RSS
News


Home Page > News > Liam, last of Clancy Brothers, dies in Ireland

Blogs


comment on article 10 Comments
print this article Print
email this articleE-mail

Liam, last of Clancy Brothers, dies in Ireland

By
DONAL THORNTON,
Irish Central.com

Published Friday, December 4, 2009, 2:34 PM
Updated Friday, December 4, 2009, 4:42 PM

 

Bookmark and Share


Legendary singer Liam Clancy has died aged 74.

Liam Clancy, the famed "last man standing" from the Clancy Brothers and Tommie Makem, died in Ireland today.

Clancy, who had been ill for some time, died in hospital in Cork.

The youngest of 11 children, Clancy followed his brothers Paddy and Tom to New York from Carrick on Suir.

Paddy and Tom were already performing in the Big Appple with well-known Armagh singer Tommy Makem and young Liam joined up with them.

Performing as The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem they became international stars after a performance on the Ed Sullivan show.

Bob Dylan said Liam was "the best ballad singer I've ever heard" died in hospital in Cork early this afternoon

The Clancys' mother sent them all their trademark Aran jumpers fearing her boys would freexe in the harsh New York winters.

1 2 Next page >
print this article Print
email this articleE-mail


10 Comments

It may take several minutes for your comment to appear.
Report abuse
Posted by edbutler on Dec 07, 2009, 02:55 PM EST
My Wife and I were fortunate enough to seen the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem in concert in the U.S numerous times. We especially enjoyed their appearances at the Irish Fests in Milwaukee, where they mingled with the crowd between sets. They were wonderful performers who could captivate a crowd. I especially remember Liam's versions of the Parting Glass, Peggy Gordon.The Band played Waltzing Matilda and The Patriot Game. We treasure the tapes and Cd's of their music we have collected thru the years and play them in our car often. God Bless them all.
Report abuse
Posted by bfaulkner on Dec 07, 2009, 01:30 PM EST
The world is now poorer with the passing of one of the world's greatest Ballad singers, Liam Clancy, gone on to join his brothers and Tommy Makem. Rest in Peace, Liam.
Report abuse
Posted by pkeoughan on Dec 07, 2009, 12:32 PM EST
Liam Clancy signed a record album for me in the 70's. At my request he wrote the name of the Irish drum on the drom on the back of the album with a smile. He was my favorite singer and I am very sad today.
Report abuse
Posted by eileenkny on Dec 07, 2009, 11:28 AM EST
I had the opportunity to see the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem live twice. The first time was back in the '70s. A good friend and I went to New Jersey to a small club and Liam spotted my friend in the crowd. He came over, sat down and chatted her up. Since I was on the periphery I had the chance to just sit and watch. He was a charmer and a gentleman. The world has lost a prince.
Report abuse
Posted by Lowcarbmusic on Dec 05, 2009, 10:04 PM EST
It was a joy to listen to and also to meet The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. As kids we learned all their songs and sang them! Liam was a dear favourite of mine, a cheeky grin and a moving, warm voice. I hope they all know now the happiness they brought to people's lives all around the world. The Parting Glass still runs deep down under my skin. Angels take thee to rest.
Report abuse
Posted by Alphonse on Dec 05, 2009, 06:39 AM EST
Liam, Great musician and entertainer,was Ireland Himself,we all must go, but Liam was a great one and is a pity to see him go so great talent and Irishman........Alphonse
Report abuse
Posted by brianmack on Dec 04, 2009, 08:42 PM EST
One of the top groups in the sixties! Clancy Bros./T. Makem were as gifted in their genre as were R.Dylan, Springsteen, Peter Paul Mary and so many more. Last of the great!
Report abuse
Posted by cartersmate35 on Dec 04, 2009, 05:56 PM EST
Musicians die, but the SOUNDS live on...Irish music will ALWAYS lift the soul. And Susan Boyle has the gift of music...all the Islands breed THAT! America, my home, is a lovely country, but Ireland (County Tipperary) will always be home to my heart!
Report abuse
Posted by OldBull on Dec 04, 2009, 05:10 PM EST
In his honor, I will spin my recordings of "Wild Colonial Boy" and "The Croppy Boy"! A sad passing, indeed!
Report abuse
Posted by kickstar on Dec 04, 2009, 03:58 PM EST
Very sad news and the end of a truly great performer and a wonderful human being,RIP Liam Clancy
 


Click to learn more from DiscoverIreland.com.
IrishCentral Mobile QR code


Connect to IrishCentral with your Facebook account

or sign-in directly

Welcome to IrishCentral!
Please provide the following information in order to create your account

Username:
E-Mail Address:
Password:
Confirm Password:
I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy


Welcome to IrishCentral!
All we need is the following information and you will be part of the #1 Irish community in the US

E-Mail Address:
First select a unique username:
Username:
Now choose a password:
Password:
Confirm Password:
I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Thank you!

Just one more step and you will be part of the largest Irish community in America! Tell us a little more about you to start enjoying all the features of IrishCentral.

Additional Information:

First Name:
Last Name:
Date of Birth:
Zip:
Gender: Male  Female 
Country:
Degree of Irishness:
Household Income:
Level of Education:

Subscribe to our newsletters:

The Best of IrishCentral - Daily Newsletter
Special Offers from our sponsors

or
Skip

You can edit your information at any time, just go to "my account" when you're logged in.

Log into IrishCentral with your Facebook account

or sign-in directly

E-Mail:
Password:
 Remember me Forgot my password