The legendary Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan has died, his heartbroken wife Victoria Mary Clarke has confirmed.
Shane, 65, had spent recent years in and out of hospital with various health issues.
The Fairytale of New York singer's death was announced today, with his wife saying: "Shane will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love of my life".
Victoria declined to specify what health issue the singer was battling, though Shane had been in St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin since July.
Tributes have poured in on social media after news broke of the singer's death.
Keep it here with Dublin Live for all of the updates.
For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Shane MacGowan RIP: Leave your tributes for The Pogues legend who has died aged 65
You can leave your own tributes to Shane by clicking here.
The Wolfe Tones pay tribute to 'lyricist supreme'
They wrote: "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."
Fairytale of New York: A look back at Ireland's Christmas anthem after Shane MacGowan's tragic passing
Fans are mourning Shane MacGowan following his passing aged 65.
The Pogues star was renowned internationally for his musical talent. He is survived by his beloved wife Victoria Mary Clarke, who released a fitting tribute to Shane earlier today.
His classic tune 'Fairytale of New York' routinely heralds the start of the festive season in Ireland. Shane co-wrote the famous tune which was released back in 1987.
Spider Stacy's simple touching tribute to Shane MacGowan
![](https://i2-prod.dublinlive.ie/incoming/article28203031.ece/ALTERNATES/s510b/0_Spider-Stacys-simple-touching-tribute-to-Shane-MacGowan.jpg)
Micheál Martin 'devastated' by passing of Shane MacGowan
"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.
"My deepest sympathies to his wife Victoria Mary and all the MacGowan family. Ní bheidh do leithéid arís ann."
Tributes from Michael D Higgins
President Michael D Higgins said there was “particular poignancy” that the death of Shane MacGowan had followed closely that of Sinead O’Connor.
He said: “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 Sinead O’Connor have left us in such quick succession.”
He added: “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. A richly deserved honour.”
Mary Lou McDonald extends sympathies on the death of Shane MacGowan
The Sinn Féin President said: “It is with great sadness that I have learnt of the death of Shane McGowan.
“Ireland has lost one of its most beloved icons and the world one of its greatest songwriters. Shane was a poet, a dreamer and a champion of social justice. He was a dedicated Republican and a proud Irishman.
“Nobody told the Irish story like Shane – stories of emigration, heartache, dislocation, redemption, love and joy.
“Shane brought his musical unique style to all corners of the world, and his music will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
“Today we mourn his passing. He was one of the best of us. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann
“I want to extend my deepest condolences to his wife Victoria, his sister Siobhán, his extended family and very wide circle of friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Shane MacGowan's wife pays tribute to 'most beautiful soul' as star dies
Shane MacGowan's wife paid a touching tribute to her husband following his sad passing.
The legendary Pogues frontman, 65, passed away peacefully this morning. The star had spent a number of months in St Vincent's Hospital, but returned home to his family last week.
His wife Victoria Mary Clarke confirmed the tragic news on social media today. She described Shane as "the most beautiful soul" and said he had now joined his late mother Therese.
Shane McGowan dies aged 65
The legendary Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan has died, his heartbroken wife Victoria Mary Clarke has confirmed.
Shane, 65, had spent recent years in and out of hospital with various health issues.
The Fairytale of New York singer's death was announced today, with his wife saying: "Shane will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love of my life".
Victoria declined to specify what health issue the singer was battling, though Shane had been in St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin since July.
Tributes have poured in on social media after news broke of the singer's death.