THE MAINLINERS HONOURED WITH THE FREEDOM OF CASTLEBLAYNEY

By Veronica Corr

On Sunday afternoon a sizeable crowd congregated around the Big Tom statue outside Castleblayney’s Market House, for a concert and civic reception for The Mainliners Showband, who were conferred with the Freedom of Castleblayney. The event was organised by Monaghan County Council. Country singers Margo O’Donnell, Damien Davis, Big Tom’s grand-nephew; Big Tom’s son Tom McBride Junior and Mick Mulhern entertained the crowd before the presentation began. Margo recalled the first time she heard ‘The Mighty Mainliners’ , as they were originally known, in 1966. All of the singers paid tribute to Big Tom who went to his eternal reward seven years ago, through word and song, with several specially-composed in his memory.

Margo O’Donnell, who lives in Castleblayney herself, was also given the freedom of the town as a surprise and it’s fair to say she was very moved by the gesture. Popular broadcaster Michael Cummins was Master of Ceremonies for the Freedom of Castleblayney awards to The Mainliners. He began by thanking the organising committee of the Big Tom Weekend. During the ceremony, heartfelt tributes were paid to The Mainliners and their remarkable contribution to Irish music. Michael emphasised that, while the event honoured the memory of the legendary Big Tom, it was equally important to recognise the outstanding talent and unity of the band that supported him. It was noted that behind every great singer stands a great band, and The Mainliners exemplified this…