I am just dumbstruck at the realization, once again, how it takes times like these to realize just exactly how much we will miss someone. This wonderful, gentle bard will live forever. In his passing, the family should know just exactly how much he meant to all of the children and grandchildren of Ireland. They will see how very much he meant to the performers in many genre's, and the world over. Some folks seek glory, and live so that when they die they will have a big funeral. They seek validation in their good works. And they always come up short. But folks like Tommy seek only to entertain, seek only to carry on a tradition. And he did it in such a wonderfully caring way, that he will live forever in the hearts of those he touched. He will live forever in the music he spread.

Boys (the Makem Brothers), I haven't seen you in a few years since I left West Michigan. But I send my condolences, and want you to know that I understand your loss and your grief. I hope you understand that you are this great man's, and his Mother's, legacy. And from what I have seen of you, ever since the first time I arranged for you to come to the Fenians in Conklin, MI, this immense legacy is in good hands.

God be good to him,

All the best,

Mick Lane