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The Ballad Of Ronnie Drew by U2, Kila, The Dubliners and the Bowsies including Christy Moore, Shane MacGowan, Damien Dempsey, Andrea Corr, Sinead O’Connor, Moya Brennan and Glen Hansard received its first play on radio stations across the country after the 8am news on Tuesday, Februay 19.

All radio stations both nationally and regionally played the single simultaneously.

A host of Ireland’s finest singers and musicians got together to produce a tribute to Ronnie Drew, a founding member of The Dubliners and one of the great voices of Irish music.

It is available on digital download and CD single.

The lyrics to The Ballad Of Ronnie Drew were written by Robert Hunter (Grateful Dead) with Bono, The Edge and Simon Carmody.

“The idea was that we would all try to write a song for Ronnie to sing but then it changed to writing a song about Ronnie himself,” said Bono.

All profits from the release of this single will go to the Irish Cancer Society at the request of Ronnie Drew who is recovering from cancer.

The Irish Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer and improving the lives of those living with cancer. www.cancer.ie

Bono speaking at the time of the recording said: “This is a big fight for him. But like any fighter, it’s easier if there’s a crowd cheering.”

Further details on www.cancer.ie