Tributes have been paid to Irish folk singer, Liam Clancy, who died on 4 December, 2009, aged 74.

Mr Clancy, who was the last surviving member of the Clancy Brothers, was born in County Tipperary, Republic of Ireland, the youngest of 11 children.

He joined two of his older brothers, Paddy and Tom, in the US in 1956 and they, along with Tommy Makem, created the group The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem.

A record-breaking 16-minute performance on The Ed Sullivan Show launched the group into stardom. They went on to record numerous albums and enjoyed great success during the 60s folk revival.

Tommy Makem left the group in 1969, and Bobby Clancy, another brother, took his place.

Liam embarked on a solo career in the 70s and continued to work with Tommy Makem. He rejoined the Clancy Brothers in 1984, but fell out with his brother Paddy – leading to another split.

After Tom Clancy died in 1990 the rest of the brothers resolved their differences and in 1996 they reformed for a farewell tour.

Paddy Clancy died in 1998; Bobby died in 2002 and Tommy Makem died in 2007.

Liam made his last public appearance at Dublin’s National Concert Hall in May 2009.