Died On This Date (April 5, 2012) Barney McKenna / The Dubliners

Bernard “Barney” McKenna
December 16, 1939 – April 5, 2012

Barney McKenna was an influential Irish musician who is best remembered as the banjo player in the legendary folk group, the Dubliners, since its formation in 1962.  He was, in fact, the only living original member up until the time of his death.  Formed by Ronnie Drew out of Friday night jam sessions at a Dublin pub, the Dubliners went on to become one of the most popular Irish folk groups of all time.  Their influence can be heard in such acts as Bob Dylan, the Pogues, Bruce Springsteen, Sinead O’Connor, U2, Dropkick Murphys, and Thin Lizzy.  A fan favorite on stage, McKenna often humored the crowds with colorful and sometimes not-so-true anecdotes between songs. The Dubliners had just finished a tour of the UK during the month prior to his passing, and McKenna gave his final public performance at a funeral the day before he died.  Barney McKenna was 72 when he passed away on April 5, 2012.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

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Died On This Date (August 16, 2008) Ronnie Drew / The Dubliners

Ronnie Drew
September 16, 1934 – August 16, 2008

ronniedrew
With DJ Jamie Coon. Photo by BP Fallon

Best remembered  as the front man of  the Dubliners, Ronnie Drew was a world renowned Irish folk musician and singer.  He formed the group in the early ’60s and soon they were one of Ireland’s most popular folk bands thanks to many shows throughout the pubs and hotels in Dublin and beyond.  Drew left the group in the mid ’90s and found a new audience thanks to collaborations with the likes of Dropkick MurphysU2’s The Edge, the Pogues and Christy Moore.  He died after a long struggle with cancer on August 16, 2008.  He was 73.

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