As I know from personal experience, it was impossible to write honestly about Tony's life without reference to his problems.

But find me an unflawed character on here, Ross.....

The positive and less positive aspects of Tony's character were just a little more pronounced than with most people. And he lived his life more publicly.

But it is certainly true that folk music in Tony's heyday was awash with booze. The naturally brilliant seemed no less so because they drank so much. While in some cases, this may have had something to do with the fact that many of those looking on were merry, too, I have no doubt that Tony had rare talent, if not genius.

In the the incident I have described (from the night Tony and Christy Moore inadvertently shared a double bill at my folk club), they were certainly not alone in their over-indulgence. They just had more stamina (and, in drinking my dad's drinks cabinet dry, more taste for Ruby wine and rum).

I'd also wager that Tony met as many heavy drinkers in the broadcasting/newspaper circles in which he moved as in folk. And I readily accept from people who were close to him that irrespective of what has been said about him, he had great personal qualities, too.