Heart’s still in it

IRISH folk music legend Finbar Furey is at the National Concert Hall on Thurs, Jan 17. “It’s the first Irish tour I’ve done in nearly four years,” says the former front-man of The Fureys.

The 66-year-old, whose name is synonymous with hits such as Sweet 16, The Green Fields Of France and Her Father Didn’t Like Me Anyway, had a heart attack two months ago. “I got no warning. I said, ‘Don’t phone an ambulance — it’s just a bit of indigestion’. But my wife, my oldest daughter, and my youngest said, ‘We’re calling an ambulance’. The crew had to zap me a couple of times on the way to the hospital. I was lucky to get through it.”

The father of five, who has had a solo career for the past 20 years, does not want to smoke again, but he’s not sure he’ll be able to keep this particular New Year resolution.

* Tickets for ‘An Evening With Finbar Furey’ are on sale. See visit www.nch.ie.

What shape are you in?

Absolutely brilliant. For the last 10 years I’ve kept myself fit — that saved my life when I got the heart attack. My father was 64 when he died of a heart attack. It’s a hereditary thing and affects a lot of Irish fellows.

Do you have any health concerns now?

I’m good at the moment. I got the all-clear. I have got a rotten cold, though.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I don’t like red meat. I like chicken and fish.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Chocolate — I’m an absolute mad man when it comes to dark chocolate.

What would keep you awake at night?

I’m a fairly level-headed fellow — when I put my head on the pillow, I’m asleep. If I go to bed in the middle of writing a song, I’ll sleep for half an hour, then my feet will start banging on the end of the bed and I’ll wake up and have to go downstairs and work for another hour. Otherwise, it won’t let me sleep.

How do you relax?

I like rambling. We have a dog, a boxer called Cara. I go with her for a walk around Ballyboden. There’s an old river that comes down from the mountains and there are fish, and I take my notebook because you never know what might fall into your head. I like a pint on a Tuesday night, when there’s a session on — I sit down in a corner and play a tune.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama.

What’s your favourite smell?

Definitely primrose — an old, wild Irish primrose.

What would you change about your appearance?

I’m just one of those fellows who puts on a good pair of boots, a good coat and a scarf, in the morning, and I’m out the door. I don’t look in the mirror. It’s only when I’m going on stage that I’ll put a bit of time into putting on the gear.

When did you last cry?

On my brother Paul’s anniversary in June. He died 10 years ago. I thought of him sitting beside me, playing the accordion — he was a great musician. I wasn’t bawling my eyes out — it was a tear, just to say ‘I miss you’.

What trait do you least like in others?

Egos. I can’t understand why Irish people sometimes have them, especially musicians. Ego doesn’t give any room to the person themselves or to those around them. Sometimes, people on stage forget that it took an awful lot of people to put them up there.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

Sometimes, I can be a bit impatient, but only with myself.

Do you pray?

I often spit out an odd prayer. An Irishman who says he doesn’t pray is a liar. We all need a little help — I don’t care who you are.

What would cheer up your day?

Sunshine — I love it. I don’t mind how cold the day is, so long as it’s not raining.