"The Town I Love So Well" by Frank O'Farrell (with Erin's Pride)

Written by Phil Coulter
Recorded and released 1986
From The Album "Here In America"
Courtesy of Medikal Records Inc. USA. All Rights Reserved
Main Vocals, guitar, harmonica & arrangement - Frank O'Farrell
Keyboards & Accordion: Dermot O'Brien
Produced by: Frank O'Farrell & Dermot O'Brien

[@lynfield1261]

I have always loved Frank's version of this fantastic song. Take's me back to happy memories of The Wheatsheaf pub in Tooting, where Frank often used to play. My last memory of him is seeing him there in 1983 just before he left for the USA. What a fantastic singer he was. I have a homage to him in my hallway - his signed album, single and his original promotional poster for ARC records. RIP.
Posted

[@dylanofarrell8581]

Hi Lyn - I’m Frank’s son and grew up in Tooting. I’d love it connect to hear stories about the Wheatsheaf. I went to St. Anselm’s. You can message me directly on here, at least I think :)

[@lynfield1261]

@@dylanofarrell8581 Hi Dylan, so nice to hear from you. I have listened to your dad playing many times now on CZcams and it makes me so very happy and also very sad. He was so much a part of my life in the 70s/early '80s when my mum, dad and me used to go and watch him play. We saw him countless times. My mum worked in The Wheatsheaf pub in Tooting Bec from time to time, where your dad played regularly, near to where you went to school. My brother says that your dad was playing in The Gardeners Arms pub just off in Northcote Road, in Battersea, in 1975 the night he asked my sister-in-law to marry him, so we all go back a long time and have a bit of history. One particular good memory for me was seeing your dad support The Dubliners in a club in Ilford, Essex in about 1982. It was a great night, we went by coach on an organised trip from the Wheatsheaf. Your dad had a manager called Clive, I recall, and he sorted out the arrangements. My mum, who is sadly no longer with us, was a huge admirer of your dad. She first met him when she worked behind the bar in The Surrey Tavern pub on Wandsworth Common in about 1973 and I worked there too in my school holidays (under age, of course). I remember meeting your dad there whilst I was serving behind the bar too. For some reason , he was known as "Major", something to do with his connection with the army, we were never sure exactly. I will E Mail you with some more memories if you would like me too. You must miss him a great deal. Best wishes to you and your family. Lyn x

[@dylanofarrell8581]

@@lynfield1261 Thank you so much for your stories. I grew up in Tooting Bec and know all the spots you speak of. They probably called my dad 'Major' as he spent a bunch of time in the army as a young man in Germany. His obituary is below. You may have seen already, but I'm posting just in case you haven't. So proud to hear he impacted a cherished moment in your the life of your family members! Music makes the world go round!
www.irishecho.com/2017/12/frank-ofarrell/

[@courtneycastriotta9802]

@@dylanofarrell8581 Was a huge fan of your fathers!! I grew up with this album and saw Erins Pride many times are the Catskills Irish festival. I cannot find the full album for purchase and curious if you know where I may purchase one?

[@susanprill183]

@@dylanofarrell8581 I knew your father very well from all the local pubs around here. He went out with my best friend for a while. We had many a good lockin in the old days and had great fun. I loved this song and also his version of me and Bobby McGee. He would always sing those 2 songs for me. He was a lovely, great man xxxx