Brilliant to hear you say that, thank you!

I don't think I've ever met anyone who thinks the Pogues to be plastic Irish. Anyone familiar with their full catalogue of music would appreciate the depth of Shane MacGowan's lyrics and his knowledge of Irish folk music. They were a great band and helped to spread the appeal of Irish music. Fairytale of New York is a very popular song in pubs at Christmas and you won't encounter a band that can't play it or won't play it. In fact, you'll probably hear it at least a dozen times.

You will hear it in every pub, shop and radio station you listen to. Go for it Finlay and all the best to you both.

Finlay;

"I'm visiting Dublin in December with my girlfriend, and little does she know I'm actually planning to propose to her there."

She may just have found out.

You really to run this by the band beforehand by email/phone. Bands are not DJ's! They have their own set and some even their own music and may not take requests or even know the song. Do check!

A friend of mine has a band and complains non stop about requests which they don't do.

I'd be surprised if it wasn't played in here.

http://www.odonoghues.ie/music.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l14aDp-4NKk

Whatever Shane McGowan is made of, it's not plastic. Anyone find the clip of him singing this with Fungi?

Finlay, to answer your questions:

1) Most, if not all would/should know it

2) No, it would not be insulting to ask them

There's a lot of the singers/bands playing in the Temple Bar area that actually seek requests from the crowd. A quiet word in their ear or have it written down and give them the note letting them know the purpose of your request, could make it even more possible.

I hope it works out well for you. :)