
Shane was the voice of London for us Irish. When I was scared about moving here he lured me over with songs about chancers, drinkers, lovers, poets and scoundrels. That's the place for me ,I thought!
— Siobhán McSweeney (@siobhni) November 30, 2023
He also taught me how to miss Home,whatever that may be. Damn shame, Shane. 🖤 https://t.co/ARsV6jTzzN
