Some Late Late Show fans weren't happy with RTÉ for using a
The legendary singer on the show with his wife Victoria Mary Clarke, friends and family.
He performed Fairytale of New York with country singer Philomena Begley, RSVP Live reports.
But his interview with Ryan Tubridy took place against the background of a fake bar set - which some viewers weren't happy with, considering MacGowan's struggles with alcohol in the past.
One said "There are a few questions to be asked about the wisdom of this well intentioned Shane McGowan tribute, not least the questionable taste of having the set made up like a pub with pints of Guinness on the tables #latelate."
Although no actual drinking was filmed during the segment, Alcohol Ireland has criticised the decision to set it in a bar.
A spokesperson for AAI told Independent.ie : "It's regrettable, yet again RTE would seek to normalise and/or sentimentalise the impact of alcohol in people's lives.
"Reinforcing cultural stereotypes and the numerous social norms that prevail, ie you can only celebrate the talent that is Shane MacGowan by setting him in a pub - is a classic trap of popular media.
"This persistence of such a narrow perspective and narrative only undermines the endeavour of public health advocates who seek to recast Ireland's corrosive relationship with alcohol."
An RTE spokeswoman defended the set, telling the publication: "The Shane MacGowan segment of 'The Late Late Show ' was in a bar room setting, as such locations were a major feature of Shane's musical career and a backdrop to his music and lyrics.
"These songs were discussed and performed on the show and the alcohol on set was in context with the performances and conversations involved."
It comes as Shane MacGowan and celeb pals partied into the small hours after a star-studded Late Late Show tribute to the singer.
The Pogues frontman and wife Victoria Mary Clarke joined stars in a session backstage at RTE until 2.30am.
Actors, singers and songwriters –as well as leading Irish-American politician Martin O’Malley – had earlier honoured the 61-year-old living legend.
The show, estimated to have been watched by one million viewers, ended with Shane and country singer Philomena Begley belting out the band’s Christmas classic Fairytale Of New York.
Among the guests were Hollywood actor Patrick Bergin, Game Of Thrones star Aidan Gillen and singer Moya Brennan, while Glen Hansard and Lisa O’Neill joined The Pogues for a stunning rendition of Rainy Night In Soho.
Patrick told the Irish Mirror: “It was like a session from years ago. The Pogues were as good as ever, there was a great atmosphere.”
One source said: “The party went on until 2.30am in the green room backstage.
“It was like a scene from the band’s heyday. No one wanted to go home after the filming finished. All these stars turned out to see Shane and honour him.”
Shane, Tipperary’s most famous son, even donned a smart navy suit with a red pocket hankie and open-necked white shirt for the evening – and kept a glass of water nearby.
As Ryan Tubridy chatted to him and introduced famous guests, pints of Guinness and bottles of wine could be seen on the tables.
But the booze was in fact only props taken from the Fair City set to add to the pub session atmosphere.
Singer-songwriter Glen, a lifelong fan, said: “Growing up in Ballymun, if someone was passing around the tape, the tape would have The Dubliners and The Pogues.
“What made Shane’s music different for me was that it was speaking to the broad diaspora.
“I remember seeing The Pogues in London in the late 80s in The Town and Country Club and there was an energy in the room that was really terrifying and frightening.
“It had something to do with being away from Ireland ... there was just this shock of passion and devotion.”
Actor Aiden added: “We all know Shane is a brilliant frontman.
“There are not many songwriters that write songs that sound like they have been around forever. Nick Cave can do it, Leonard Cohen can do it and he can do it.”
2FM presenter Dave Fanning and author Pat McCabe also gave praise and there were video tributes from actor Liam Neeson, singer Paul Simon and former Pogues members.
Although born in London, Shane told of how Irish music had influenced his entire life.
He said: “All the stuff on radio, Radio Eireann. My mother was a great singer – she knew the entire Delia Murphy and Maggy Barry repertoire and lots of Irish songs, like classic Irish songs.”
Afterwards, Patrick told the Irish Mirror how his and Shane’s partying days go back more than 30 years.
He said: “I had great times with Shane and Victoria in both London and Tipperary. It was great, all the bands were there – Madness, The Pogues, most of The Clash.”
Now Shane and Victoria are looking forward their next party – his birthday on Christmas Day.
