From his gilded beginnings at private schools, MacGowan transformed himself into the drunken icon of Irish music, a man who first hit the news pages under the headline: Cannablism at Clash gig .
Shane MacGowan won literary prize as a schoolboy, 1971 article shows standard.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from standard.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Pogues frontman kicked open the door to Irish music for millions who might never have experienced it, instilled pride among the Irish in Britain and made Ireland itself cool