The word “monumenalized” was used a number of times on Sunday September 23rd in Castleblayney as a statue of Big Tom was unveiled. The word seems appropriate as its meaning suggests that we “make a permanent record of (something) by or as if by creating a monument.” Undoubtedly that’s what happened.
The idea was first brought to Big Tom and Rose by their friend, Margo. She told us yesterday that Tom’s reaction was “You can’t be doing that”. Later she got a call from Rose, saying to go ahead. Rose had spoken to Tom about it and said that it “would be good for the fans”. Seemingly that was one of her ways of convincing Tom to do something he might otherwise prefer not to do. She knew how to talk to him!
President Michael D. Higgins addressed the gathering and, with some of Tom’s family, unveiled the statue. The statue is the work of Mark Richards who also addressed the thousands gathered for the ceremony. He spoke of the commission he had received and that he had explored different ways of presenting Tom to the people of his home parish and his countless fans. Originally he had considered a statue with Tom standing at a microphone or holding a guitar. In many ways, either of these were his preferred option but as the work unfolded and, having met Tom and Rose (God grant rest them both), a different picture emerged of a man who was accessible to all who approached him. Barriers then, even the tools of the trade, seemed out of place so he presented the idea of Tom just sitting and open to anyone who wished to approach him. There’s no doubt he got that right. He said he presented to models to the family and those involved in the commission, one of Tom with a microphone and the one finally made and the decision was unanimous – no barrier – the accessible and available Tom.
I was happy to be there for the occasion and grateful for the invitation. I was there with my brother, Gerard, a lifelong friend of Tom and his family. I felt I was there for my own family too, who valued Tom and Rose’s friendship through the years. It was great to see the town so crowded and in such high spirits as one of its own took centre stage (again) in a place and parish that meant everything to him. President Higgins summed it up well:
“Let it stand here in Castleblaney as a reminder of all that is best in our republic – our love of home, our capacity for solidarity, and our commitment to one another for friendship and for remembering what is best. Let this statue stand as an inspiration to practice those qualities embodied in the person of Big Tom. Above all, let it stand as a tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of Big Tom McBride.”
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