More friends and admirers have reacted to the writer of many a classic Irish song, Thom Moore, passing away on St. Patrick's Day. The 74-year-old had been suffering from a long-term illness.
"Thom Moore passed away peacefully yesterday while holding my hand and listening to his music," his stepson Stan reports. "He was a wonderful husband, step-father and singer-songwriter."
Among those paying tribute to Thom - see below - are Eleanor McEvoy, Horslips drummer Eamonn Carr, Stockton's Wing man Mike Hanrahan and Seamie O'Dowd.
A member of such legendary 1970s folk rock outfits as Pumpkinhead and Midnight Well, the American settled in Sligo over 30 years and established his writing credentials when Mary Black recorded that holiest of Moore triumvirates – ‘Caroline Rua’, ‘Still Believing’ and ‘Saw You Running’.
‘Cavan Girl’, arguably his best-known tune, was covered by everybody from Barleycorn and The Dubliners to The High Kings and Eddie Grant.
He's pictured here performing at Whelan's in 2013, a gig that was later broadcast on TG4 and which will hopefully get a repeat airing now.
A man of great cheer and humour, he will be sadly missed.

Thom Moore passed away peacefully yesterday while holding my hand and listening to his music. He was a wonderful husband, step-father and singer-songwriter of countless classic Irish songs.❤☘ @MaryBlackSinger@PatKennyNT @rtenews @IrishTimes @Independent_ie @TV3Ireland pic.twitter.com/PbUQ4TSasE

— Stan Zamyatin Moore (@hohostan) March 18, 2018

Only just learned of the passing of USA songwriter Thom Moore.A longtime resident of Ireland, I had the pleasure of playing his extraordinary songs all over the world as part of The Mary Black band. A charming, colourful character who brought light & humour to late 80s/90s Dublin pic.twitter.com/vJn0y71oh3

— Eleanor McEvoy (@eleanormcevoy) March 20, 2018

Tonight we say farewell to a truly great songwriter. He came to Ireland many moons ago and gave us his wonderful music. Soldier on - Thom Moore Midnight Well https://t.co/xXpAP4vQDB via @YouTube

— mike hanrahan (@dinkyhanrahan) March 18, 2018

How awful. Thom was a really bright, cool and clued-in man. And talented. He loved Sligo. May he rest in peace. #ThomMoore #Salute

— eamon carr (@carrtogram) March 19, 2018