Fans of Big Tom and The Mainliners mourn passing of Bernadette Morgan

Followers from Mayo and across the region of the legendary Big Tom and The Mainliners were saddened to hear of the passing of Bernadette Morgan, wife of Seamus (Ginger) Morgan who was bass player and singer with the band from the outset.

Bernadette Morgan (nee McGrath) from Castleblayney died on Tuesday, surrounded by her loving family, in the kind and gentle care of staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.

Back in 1966, Ginger Morgan and Big Tom McBride recorded two songs for the first single from The Mainliners. 'I’m Thinking of You', composed by Ginger was meant to be the ‘A’ side with Gentle Mother by Big Tom as the flip side.

An appearance by The Mainliners on The Showband Show on RTE where Big Tom sang Gentle Mother received such an overwhelming response that the song was immediately switched to the ‘A’ side. It was a seminal moment in Irish showbiz history and the most legendary country singer on the Irish circuit and the lads from Monaghan were on their way to fame.

The Mainliners featured Tom McBride, Henry and Seamus McMahon, John Beattie, Cyril McKevitt, Ronnie Duffy and Ginger Morgan. All were from a small area around Castleblayney and Oram while Cyril was from the nearby parish of Donaghmoyne.

Ginger was regarded as the pop singer with the band and performed a few numbers every night. The Mainliners and Big Tom were famous for the time they spent chatting to their followers at the end of each show down through the years.

Bernadette will repose at her residence today (Thursday) until 8pm. House private at all other times, by family request. Removal from her residence on Good Friday at 10.30am to arrive at St Mary’s Church, Castleblayney, for funeral liturgy at 11.00am, followed by private cremation at Lakelands' Crematorium, Cavan.

She will be sadly missed by her husband Seamus (Ginger), daughters Michelle and Evelyn, son Gary, grandchildren, in-laws, her brother Leo and sisters Ann and Christina, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and large circle of great friends.