Ronnie Drew on hand to make lasting impression

Folk musician Ronnie Drew made a lasting impression on Dublin yesterday - in the form of his handprints on the Gaiety theatre…

Folk musician Ronnie Drew made a lasting impression on Dublin yesterday - in the form of his handprints on the Gaiety theatre plaza.

Drew's handprints will join those of fellow luminaries Des Keogh, Maureen Potter, John B Keane and Niall Tóibín.

"It's very nice and an honour to get. I've had long associations with the theatre so it's great," the musician said yesterday.

"I know all of the others that are already here except for Pavarotti. I just hope the handprints won't wear out."

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Drew, from Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, is renowned for his contribution to Irish folk music as frontman of The Dubliners since the early 1960s and later as a solo performer.

His theatrical work includes Purple Daze and the pantomimes Sleeping Beauty and the Babes in the Wood.

A clay impression of his palms was taken outside the theatre and has been sent to be cast in bronze.

The finished plaque will be put into the plaza in the coming weeks.

From Monday until September 2nd, Drew will perform as part of the Legends of Irish Folk concert with Paddy Reilly, Finbar Furey and Johnny McEvoy at the Gaiety.