Gay Byrne once called them the most famous Irish people in the world, and the Clancy Brothers' legacy will be celebrated when their native town of Carrick-on-Suir hosts the first Clancy Brothers' Music Festival next summer.
Liam Clancy, the last surviving member of the Clancy Brothers, was the honoured guest last night when the Carrick Tourism and Economic Development Committee announced details of the three-day festival, which will run from June 13th to 15th.
The Clancy Brothers, with their rousing renditions of drinking and rebel songs, became stars on both sides of the Atlantic and were in the vanguard of the folk revival in the 1960s. Bob Dylan has acknowledged them as a major influence.
Sadly, Liam's brothers Paddy, Tommy and Bobby have all passed on, as has their longtime musical partner Tommy Makem, who died in August.
However, the torch has been passed on to another generation of Clancy performers, who will all feature during the festival.
Liam's son Donal is a guitarist and record producer. Liam's nephew Robbie O'Connell is a well-known singer, having recorded with the Clancy Brothers. Also featuring will be Bobby's children Aoife and Finbarr, who are professional singers. Tommy's children Rayleen and Blawnin are artists and another nephew, Liam Butler, is involved in the production of musicals.
Liam Clancy said: "As far as being honoured is concerned, we've got a lot of honorary doctorates and things like that. They're very nice, but this is going to be a living thing. If it sets a spark for reviving music, and not just our music, I will look forward to that."
He said his delight at the festival was tempered with sadness that none of his brothers or Tommy Makem would see it.
"It's a strange feeling to be the last man standing. I'm saddened that my three brothers will not be there to join the celebration, but I'm delighted that I will be surrounded by so many of their children," he said.
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