Clancy leads tributes to legend Makem

“I suppose he was my brother in many ways.”

That was the reaction of music legend Liam Clancy yesterday following news that his life-long friend and collaborator Tommy Makem had died at the age of 74 in America.

The Armagh native had been ill with lung cancer for some time and he passed away on Wednesday night at his home in Dover, New Hampshire, where he moved as a young man more than 50 years ago.

His long-time music partner said his friend’s passing was a terrible blow despite the fact that he was aware for some time that the end was nearing.

“Tommy was a man of high integrity and honesty. His courage really shone through towards the end. Our paths diverged, of course, many times, but our friendship never waned,” he said.

“I think Tommy’s greatest strength was that he was an entertainer. He just had the knack of making an audience laugh or cry, holding them in his hands,” he told RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland programme.

The contribution the pair made — along with Liam’s brothers Tom and Paddy — as the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, was acknowledged in a commemorative stamp series issued by An Post last November.

But their mark was made around the world from their formation in the mid-1950s, according to President Mary McAleese who paid a warm tribute yesterday.

“In life, Tommy brought happiness and joy to hundreds of thousands of fans the world over. Always the consummate musician, he was also a superb ambassador for the country, and one of whom we will always be proud,” she said.

The sentiments were echoed by Arts, Sport and Tourism Minister Seamus Brennan, saying his 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,” he said.

No funeral arrangements had yet been made but details will be posted on the official website, www.makem.com, where personal tributes were paid by fans, friends acquaintances throughout the day.