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Test yourself in the ultimate Bumper Beatles Christmas Quiz

How well do you know the most famous band in history?

RP Beatles The Beatles in 1968. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

THIS YEAR MARKED the 50th anniversary of the release of the Beatles’ totemic album Revolver.

A template for successive rock albums in the intervening decades, the groundbreaking 1966 record saw all three songwriting Beatles hit a creative peak.

(Harrison would only return to form on their final studio album Abbey Road, at which point Lennon had all but lost interest. The White Album, released in 1968, meanwhile, is a hotchpotch combination of rough sketches and brilliantly individualistic tracks)

Underpinned by the best drumming of Ringo Starr’s career, and guided by the expert hand of the band’s third genius, producer George Martin, Revolver meshed pop, rock, folk, classical, and Indian idioms, setting the scene for the rest of a decade when The Beatles produced the most thrilling music in history.

How well do you know it?

Complete the song title: "I want to hold your..."
PA
Head
Man

Coat, love
Hand
In the song A Day In The Life, how many holes are in Blackburn, Lancashire?
2,000
3,000

4,000
30,000
Which Beatles song spent a record nine weeks at number 1 in the US Billboard charts?
PA
A Day In The Life
Yesterday

Hey Jude
Strawberry Fields Forever
About which spiritual leader was the song Sexy Sadie written?
PA
Gandhi
Dalai Lama

The Pope
The Maharishi
Ringo Starr sang on every Beatles record - but what was the first Beatles song he sang and wrote?
PA
Yellow Submarine
Octopus's Garden

Don't Pass Me By
With A Little Help From My Friends
They visit Paris and Vienna, but how many locations in total are named in The Ballad of John and Yoko?
PA
Six
Five

Seven
Ten
What did fans throw at George Harrison at some early Beatles concerts?
Stones
Knickers

Shapes
Jelly babies
The 1967 single Strawberry Fields Forever/Penny Lane is a high point of The Beatles' career. Yet it also failed to top the UK charts - the first single to fail to do so since 1962. Which artist beat it to number 1?
Shutterstock
Rolling Stones
Jimi Hendrix

Bob Dylan
Engelbert Humperdinck
Who wrote the score (orchestral strings) for She's Leaving Home, a song on the 1967 album Sergeant Pepper?
Shutterstock
George Martin
Paul McCartney

Mike Leander
Phil Spector
On 4 April 1964, the entire US top five was filled by Beatles records, including Can't Buy Me Love, I Want To Hold Your Hand, She Loves You, Please Please Me - and which other record?
From Me To You
Twist And Shout

All My Loving
A Hard Day's Night
On 19 June 1967, much to the chagrin of Lennon and Harrison (who had indulged much more frequently), McCartney famously admitted to taking which substance?
PA
Marijuana
Heroin

LSD
Cocaine
John Lennon chose two historical figures to appear on the cover of Sgt Pepper - but one didn't make the cut. Who was it?
PA
Stalin
Mao

Hitler
Napoleon
Who wrote and played the guitar solo on Taxman?
Shutterstock
Paul McCartney
George Harrison

John Lennon
George Martin
"The Beatles are second to none in all departments. I don't think there has ever been a better song". About which Beatles track did former Elvis songwriter Jerry Lieber say this?
PA
Hey Jude
We Can Work It Out

Eleanor Rigby
And I Love Her
Which infamous album cover featured the Beatles in butchers coats, smeared with what looked like blood and surrounded by baby mannequins?
Shutterstock
Yesterday and Today
Please Please Me

Magical Mystery Tour
Rubber Soul
The Beatles were required to pay royalties after playing a sample from which piece of music in All You Need Is Love?
PA
La Marseillaise
She Loves You (by The Beatles)

In The Mood by Glen Miller
I Can't Get No (Satisfaction)
Who was the only outside musician to gain a credit on a Beatles album?
PA
Billy Preston
Eric Clapton

Pete Best
Donovan
"Scrambled eggs, oh baby how I love your legs": the original opening lines of which famous Beatles record?
Shutterstock
Come Together
I Am The Walrus

Yesterday
Hello Goodbye
Who played the drums on the final version of the The Beatles' first single Love Me Do?
Shutterstock
Ringo Starr
Andy White

