The Fureys’ former manager Michael McDonagh was among those in attendance for the farewell tour

The Fureys (Eddie left and George right) with Mick McDonagh (centre)

For many years the celebrated Irish folk group The Furey Brothers have included Millfield Theatre on their extensive tours, but their visit there last month was both special and historic – as this would be one of their final concerts, after a remarkable 60 years on the road.

For WInchmore Hill resident Michael McDonagh, it was a particularly bittersweet occasion when he attended the concert with his daughter Cara.

Mick had managed The Fureys for over ten years in the 1980s, when they had their hit single When You Were Sweet 16 and they travelled the world playing prestige venues like the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall, as well as appearing on countless TV shows and festivals.

He explained: “Way back in 1981, having worked for various record companies, I had gone independent and had set up on my own to market and promote records. I got a call asking me if I would meet two men from Dublin who outlined their plans for their new label, which would be called Ritz. Little did I know then that this casual meeting would be the defining moment that changed my life and from it, the huge international careers of several Irish artistes, including the Furey Brothers.

“One of their singles was a cover of a song written in 1898, and it was unusual with a distinct folky feel. Although I had never met them, I was familiar with the brothers as we had released albums by Finbar and Eddie Furey on Transatlantic, when I was head of promotion.

“I knew how important airplay on BBC Radio 2 could be and took copies of their new single to Terry Wogan who started to give When You Were Sweet Sixteen the occasional play which resulted in the BBC getting calls from listeners and the sales slowly started to build until finally the record entered the official chart at No 47 and later went to No 26.

“At the weekly chart meeting at the Top of The Pops office, I persuaded the producer to book The Fureys for the show that week. We contacted the band, and they flew back from New York overnight in time for the rehearsal at BBC TV centre.

“They were in the charts for eleven weeks and went from being a popular folk group playing Ireland’s cabaret rooms and clubs to becoming an international concert attraction. In 1986 I became their manager, when they went on to do big world tours.

“It has been a privilege and joy to have worked with them and to have been friends with such a great bunch of lads for many years. Perhaps my proudest moment was when I personally put them on at the Royal Albert Hall.”

From such humble beginnings these talented musicians have had such a long and influential career as ambassadors of Irish music. They will be missed by so many loyal fans, who love them and wish them well in their retirement.

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