Tommy Mallon was born in the New Lodge, and has lived there all his life.  Now in his sixties, he lives alone in a small flat in Spamount Street.  Tommy was married (although he is now separated) and has three sons.  His first love has always been music; for many years he played in the showbands. He is an accomplished musician.
As the situation in Belfast worsened throughout the late sixties, early seventies, being a member of a band which recognised no Sectarian divide became increasingly difficult.  Tommy was forced into early retirement.  However his personal work for charity continued and still does. 
It wasn't until the early nineties and the establishment of Dockward Community Theatre Company based in the New Lodge that I met Tommy.  He quickly immersed himself in the company and proved a knockout with local audiences in his now famous comic roles on stage. 
One of the first shows Tommy performed in was the "Dockward Story" in 1991.  During the project he talked a lot about his life and background.  Many of the stories were heartfelt, poignant and very funny. 
Throughout the nineties Dockward staged many productions and Tommy performed in all of them. 
When the opportunity arrived to make a short film about a local issue or character, the choice was obvious.
A portrait of Tommy Mallon: musician, singer, actor and storyteller was too tempting to pass up.
After the initial shock of someone wanting to make a film about him, Tommy threw himself into the project completely.
We spent many hours together talking and recording his life and memories from the past.  Only a small section of those stories actually made it into the film for obvious reasons.  However I hope I have done them and him justice.
We spent a couple of weeks with Tommy in spring 1998 capturing his every move and thought.  I wanted to convey a sense of him in his own environment at home, in the local pub with friends, and of course on stage performing.  This was Tommy at his best, in front of an audience.
There was another side to Tommy - the introverted loner who loved nothing better than to sit quietly reading a book, usually about the Second World War (one of Tommy's keen interests).  This was Tommy as I had never seen him - nor had many others.
Welcome to Tommy's tells a simple story about a local man and his life.  That's what I set out to achieve, and I hope it's what I've done. 
But perhaps more importantly it celebrates Tommy Mallon and tries to focus the imagination on some of the smaller moments in life.
I would like to thank everyone who helped, worked and assisted in the making of the film.
Paddy McCoey.