Pete Best
Paul McCartney
Which was the first Beatles studio album to solely feature original compositions?
PA
With The Beatles
A Hard Day's Night

Help!
Please Please Me
Answer all the questions to see your result!
PA
You scored out of !
John Lennon
Extremely talented, unique and generally regarded as the leader of the pack, when you can be bothered you have a will to win that's unmatched!
Share your result:
PA
You scored out of !
Paul McCartney
Multi-talented, capable of turning your hand to anything - so good, in fact, that you may sometimes get on people's nerves by spreading your talents a little too thinly.
Share your result:
You scored out of !
George Harrison
Decent, does the job, but frankly outshone by others.
Share your result:
PA
You scored out of !
Ringo Starr
Lovable and liked by all, your expertise is nevertheless slightly on the low side.
Share your result:

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40 Comments
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    Mute George Oscar Bluth
    Favourite George Oscar Bluth
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    Apr 17th 2018, 8:50 AM

    RIP Tom. Gentleman. Going out the same way you came in.

    524
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    Mute Garreth Byrne
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    Apr 17th 2018, 9:23 AM

    I prefer classical and jazz myself, but I salute an eminent Irish country singer who delighted his fans down the years and managed to lead a normal decent life, respected by friends and neighbours. May he rest in peace.

    217
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    Mute Paul Holland
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:15 AM

    @Garreth Byrne: If it was up to me, Big Tom would never have been famous – I didn’t like his version of music. However I have the same sympathy as anyone would have for a family who has suffered a bereavement.

    33
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    Mute Mary Cullinane
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:22 AM

    @Paul Holland: Then it’s lucky it wasn’t up to you isn’t it? Ah well there is always one!

    274
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    Mute damien mc ardle
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:46 AM

    @Paul Holland: so why don’t u just stay quiet and keep your opinion to yourself Paul,if you have nothing nice to say….

    130
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    Mute Garreth Byrne
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:46 AM

    @Paul Holland: I don’t judge the music. I judge the man who made music and delighted his fans. I judge the man who didn’t let fame go to his head and twist his life.

    96
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    Mute Paul Holland
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    Apr 17th 2018, 11:57 AM

    @Paul Holland: My name is Paul Holland too and I would not like to be associated with your negative comments. Big Tom was an absolute legend. A huge loss to country music and to Oram. Condolences to the McBride family at this sad time.

    34
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    Mute The Debater
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    Apr 17th 2018, 12:09 PM

    @Paul Holland: give over Paul, he was famous because he was a great singer and entertainer, clearly you appreciate nothing

    44
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    Mute Paul Holland
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    Apr 17th 2018, 12:54 PM

    @Paul Holland: My name is also Paul Holland and would not like to be associated with your negative comments, Big Tom was an absolute legend and gentleman, a big lost to Oram and Castleblayney, My condolence is the McBride family, R.I.P Tom.

    10
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    Mute Murf
    Favourite Murf
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    Apr 17th 2018, 2:07 PM

    @Paul Holland: Big Tom was the greatest, never to be equalled, you obviously know nothing about country music.

    14
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    Mute Paul Holland
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    Apr 17th 2018, 3:41 PM

    @Paul Holland: my name is also Paul Holland and I would not like to be associated with your negative comments. Big Tom was a legend and a gentleman. A big loss to Oram and Castleblayney. Big Tom RIP

    6
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    Mute Paul Holland
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    Apr 17th 2018, 3:48 PM

    @Paul Holland: My name is also Paul Holland and I wouldn’t like to be associated with your negative comments. Big Tom was a legend and a true gentleman. A big loss to Oram and Castleblayney. Condolences to the McBride Family. Big Tom RIP

    4
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    Mute Paul Holland
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    Apr 17th 2018, 3:51 PM

    @Mary Cullinane: My name is also Paul Holland and I wouldn’t like to be associated with his negative comments. Big Tom was a legend and a true gentleman. A big loss to Oram and Castleblayney. Condolences to the McBride Family. Big Tom RIP

    5
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    Mute George Oscar Bluth
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    Apr 17th 2018, 9:35 PM

    @Paul Holland: We get it…

    7
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    Mute Matt Humphries
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    Apr 17th 2018, 8:52 AM

    Great man reminds me of the tudor rooms back in the 70s 80s.

