I listened to his music from the age of six or seven, I think.

I first heard him on the very first evening of my very first trip
to New York City--- was wandering about, came across 'Tommy Makems
Irish Pavilion' and the sign said 'Tonight - Tommy Makem and Liam
Clancy.' Went right in and made a reservation. Thank god I'd remembered
to bring my tweed jacket!

I met Tommy in person several years later, playing 'host' at Mystic.
Absolutely the most unpretentious, unassuming, 'gentleman' of a
performer that I've ever encountered (other than maybe Pete
Seeger). 'Soft spoken' doesn't begin to describe it.

A true treasure.