Daniel O’Donnell has joined outpouring of tributes to music icon Shane Mac Gowan, who passed away yesterday.
Mac Gowan died peacefully at the age of 65 following a prolonged illness.
He is being remembered as a champion of Celtic music and one of Ireland’s most gifted songwriters, having penned the Christmas classic ‘ Fairytale of New York’.
Daniel O’Donnell said: “He gave so much enjoyment to so many with his great talent.
“My deepest sympathy to his wife Victoria Mary and all his family.
“Rest in Peace Shane.”
Daniel was one of many celebrity friends to visit Shane during his time in hospital. In August, a visit from the Donegal singer left Shane smiling from ear to ear, prompting his wife to write to Daniel on Twitter, saying “You are so kind and thoughtful and it’s so helpful.”
President Michael D Higgins has also paid tribute to MacGowan, describing him 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 said.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “He was an amazing musician and artist. His songs beautifully captured the Irish experience, especially the experience of being Irish abroad.”
