TRIBUTES have been paid to legendary Irish country singer Big Tom McBride after he sadly passed away at the age of 81.
The family of the showband leader confirmed his death in the early hours of this morning.
The singer had suffered health problems over the years and was previously hospitalised in 2006 after suffering a heart attack.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar led the tributes with a statement issued this morning:
“Big Tom was certainly a giant in Irish country music for over 50 years.
“With his band the Mainliners, he filled dance halls the length and breadth of the country. His songs were a reflection of Irish life and an important connection for the Irish diaspora.
“Not many people are known by their first name, but that was Big Tom. It shows his popularity and legendary status as the king of Irish country music.”
Fellow singer Daniel O’Donnell spoke of McBride’s deterioration in health since the passing of his wife Rose in February.
“It’s just so sad,” he told RTE Radio One. “On the other hand, he was probably heartbroken without his wife, Rose. Maybe for him, it’s a gift from God.
“His family, I’m sure they are just devastated at his passing.
“I’m sure since Rose died, his life was darker. Every step Tom took, Rose was a step behind him.
“I can’t assume anything, only there is a great reunion in heaven today.”
Daniel O'Donnell pictured with the late Tom McBride. (Picture: stock)Another showbands star had kind words to say this morning, as Dickie Rock spoke of the popularity of Big Tom on Ireland AM.
“He was loved because, one thing he was a talented man and he sang the kind of music people wanted to hear, but what is also nice and very important was that he was a very nice man. He appealed to people and people knew looking at the show on stage that he was a nice man.”
Big Tom appeared on the Late Late Show several times over the years, and host Ryan Tubridy confirmed that tribute will be paid to the man on this Friday’s show.
“Big Tom was the King of Country for good reason. Today we’ve lost an icon and a man who was of great stature, both musically and personally,” he said.
“He is somebody who will be greatly missed by us on The Late Late Show and by me personally. I enjoyed tremendously meeting him on more than one occasion and getting to know him a little bit and certainly enough to know that this is truly a sad day for the country music scene in Ireland. He will be missed by us all.”
Philomena Begley, who spoke to Tubridy on his radio show this morning, described McBride as being “full of devilment”.
“He was always in good form.
“The one thing Big Tom had when he started to sing – he had a great beat that made everyone want to dance.”
Monsignor Joseph McGuinness issued a statement on behalf of the Diocese of Clogher.
“Like many people around the country, we have all learned with great sadness of the death of Big Tom. The word ‘legend’ is often overused on occasions like this, but in Tom’s case it is truly fitting and well deserved. During his life, Tom brought great joy to many people, both in Ireland and worldwide, through his singing and his music. His contribution to Irish social and cultural life in this area has been enormous.
“But Tom McBride was more than just a singer. Above all, he was a family man. Tom, and his late wife Rose, formed a strong team in their household and in the wider community. Tom was a pivotal member of the community in his native Oram, where he contributed greatly through farming and sport. He was very proud of that community and of County Monaghan in general.
“On behalf of the priests and people of the Diocese of Clogher, I pray that God will grant Big Tom eternal rest and I extend to his family our prayers and sincere sympathy at this time.”
President Michael D Higgins referred to Big Tom as one of the most “charismatic and influential artists in Irish country music”.
“His name will be recalled with fond memory by those who listened, and danced to, his and his band members’ generous nights of entertainment all over the island of Ireland.
“A big personality and one of the country’s greatest country stars, his love of music and his passion and skill have enriched Ireland’s music scene.
“As President of Ireland I wish to express my deepest sympathies to his children Thomas, Dermot, Aisling and Siobhan, the members of his family, his friends and to the countless numbers of people, at home and abroad who loved the man and his music.”
Monaghan GAA also took to Twitter to pay tribute to their fellow county man.
Monaghan GAA would like to offer it's sympathy to the Mc Bride Family and the @Oramgfc on the death of its president and former player Big Tom Mc Bride pic.twitter.com/dS4iNqn4pq
— @monaghangaa (@monaghangaa) April 17, 2018
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