THE GREAT and the good from Ireland's music industry gathered with the family of the late Ronnie Drew in Greystones, Co Wicklow, yesterday in preparation for what is likely to be a moving musical tribute at the singer's requiem Mass this morning.
Among visitors to the Drew home were composer Phil Coulter, musician Mike Hanrahan and Drew's fellow Dubliners Eamonn Campbell, John Sheahan, Barney McKenna, Séan Cannon and Patsy Watchorn.
Family friend Brian Hand said Paddy Reilly was flying in from the United States and Spider Spacey from the Pogues had telephoned from Heathrow in London to say he was on the way.
Mr Hand said friends and family had spent a "very nice day" swapping stories with Drew's son Phelim, daughter Clíodhna and grandchildren Ruaidhrí, Aoife, Vivian, Milo, Lilian, and Seánie and extended family.
"There was a lot of ham sandwiches and it was a lovely celebration and we discussed who would play at the funeral. I don't want to say too much, but there will be lots of musicians performing. We have about 90 per cent of it in place," said Mr Hand.
It is understood vocalist Eleanor Shanley is to sing Just a Closer Walk with Thee as Drew's coffin is carried into the Church of the Holy Rosary this morning. Classical musician John Howard is also expected to perform, as are Finbar Furey and jazz guitarist Louis Stewart.
Many of Ronnie Drew's friends from the music industry, neighbours and colleagues gathered last night in The Burnaby pub in Greystones, for many years the singer's "local", to raise a glass in tribute.
The funeral Mass will take place at 10 o'clock this morning, after which he will be laid to rest beside his wife Deirdre, in Redford Cemetery.
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