The funeral takes place in County Monaghan this morning of country music legend Big Tom.

The 81 year old 'King of Country' died on Tuesday morning.

Thousands of fans and friends gathered in his native Oram on Wednesday to say their goodbyes.

Mr McBride's funeral Mass gets underway at 11am this morning in St Patrick's Church, Oram, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

The Mass is expected to be attended by musicians, singers, friends and fans of Big Tom’s from all over the country.