BIG RESPECT FOR BIG TOM

Big Tom’s remains leave Oram Community Centre last night Singing star Nathan Carter FANS, locals and colleagues queued up to pay their respects to country music legend Big Tom Mcbride yesterday.

People gathered at Oram Community Centre in the parish of Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, where the star’s remains were lying in repose following his death this week at the age of 81.

Among those filing through the doors after midday were country singers Nathan Carter, Kathy Durkin and Marty Mone.

Members of his bands The Mainliners and The Travellers were also at the centre, as were various entertainers and promoters from the world of Irish music.

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Fans travelled from as far away as Offaly, Galway and Louth to mark the occasion and pay tribute.

Mr Mcbride’s remains were expected to stay at the centre until 8pm last night.

One man told RTE: “It’s a sad day in the community of Oram here. We’ve lost a giant of a man, so we have. Good neighbour. Good friend to everybody.”

A woman added: “He was just unique. He was fantastic. There’ll never be another one like him. We’ll have to soldier on without him now won’t we.”

Another man said: “There are no words to describe it. Nature’s gentleman. Loved by the people of Ireland and all over the world.”

The singer’s funeral Mass will take place at 11am tomorrow in Oram.