Tommy Makem and Dover NH

On this day in 2007, Dover lost one of its most famous residents, Tommy Makem. Makem was known as the Godfather of of Irish Music to many, and along with the Clancy Brothers and their work together in the 1960s, is credited for a revival in traditional Irish music. Makem left Keady, County Armagh in 1955 and came to Dover to live with relatives here. In this clip, produced and directed by Mark Steele for cable access in 1995, Tommy Makem discusses with host Julie Dougherty his arrival in Dover, before performing "Farewell to Carlingford," a song written by Makem. Eugene Byrne, also of Dover and who died in 2011, also performs. The show's producers hoped the series would be picked up by WGBH in Boston, but ultimately was not. The show did air on New Hampshire Public Television as part of "The Tommy Makem Show."

[@tylerfoss3346]

Rest in peace, Tommy and Eugene. Great men and great crai'c.

[@StephenPHall01915]

Great to see and hear my old band mate, Ray Harvey in this video. I've played on stage with most of these folks over the years, at various concerts/gigs. Sadly everyone in this video, except Woody and Julie, have passed, and are playing in the big band in heaven... It's tough to get old...

[@eileenmacdougall8945]

Ah but Stephen, there're be a heck of a reunion some day !

[@simthekid9653]

I still love his voice
I didn't managed to find another artist or group similar

[@vincentrome4213]

I have been looking for a video with Eugene Byrne for some time now. He is the reason why I started writing my own tunes. Miss his voice very much....

[@madeindover3845]

Thanks, Vincent. Eugene was one of a kind.

[@gerardodwyer9693]

This is the Song Tommy makem wrote and sang its called farewell to Carlingford as just imagine me as tommy makem as a Clancy Brother

[@kellyalexandra_]

Looking into my great uncle Gene Ragosta whom worked with Tom on his album as well as in The Great Rubber Band and The G-Clefs - if anyone has videos, please reach out

[@donhuber9131]

Tommy's first, and my favorite recording of this song, was on the "CB & TM Sing of the Sea" album. Recorded for Columbia, around 1968, it featured Liam Clancy singing harmony and playing guitar. I felt it was the best cut on a mediocre album.

[@jobechard625]

My Dad knew Tommy Makem

[@jobechard625]

Tommy Makem had a tin whistle with a face on it that he kept it in his back pocket, which was pretty cool! I come from an Irish family & loved to hear his brogue, songs & the sound of the whistle. He worked with my Dad @ Kidder Press on Broadway in Dover NH.