The death has taken place of The Dubliners' Barney McKenna. He was 72.



His family said he died at home this morning, Thursday April 5.



Barney McKenna was the last surviving founding member of The Dubliners.



The group, which recently marked its 50th anniversary, had been planning a tour.

In a statement, The Dubliners said: "It is with great sadness that The Dubliners announce the sudden passing of Barney McKenna this morning at his home in Howth, Co Dublin.



"The band, his family and friends would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support. Words cannot describe how we all feel.

"He was one in a million.

"The greatest tenor banjo player of his generation, Barney spent his life travelling the world playing Irish music.



"He loved it. The world loved him. May he rest in peace.

"Funeral arrangements to follow in due course."

Watch Barney McKenna on the 1979 RTÉ programme The Green Linnet: www.rte.ie/player/#!v=1137911.

