Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith has paid tribute to the King of Country Big Tom McBride.

“I was very sorry to learn of the death of Tom McBride known to all of us as ‘Big Tom’, the legendary country singer”, said Deputy Smith.

“Big Tom brought country music to every corner of our island and he provided wonderful entertainment for countless numbers of Irish people across Britain and America. He was a star attraction on the music scene for over 5 decades – a career which was a testament to his talent and his personality.

“His time with the Mainliners saw him fill ballrooms and dancehalls right around the country during the 1960s and 70s and he was still playing concerts up until a number of months ago.

“I often enjoyed good and humorous chats with him, be it in St Tiarnach’s Park in Clones, Breffni Park or Croke Park, as he was a great supporter of Monaghan GAA.  I know that along with his late wife, Rose, he gave selflessly to local community and voluntary endeavours in his home area of Oram and indeed much further afield.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis”.