'I'm really knocked out and honoured and grateful.' Ronnie Drew was the surprise guest for The Late Late Show in Dublin last night as 'The Ballad of Ronnie Drew' was performed live for the first time. Exclusive Photos.

U2, Kila, The Dubliners, Sinead O'Connor, Andrea Corr, Damien Dempsey and Shane MacGowan were in the house early and rehearsing from early evening. Not everyone who is on the recording could make it on the night so there were some new faces too - Liam from Hothouse Flowers stepped in admirably for Christy Moore. The vibe was special by all accounts - as you can see from our photos - and the performance itself was a spine-tingler.

"I'm speechless.' Ronnie told Late Late host Pat Kenny. 'I'm really knocked out and honoured and grateful. I don't think I deserve it.'

The song, he said, had made him feel stronger.

'He is a prime fighter, ' added Bono. 'And a fighter always fights harder when the crowd is cheering.That is why we did this."

Watch the video for 'The Ballad of Ronnie Drew'.

Profits from the release will go directly to the Irish Cancer Society here.