    145
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    Mute Quentin Moriarty
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    Apr 17th 2018, 6:05 PM

    @Matt Humphries: Tom, Jessie and the Jamesboys,Ray Lynam and the Hillbillies n Louise Morrisey were the golden era of Irish C&W.

    8
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    Mute John Waters
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    Apr 17th 2018, 9:17 AM

    A gentle giant who’s music spanning over six decates enjoyed by people everywhere.RIP Big Tom you have earned your rest.

    182
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    Mute Gabriel Bates
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    Apr 17th 2018, 8:55 AM

    RIP Tom

    174
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    Mute SunshineLollipops
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    Apr 17th 2018, 8:49 AM

    Sad day for Monaghan. RIP big man

    282
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    Mute Insider at RTE
    Favourite Insider at RTE
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    Apr 17th 2018, 9:12 AM

    A true legend.

    112
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    Mute Paul Maguire
    Favourite Paul Maguire
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    Apr 17th 2018, 9:10 AM

    Rest in peace Big Tom.

    127
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    Mute Paul
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    Apr 17th 2018, 9:26 AM

    Was always on our record player back in the 70s and 80s. My mom loved him. Rip big Tom.

    114
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    Mute Annette Manning
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    Apr 17th 2018, 9:41 AM

    What a legend I loved him.. Reckon he wanted to be with Rose RIP Big Fella

    104
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    Mute Donal Hanley
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    Apr 17th 2018, 9:01 AM

    Brings me back to The Ierne many decades ago. Great times

    RIP big fella

    117
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    Mute Eileen O'Doherty
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    Apr 17th 2018, 9:21 AM

    RIP Tom…

    96
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    Mute Finnster
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    Apr 17th 2018, 9:52 AM

    Sad news , fond memories of growing up listening to his songs on my dads car radio

    77
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    Mute Harry Corry
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    Apr 17th 2018, 9:04 AM

    Ah stop! RIP big man …

    96
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    Mute Do the Bort man
    Favourite Do the Bort man
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    Apr 17th 2018, 9:48 AM

    An Icon if Irish country music. RIP

    76
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    Mute Theodora Lament
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:41 AM

    @Do the Bort man: Icon…..

    13
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    Mute Theodora Lament
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:41 AM

    @Do the Bort man: Icon…..

    8
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    Mute Theodora Lament
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:39 AM

    Blessed are the music makers…..in my fathers house there many rooms..

    55
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    Mute O'Boyle Darragh
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    Apr 17th 2018, 11:33 AM

    @Theodora Lament: Who’s your Da?

    21
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    Mute Dae Monicus
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    Apr 17th 2018, 2:24 PM

    @O’Boyle Darragh: Basil Fawlty?

    7
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    Mute Martin O'Reilly
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    Apr 18th 2018, 7:43 PM

    @Theodora Lament: Ah Cist, willou steop that gibberish?

    1
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    Mute League of shadows
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    Apr 17th 2018, 12:26 PM

    “makes no difference who you are, skid row Joe or superstar, you’re going out the same way you came in ” RIP to a country music legend and gentleman

    60
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    Mute Jackie Convoy
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    Apr 17th 2018, 9:48 AM

    Rip Tom a true entertainer and will be sadly missed

    66
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    Mute John Mc Donagh
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:36 AM

    Gave much enjoyment during his long life –Will be sadly missed R.I.P.

    53
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    Mute Mairtin Cathbhar
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    Apr 17th 2018, 12:47 PM

    As a child I was fascinated by my dad’s 8 track Big Tom cassette. Some legacy.

    35
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    Mute Andrew Tuite
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    Apr 17th 2018, 2:04 PM

    Bit of an aul Legend and Monaghans most famous export. May he rest in peace.

    31
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    Mute wrong side
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:24 AM

    No disrespect to the man and RIP, but Irish country and western music must be amongst the most truly dreadful music I have ever had to endure in my entire life

    49
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    Mute paddy fox
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:38 AM

    @wrong side: yeah no disrespect intended! What have you ever achieved??

