Maurice MacGowan, father of late Pogues frontman, dies at 96

Maurice Matthew MacGowan, the father of late Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan, died on Monday, August 3, 2026, at University Hospital Limerick following a short illness. He was 96 years old and was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.

Mr. MacGowan, originally from Ranelagh in Dublin, had also lived in Silvermines and Nenagh in County Tipperary. He was predeceased by his wife, Therese, who died in a car accident in 2017, and his son, Shane, who died in November 2023 from complications of pneumonia. He is survived by his daughter, Siobhan, his son-in-law Anthony, and his daughter-in-law Victoria Mary Clarke.

His daughter Siobhan described him as a man of "massive principles," noting he became a vegetarian in his 60s, advocated for animal rights, and was an active contributor to Amnesty International. In social media posts and statements, she highlighted his profound influence on his son's life and career. She said Maurice MacGowan was passionate about literature and poetry, sharing works by James Joyce, Flann O'Brien, and Brendan Behan with Shane from a young age, which fostered the singer's own love for great writing and poetry.

Shane MacGowan had previously credited his...