Tributes pour in for the late Tommy Makem

The legendary Irish singer, banjo player and tin whistler, was best known as a member of The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, but he also enjoyed a long and distinguished solo career. A native of Keady in Armagh, Tommy was from one of the most renowned families in Irish traditional music. His mother Sarah Makem was a collector of songs and a fine singer and her love of great music, stories and tunes was passed on to Tommy.

He made them his own and passed them on to audiences all over the world. But he was especially successful in the United States, where he had made his home, in New Hampshire.

The tradition has now been passed on to Tommy's sons, Shane. Rory and Conor Makem, who perform under the moniker of The Makem Brothers

Among those who paid tribute was the Minister for Arts Culture and the Gaeltacht, Seamus Brennan. Minister Brennan said: "Tommy was a wonderful ambassador for Ireland, its music, culture and traditions, through his appearances on TV, radio and concert halls throughout the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe."

"In a career that stretched over 50 years Tommy was very successful not only in collaboration with the Clancy Brothers and Liam Clancy but also as a solo performer. He was a multi-talented artist whose abilities went beyond music, with other skills as a storyteller, actor, songwriter and poet.

"I wish to pass on my condolences to Tommy's family, relatives and friends at this sad time and hope that they can take comfort from the fact that his music is a wonderful legacy that will live on for generations to come."

Hot Press editor Niall Stokes also paid tribute. "Tommy was one of those larger than life characters, who epitomised the folk movement at its best," he said. "He was more than just a musician – he was a man of culture, a singer, writer and story-teller, who was engaged in the great task of enriching people's lives through art and music – and of lending something magical of themselves to posterity in the process. He is a great loss."

Liam Clancy put it more simply. "He was my brother in every way," he said.

Hot Press extends its condolences to Tommy's family, and to all his friends in the music business.