The message board on Liam Clancy’s website filled up with plaintive posts today, as fans rushed to commemorate the Irish singer. Clancy, who emigrated to the U.S. from Tipperary in 1955, passed away yesterday in Cork, Ireland, following a battle with pulmonary fibrosis, or scarring of the lungs.

He was the last surviving member of the legendary Irish folk group the Clancy Brothers. Bob Dylan had described him as "just the best ballad singer I'd ever heard in my life."

Liam’s family posted the news of his death on the site yesterday, adding “He will be sadly missed by family, friends and his many fans throughout the world.”

They were right. Supporters used the message-board, which up to now was a forum for discussing Clancy’s music, to express their feelings of grief and appreciation.

“Truly a great Irish bard who ranged farther than any. No other artist has affected my soul more than Liam Clancy,” one poster said. “Rest in peace, my hero.”

“Was very saddened by the passing of Liam, one of the greatest voices of all time,” posted another, under the name Irishred. “Truly amazing voice, and a wonderful storyteller, his book is also a masterpiece.”

Many quoted lyrics from Clancy’s most famous song, "The Parting Glass."

Although the news was sad, fans took consolation from the fact that they could talk about it in a friendly, personal forum, where Clancy had often written posts himself.

“Crushing as this news is, I am glad that I read it here first,” said one fan, Karen.