Tommy Makem Tributes Pour In

Friday, August 3, 2007 Makem tributes pour in; services to be held next weekBy THOMAS R. KRESSLERDemocrat Staff Writertkressler@fosters.comIrish Folk legend Tommy Makem Democrat file photo by Mike Ross/Chief photographerServices set DOVER — Services for Tommy Makem, who died on Wednesday at the age of 74, were announced Thursday.Relatives and friends are invited to call Monday evening from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Ave., Dover.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, at St. Mary Church, corner of Chestnut and Third streets with the Rev. Fritz Cerullo, O.S.A., pastor, as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Mary New Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorials in his name be made to a fund being started in the name of Tommy & Mary Makem Fund, c/o Attorney William H. Shaheen, PO Box 977, Dover, NH 03821-0977. Related Articles and Media Article: Services for Makem to be held next week Article: Tommy Makem, 'Godfather of Irish music' Send us your remembrances of Tommy MakemRead ResponsesDOVER — As news of iconic Irish folk musician Tommy Makem's death spread throughout the world Thursday, tributes, messages of condolences, and fond remembrances poured out.During more than 50 years of music-making, Makem, who lived in Dover for most of those years, built up a fan base of millions and touched the hearts of just about anyone who saw him perform or had the privilege of meeting the man they called the "Godfather" of Irish Music and the "Bard of Armagh". Though his spirit lives on everywhere, in Dover there are plans to keep Makem's memory alive in a tangible way.Even before Makem's death, a small group had begun meeting to discuss the possibility of placing a memorial to him within the city. Former Mayors Wil Boc and Jack Buckley, musician and friend of Makem's Eugene Byrne, Makem's son Shane, and Tommy Hardiman had hoped to get the statue up before Makem's passing. Makem died Wednesday night following a yearlong struggle with lung cancer. "His impact on Dover has been monumental," said Boc Thursday. "He is an international star and a local here. I think Tommy was able to do both things. He was able to play on the international stage but he was a hometown Dover boy at heart who gave his heart and soul to the community."Before spending the later parts of his life as a successful solo artist, Makem, a banjo player and baritone vocalist, played with the traditional Irish folk group The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. Many credit the group with popularizing Irish much in the United States, and they gained worldwide acclaim, largely during the 1960s folk revival. Though he was diagnosed with cancer in the spring of 2006, Makem continued to play shows and on July 4 received an honorary doctoral degree — his third — from the University of Ulster. His last performance took place in May of this year in Chicago.Boc and cohorts plan to incorporate as a nonprofit called "The Bard Foundation" and expand their scope to include raising money for a memorial scholarship fund. So far they are not taking any donations for the statue project, but estimate the cost will be between $60,000 and $70,000. Locations are still being staked out, but some potential spots include Immigrants Park on Main Street, Henry Law Park, or somewhere along the waterfront.There are also plans to erect a similar statue in Makem's hometown of Keady, located in the County Armagh, in Ireland. Makem emigrated to the United States in 1955."It would be a memorial to Tommy, one of our first citizens here in Dover, but it would also commemorate the rest of the immigrants that came to this country," said Byrne, a fellow Irishman.Right now, supporters may make a donation in lieu of flowers to the recently established Tommy and Mary Makem Fund, c/o Shaheen and Gordon Law Firm, 140 Washington St., Dover, N.H. 03820, or to the charity of one's choice. Makem's wife, Mary, who was a community fixture for many years, died in 2001.Despite Makem's worldwide acclaim, many in Dover and surrounding communities were unaware that such an esteemed figure was one of the Garrison City's own. Makem's humility and distaste for celebrity may have contributed to that, some say.But his importance in musical history is undeniable."It's like people who live at the foot of Mount Washington, you take it for granted after awhile," Boc said. "As far as Irish music goes, he's the Mount Washington."Makem's funeral mass is planned for 11 a.m. next Thursday at St. Mary Church, where he was a communicant. A three-day wake will be held at the Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Ave., during the following times: Monday, Aug. 6 from 7-9 p.m.; Tuesday, Aug. 7 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.; and Wednesday, Aug. 8 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.Because parking is limited, those from out of town who are planning to attend the funeral are being asked to park at Dover Middle School, 16 Daley Drive. Buses, donated by C&J Trailways, will take those people to the church, the grave site and back to the school.