Following the death earlier today of the country music star, Big Tom McBride from Oram, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Clogher, Monsignor Joseph McGuinness, has issued the following statement on behalf of the diocese:
“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.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
- There will be an opportunity for fans and friends of Big Tom to pay their respects between 12.00pm and 8.00pm, tomorrow, Wednesday, in Oram Community Centre in the Parish of Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, where his remains will be lying in repose. Please note that Big Tom’s house is strictly private. The removal of the remains will take place on Friday morning and Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11.00am in Saint Patrick’s Church, Oram. The remains of Big Tom McBride will be buried after Mass in the adjoining cemetery.
- Shannonside-Northern Sound radio (96.3 FM) is planning to broadcast the Funeral Mass of Big Tom McBride at 11.00am this Friday. For media outlets wishing to take an audio feed from Shannonside-Northern Sound, please contact Martin Howard on +353 43 3349353.
- Monsignor Joseph McGuinness is the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Clogher, pending the appointment of a new bishop. He is also the Administrator of the Parish of Tyholland, Co Monaghan. The Diocese of Clogher encompasses all of Co Monaghan, most of County Fermanagh and portions of Tyrone, Donegal, Louth and Cavan. It has a Catholic population of 88,000, across 37 parishes, and is served by 63 priests and one deacon. There are 85 churches in the Diocese of Clogher.
For media contact: Gary Carville, Clogher Diocesan Communications & Media Officer, Bishop’s House, Monaghan. Tel + 353 47 81019 and on +353 87 1767226 and on [email protected]
