Country singer Margo O’Donnell, who has resided in Castleblayney for the last two decades, was one of the leading exponents in getting the project underway. The Castleblayney Regeneration Committee, along with Monaghan County Council and representatives of local community groups, all supported the project.

It was put out to tender and the successful applicant was Mark Richards, who has his studio in Stanton Lacy, Gloucestershire, England. It was truly fitting that both Tom and his beloved wife, Rose, who predeceased him by just 11 weeks back in January, got to see the prototype of the statue. Tom even remarked: “Anyone who looked at that will know it’s me alright.” An immediate stamp of approval for the work of Mark Richards.

Castleblayney Celebrates Big Tom is the title of the weekend ceremonies, which begin on Friday evening with an exhibition of Big Tom memorabilia at the Iontas Theatre at 7pm. This is a free event and all are welcome.

The Glencarn Hotel is hosting a country dance on the night, while country music will be the theme of culture night in many of the local pubs in the town. Oram Community centre will also host a special Big Tom Quiz on Friday night.

A book celebrating the life and times of Big Tom will be launched at noon on Saturday at the Iontas Theatre in the town. Big Tom – The King of Irish Country has been compiled by Tom Gilmore from Tuam in recent months, since the passing of the country icon last April.

It includes interviews with family members, band members, friends from over the years and contributions from the country scene who had an enduring friendship with Tom McBride.

Thomas, Aisling, Dermot and Siobhan, the family of Big Tom and Rose, will be present for the launch, as will many members of the McBride and King family circles, together with members of The Mainliners and The Travellers and numerous other people from the music scene and the local communities in Oram and Castleblayney.

Wall of fame

The Castleblayney Music Wall of Fame will be unveiled at 3pm on Saturday at the site of the old Embassy Ballroom, now the Glencarn Hotel. This celebrates the rich musical heritage of the town and region in a beautiful art instillation, featuring photos of many of the people associated with the music scene in the Castleblayney region over the decades. Local school children will showcase their musical talents at the unveiling ceremony.

The Iontas Theatre will host a Back to Castleblayney concert at 8pm, featuring Philomena Begley, Susan McCann, Gloria and The Barry Doyle Band. This show is completely sold-out.

Oram Community Centre is the venue later on Saturday night for a free dance and get-together for the local community and visitors to the region, with Thomas Maguire and Fhiona Ennis on stage. Another full house is expected to throng Tom’s home village for the occasion.

Emotions will run high

The unveiling of the statue on Sunday afternoon will be a hugely emotional occasion for so many people whose love and affection for Big Tom has remained undimmed all through the years. The news of his passing last April was greeted like a death in countless families all over Ireland and abroad. Tom touched the hearts of people like no other Irish entertainer.

The statue will be located just across from where Big Tom ran The Old Log Cabin Pub for some years and facing down Muckno Street on the road that leads out to Oram.

Dermot McBride says the family is especially grateful to the sculptor, Mark Richards, for his attention to detail.

“Mark has done a magnificent job and I think people will be amazed when they see it in person. It is really very special.”

Siobhan (McBride) Duffy concurs with these sentiments.

“Daddy had such a great love for Oram, Castleblayney and Monaghan, and we as a family are so thankful to all who have honoured him in this special way. We hope everyone who comes to ‘Blayney and Oram will feel the warmth of the special welcome that is being planned for this weekend.”

A Big Tom Celebration Dance will close the festival on Sunday night at the Glencarn Hotel featuring The Mainliners, John Glenn, Margo, Dermot McBride, Paddy King, Country Harmony and special guests. Doors open at 7.30pm, with music from 8pm, with The Mainliners and John Glenn on stage around 10pm and bringing the curtains down on the weekend around midnight.

Margo says it will be a fitting tribute to a wonderful man.

“There can never be another Big Tom. He spoke to the hearts of the people and they loved him. It is so heartbreaking that Tom and Rose just missed out on this special day by a few months.

“I expect a huge turnout on Sunday and I know coachloads are coming from various parts of the country. They always came in great numbers to see Big Tom at his shows and they will come again this weekend to pay their respects and give thanks for the greatest legend of them all.”

The Minister for Business, Enterprise, and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, a Monaghan native, has always been aware of the special place Big Tom held in the hearts of so many people.

“It is fitting that the Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District is erecting this statue in Big Tom’s honour. There is absolutely no doubt that Big Tom’s music and memory will live on forever.”

Kevin McCooey, the long-time manager of Big Tom and The Mainliners, says there is phenomenal interest in the weekend ceremonies in Castleblayney.

“From the minute that the date to unveil the monument was made public, hotel and accommodation outlets started getting calls from people all over the country.

“There are people from way down south and over west who have now booked into places in neighbouring counties because they could not find anywhere around Monaghan.

“There was a lonesomeness and sincerity in so many of Big Tom’s songs.

“He had a special gift to interpret words and feelings in a way that touched your heart and soul. In the history of Irish country music, he will always be fondly known and rightfully so as The King.”