It was with great sadness we learned of the death of Country music legend Big Tom.
The Monaghan star and front man of Big Tom and the mainliners passed away this morning at the age of 81.
He was best known for hit songs such as four country roads, Back to Castleblaney, The old rustic bridge and Broken marriage vows.
On today's Joe Finnegan Show we remembered the life and times of Big Tom with those who knew him best.
In the first part of the show we spoke with Margo O' Donnell - she told us ''Today my heart is broken. I lost a man I loved for 50 years''
Daniel O' Donnell told us that in relation to the country music scene ''he (Big Tom) was just the king. there is no doubt about it''
Fr Brian D'arcy and journalist Michael Commins also paid tribute to the country star - take a listen here...
In the second part of the show we were joined by journalist Eddie Rowley, broadcaster Ryan Turbidy, and singer Donnie Cassidy who referred to him as an ''icon''.
We also talked to long time fan Peadar Duffy who relayed the deep upset fans across the country feel today..
Throughout the morning tributes poured in
In a statement President Michael D.Higgins described him as ''A big personality and one of the country’s greatest country stars'' He went on to say that ''his love of music and his passion and skill have enriched Ireland’s music scene''
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also sent us a statement in which he said "I was very saddened to hear of the death of Big Tom this morning. Big Tom was certainly a giant in Irish country music for over 50 years''
RIP Big Tom and thank you for the memories and music. From all at the Joe Finnegan Show
