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Wordsmith is correct and a man with abundant talent. There's a great fairly recent documentary about his rocky life called Crock of Gold.

Regarding his aptitude for song writing there's a interview with Nick Cave where he covers a Pogues song... Cave describes spending time with Shane McGowan and him having a pile of songs in a mound on the floor. Picking them up he sees there are beautiful songs just lying there most destined for oblivion. A prolific song writer to say the least. You'd wonder how many gems were lost to his irreverent nature.

I saw Shane and the Popes (and a great New York band Black 47) open for Elvis Costello in NYC many years ago. Shane walks on stage and immediately hocks a loogie in the face of a random audience member standing up front. ‘Twas a hell of a show.

Sickbed of Cuchulainn.

Agreed on those, I'll add Lullaby of London as one I've really enjoyed over the years too.

Terrible shame to see him gone.

Also A Rainy Night in Soho