It's one of Ireland's most iconic Christmas songs – as well as a frequent topic of controversy around the festive period.
But how many of us can say we truly know the story behind Fairytale of New York?
The beloved folk tune – written by The Pogues and featuring Kirsty MacColl – has long moved listeners with its harrowing depiction of broken dreams and relationship woes.
It's also frequently become a topic of intense debate, with a homophobic slur in the tune dividing those who believe we shouldn't sing the word and those who say it's not homophobic in essence.
Either way, what most of us don't know is the story of one of the two singers on the track.
While many of us are familiar with the drunken antics and up-and-down life story of Shane MacGowan – the troubled frontman of The Pogues.
But fewer are aware of the life – and tragic death – of British singer MacColl.
The folk singer passed away in horrific circumstances while on a holiday all the way back in the year 2000.
After presenting a BBC radio programme in Cuba, Kirsty took a holiday with her sons and boyfriend in Cozumel, Mexico.
On the evening of December 18, 2000 – just one week before Christmas – she and her family were diving in a reef that did not allow watercraft to enter.
Tragically, a powerboat – owned by the millionaire owner of a Mexican supermarket chain – sped into the area just as the party were surfacing from a dive, heading at high speed in the direction of Kirsty and her sons.
The Croydon native managed to push her 15-year-old son, Jamie, out of the way of the boat in time to save his life, but the boat ran over her – killing her instantly.
The driver of the boat – named Cen Yam – was an employee of Guillermo Gonzalez Nova, the president of the Comercial Mexicana supermarket chain.
Eyewitnesses said Mr Yam was not in control of the boat at the time of the incident, and he was found guilty of culpable homicide.
For Kirsty's family, the fight for real justice went on for years, with a public Justice for Kirsty campaign set up.
It was a horrendous incident that tragically cut short the life of a talented artist.
And it's worth remembering Kirsty the next time you're belting out the lyrics to Fairytale of New York.
