Ronnie Drew, founding member of The Dubliners, has died in Dublin.

The Irish music legend had been battling throat cancer for the past two years, and finally succumbed to the illness this afternoon, aged 73.

Drew formed the band that became known as The Dubliners in 1962. President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Brian Cowen have led tributes to the musician, who is survived by his two children and five grandchildren.