Book on Big Tom is a sure bestseller

AN author with strong Mayo connections – Tom Gilmore from Bodane, Tuam – has completed in record time a book on Irish country music legend, Big Tom.

The book is simply titled – 'Big Tom: The King of Irish Country'.

Published by O'Brien Press, the 256 page edition will be in bookshops well in time for Christmas and is sure to be a bestseller.

Big Tom (McBride), who died earlier this year, had legions of fans all over Ireland.

In the words of his biographer, he was “the Johnny Cash of country music”.

Tom Gilmore's book will feature never before published interviews with Big Tom and the country stars who loved him as well as exclusive family photographs.

Throughout Big Tom's mucial careeer, spanning five decades, he packed ballroom and marquees the length and breadth of Ireland and Britain, with his band, The Mainliners, and later with The Travellers.

His records sold by the tens of thousands and he had numerous Top Ten hits.

Tom Gilmore was a close friend of Big Tom for over 40 years and was a superb choice as author of the singer's biography.

A former journalist with The Herald (Tuam) – now retired – Tom Gilmore is a cousin of well known Castlebar and Glenisland brothers, Vinny and Seamus O'Donnell.

Tom's book is eagerly awaited by the many aficionados of the Castleblaney crooner.