    90
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    Mute Neal Ireland Hello.
    Favourite Neal Ireland Hello.
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:49 AM

    @wrong side: In what sense have you had to endure it? Were you in a prison that pumped it out over the speakers?

    82
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    Mute wrong side
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:57 AM

    @Neal Ireland Hello.: Grew up in the 70′s and 80′s in rural Ireland and it was everywhere on the radio. Seriously, I’m sure he was a wonderful man, but I’m still allowed to find country&western music appalling no?

    23
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    Mute wrong side
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:58 AM

    @paddy fox: Did I upset you there paddy?

    4
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    Mute Neal Ireland Hello.
    Favourite Neal Ireland Hello.
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    Apr 17th 2018, 5:03 PM

    @wrong side: 70s and 80s rural Ireland had the exact same two radio stations as rest of the country, but nice try!

    6
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    Mute Gerry Mc Carthy
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    Apr 17th 2018, 9:53 PM

    @wrong side: Have you ever had to endure the noise pollution of Bono or Geldof ?

    3
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    Mute William Gorry
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    Apr 17th 2018, 12:21 PM

    Sad day indeed will be certainly missed. Many dance halls including Rose Club Moate. Long be with the Days. R.I.P Tom. Condolences to family and relatives.

    27
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    Mute Tom Connaughton
    Favourite Tom Connaughton
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    Apr 17th 2018, 5:21 PM

    RIP,
    BIG TOM.
    Remember of him and Band coming in to Tull’s Hotel Castlerea Co Roscommon at the end of the 60s for a T bone Steak, and Big Tom coming into the Bar to me in the Bar for 10 cigarettes 10 gold bond I think, the excitement was amazing , and playing in the Cascino Ballroom in the town of Castlerea after wards, I loved his music it was lovely to dance to

    24
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    Mute KerryBlueMike
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    Apr 17th 2018, 5:33 PM

    Rip Big Tom, Memories of Roundwood Park and the Galtymore in London. I had the opening guitar riff of “Four country roads” as my ring tone untill my old phone went under a forklift. I must get it again… God bless Big fella.. say hello to Joe Dolan and Larry Cunningham when you get up there.

    20
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    Mute Catherine Fitzgerald Blankenship
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    Apr 18th 2018, 3:02 PM

    ryBlueMike:

    1
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    Mute Catherine Fitzgerald Blankenship
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    Apr 18th 2018, 3:06 PM

    @rip big tom awe the galltymore nights were great rip my man there will b a great band up there now,
    Catherine Fitzgerald Blankenship:

    1
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    Mute Sean Leonard
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:53 AM

    RIP Tom, remember him been the big attraction at local dances, lots of goid tributes on this morning’s radio…. Albeit Daniel O’Donnell’s was just nauseating

    27
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    Mute Sean Conway
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:46 AM

    His ground breaking music will have an effect for generations.

    18
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    Mute wrong side
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    Apr 17th 2018, 10:59 AM

    @Sean Conway: It sure will :-)

    7
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    Mute Mrs Doyle
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    Apr 17th 2018, 4:05 PM

    The big mansion in the sky has just acquired a wonderful entertainer, RIP Big Tom

    17
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    Mute Mary Garry
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    Apr 17th 2018, 4:15 PM

    Rest in peace Gentleman Tom. fond memories of the Farmers Ballroom Virginia

    14
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    Mute JeremiahMcDonagh
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    Apr 17th 2018, 5:24 PM

    First Bowie and now Big Tom. Up Monaghan. RIP

    19
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    Mute Alois Irlmaier
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    Apr 18th 2018, 5:25 AM

    I see RTE trying to jump on his wagon because he is and was popular, there was a time country music was seen as low life at the RTE…

    3
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    Mute Martin O'Reilly
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    Apr 18th 2018, 6:56 PM

    Well, it has to be said his music was absolute shite? “Christ” what an assault on the eardrums!

    2
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    Mute Martin O'Reilly
    Favourite Martin O'Reilly
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    Apr 18th 2018, 7:20 PM

    @Martin O’Reilly: How can you say that Martin? Well now see the damage this screeching, not akin to white noise has caused?? My doctor told me this mans music left me with similar to shell shock! This is the result? I’m answering myself.

    1
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