It may be of interest to some 'catters also to know that Bobby's Son Finbarr is following in his father's footsteps . He sings and plays Banjo and Guitar just like his late Dad did. Paddy's son and , I hear, another nephew (as well as Robbie O'Connell)are also performing here in Ireland and in the US.
Paddy, Liam and Tom's sister Peg - who recorded with Bobby in the late 50s -early 60s has had a fine acting career, both as an amateur and later, a professional. She had a role in Fair City , the RTE "Soap". Bobby's eldest daughter , Roisin, lives in Wales and is, I believe, doing some acting too.
Yes, they had a profound effect on the popularisation of Irish Ballads , even though (Thanks to the late Ciaran MacMathuna) it was their American recordings that introduced them to Irish audiences.
The only concert of theirs that I had the good fortune to attend was in Cork Opera House back around 1966/7 . They ran on stage and burst immediately into song (I think it was " Kelly-the boy from Killane") but in any event they were electrifyng. The concert ran way overtime and - we were hooked.
How sad to hear of Makem's ill-health, Please God he will recover.