Back in the 60s, when the world was new and fresh-minted, the Dubliners were, at least, singing real folk songs (most of the time). They were, to my purist tastes, a bit commercial and populist but they were fun and were obviously very competent musicians. Luke Kelly was a fabulous singer (still much missed) and I adored the sound of Barney MacKenna's tenor banjo. I also think that Ronnie Drew's talents as a singer have probably been underrated and are due for reappraisal.

In my opinion the Pogues don't even come close - are not even on the same planet - just another bunch of noisy punks who took it upon themselves to murder Irish folk songs ...

And a lot of silly, ignorant people still think that the Pogues wrote 'Dirty Old Town' and that it is about Dublin!!! Better stop now before I give myself apoplexy!!!