Tom McBride 1936-2018 The man hailed as the ‘King’ of country and Irish music was “gifted by God” to entertain people the funeral Mass of ‘Big Tom’ McBride has heard.
Fr Leo Creelman told the thousands of mourners that the legendary singer was above all “a loving father, grandfather, uncle, brother, neighbour and friend”.
He said that the funeral Mass was a “heart-breaking replay of events for the McBride family since just less than 80 days ago, we were here in this same church for the funeral of Tom’s devoted and beloved wife Rose.”
In his homily, Fr Creelman said that Mr McBride was never the same after the death of his wife. “When Rose died a massive part of Tom went with her. He was lost, dazed and broken hearted.
“Big Tom was the face and voice that everyone seen and heard, but Rose was the engine behind his success. In the background, she was the grounding mechanism, the compass and the refuge needed, to one of the most popular Irish country singing stars of our times,” the priest said.
He recalled how “Big Tom had an amazing presence when he walked into a room or onto a stage.” Fr Creelman said “he was a man big in stature, matched up with an even bigger heart. Despite all his success and fame, he always remained humble and down to earth and first and foremost a family man.”
He added that Mr McBride “was chosen by God and gifted with many talents and abilities. These he shared generously with many people including those who have travelled here to be with his family today.
“We thank God for knowing Tom McBride in whatever capacity that may be; family, friend or neighbour. Or in his professional career, for those who have sung with him, played alongside him, admired him and listened to his music,” Fr Creelman told mourners at the Church of St Patrick’s, Oram, Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan.
Upwards of 2,000 people attended the funeral Mass, most standing outside spilling on to the roadway as the church only seats around 200 people. As Mr McBride was laid to rest, many mourners gathered in singing ‘Gentle Mother’ at his graveside – the song that first catapulted him to fame.
The singer – who was inducted in the Irish Country Music Hall of Fame – died on Tuesday – he was 81.