Shane MacGowan and Victoria Mary Clarke’s epic love story – from pubs and Pogues gigs to proposals and marriage

The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan dies aged 65

Tanya Sweeney

The curtain has come down on what has been described as one of Irish rock music’s most chaotic, colourful and rambunctious lives. But this week, when Shane MacGowan died at the age of 65 after battling ill health, the curtain also fell on an epic, fascinating and enduring romance.

A fortnight ago, MacGowan’s wife Victoria Mary Clarke posted on social media about her fears of losing the man she has loved since she was a teenager.