Mayo man remembers the legendary Tom Dunphy on 51th anniversary of his tragic passing

Showband legend Tom Dunphy of the Royal Showband and Big 8 is remembered on the 51st anniversary of his tragic passing by Parke native Michael O’Connor, a true fond and close friend.

Tom Dunphy had left his native Waterford city at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 1975, on the way to perform with The Big 8 showband at the Mary of Dungloe Festival of Donegal.

It was the first time the organising festival committee had secured the band’s booking, having been unsuccessful for a number of years due to the huge demand of the band, both as the Royal Showband and The Big 8.

The fatal accident, outside Carrick on Shannon, occurred at about 6.40 p.m., when his Ford Granada car failed to negotiate a bend and hit an oncoming lorry broadside.

An inquest later revealed that he died from multiple chest injuries and internal bleeding.

The front seat passenger in the car was 22-year-old Noel Ryan, the band's piano player. He survived the crash, though he sustained serious injuries and was removed to Longford County Hospital, where he made a full recovery after spending some weeks there.

Five members of the band came to the accident having left The Longford Arms Hotel earlier.

The sad news was conveyed by Sligo gardaí to Brendan Bowyer, and T.J Byrne, band manager, who were dining in The Great Southern Hotel, Bundoran.

The Evening Herald reported that about 1,200 people had turned up at the festival venue when news broke of the tragedy at about 9 p.m. It stated that many broke down and cried and the dance was immediately cancelled.

Tom was hugely popular in the showband world and had just returned a week earlier from Las Vegas.

Shortly after Tom’s death a memorial service was held in Las Vegas. The church was packed with people from various walks of life who greatly admired him, both on a personal and musical level.

"I corresponded with him quite often, even a week before he died. That letter and photos I passed on to Brendan Bowyer," stated Michael.

In July 1978 a memorial was unveiled in his honour at Mohill Cross outside Carrick on Shannon, where he lost his life.

Many from the music business, political and sporting world were present. Popular showband chaplain Fr. Brian Darcy officiated at the ceremony.

On the memorial inscription one sentence read: ‘His likes may never be seen again.’