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DUBLIN - Irish folk legend Ronnie Drew, a founding member of The Dubliners, died in a Dublin hospital on Saturday, his family said. He was 73 and had been suffering from throat cancer.
The Dubliners, formed in 1962, were pioneers for Irish folk music across Europe and the United States.
Drew was known for his gravelly-voiced renditions of rabble-rousing folk songs like "Finnegan's Wake" and "Dicey Reilly".
In a statement, Drew's family said he died peacefully while they were at his bedside and they were "very grateful for all the letters of support and wishes during the term of Ronnie's illness".
With his health failing, Irish music stars released a tribute song in February entitled "The Ballad of Ronnie Drew".
Proceeds went to the Irish Cancer Society.
Those involved included U2, Bob Geldof, Sinead O'Connor, Andrea Corr, Chris de Burgh, Ronan Keating, Shane MacGowan, The Chieftains and The Dubliners.
Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen said: "Ronnie Drew was an iconic figure in Irish music over the last five decades. Ronnie will also be remembered for his promotion of Irish music both at home and around the world."
"Ronnie was a champion of traditional Irish music and, with The Dubliners, he re-energised and refreshed our unique musical heritage," said President Mary McAleese.
U2 frontman Bono said on the band's website: "Ronnie has left his earthly tour for one of the heavens They need him up there. It's a little too quiet and pious. God is lonely for a voice louder than his own." - AFP/vm
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