Frank McCaffrey

A concert remembering the life of Father Tom Cass, whose ten year anniversary is this week.

Festival Director, Tony Corcoran, remembers this inspirational figure in a personal note:

“It hardly seems a decade since 24th October 2005 when Father Tom died. We could not let this festival pass without marking his memory and his legacy. Some have asked why he was so special. We celebrate his anniversary because he was an inspiration to so many. A devout Catholic priest, he was a committed non-sectarian, with friends of all faiths and none.

A deeply patriotic Irishman, he was a friend to all nationalities, including refugees and asylum seekers. An adviser to many successful businessmen, he was also a friend to the poor and distressed. Father Tom was a football fan who welcomed English supporters to the 1990 World Cup when it was screened in the Irish Centre; he reminded us all, “You don’t demonstrate your love of your country by expressing hatred of others”.

There will be more written on Father Tom in other festival publications; suffice to say they are delighted to bring his friend, Frank, to sing in the club he founded, Cramlington’s Benedictine Club, and to the club he loved, the Tyneside Irish Centre.

Mayo’s Frank McCaffrey has been a musician all his life, starting off in the Westport Town Band, which was conducted by his father. From 1970, he was lead guitarist in Margo and the Country Folk, the band formed by Daniel O’Donnell’s sister.

His solo career started when he signed for Ritz Records over thirty years ago. Since then, he has often appeared on RTE's Late, Late Show and his records are regularly featured on Irish radio.

Frank continues to tour extensively throughout the UK, Europe and the USA from his home in the shadow of Croagh Patrick. He also sang at a Father Cass Mass, and is delighted to lead this memorial tribute.