Finbar Furey has opened up on his legendary career – and many of his supporters called him a national treasure.
The musician turned 70 years old in September 2016 and has a career that spans over five decades.
“I can’t be 70 – I’m still 2,” he joked with laughter from the audience.
While on The Late Late Show, Ryan Tubridy introduced a series of clips from the archives including Finbar’s band’s debut on Top Of The Pops and a short clip of “grumpy Finbar.
Music legend: Finbar’s career spans over fifty years | VIPIRELAND.COM
“Music was one of my great loves – if I’m happy I play music, if I’m unhappy I play music,” he told the host on the RTE show.
Finbar talked about not only his love for music but also his love Sheila, who he met by first noticing her dog who he went to pet – from there, the romance blossomed.
“We stayed together for about a week but then I had to go down into Britain, to England, to do a tour.
“I promised her I would come back and I did – and when I got back to the station in Edinbrugh she was waving at me. And we’ve been together since,” he added.
Fans of the singer’s took to Twitter to praise him and many called him a national treasure of Ireland.
Finbar Furey should be declared a national treasure.The heart with which he sings,the expression & depth is the essence of Eire #latelate
— Anne Marie O’Connor (@Kitsgirl1) January 20, 2017
Finbar Furey,National Treasure #latelate
— Paul McQuillan (@PaulMcQuillan76) January 20, 2017
#LateLate Now this is what I’ve been waiting for Finbar Fury #Classic #Excellent
— Paul McG (@Data_Cables) January 20, 2017
My dad used sing this to my Mam… Annnnnd now I am bawling #sweetsixteen #finbarfurey #latelate
— Anne Marie O’Connor (@Kitsgirl1) January 20, 2017
Finbar Furey with the #LateLate house band! Pure class. #bandofbros #sweetsixteen
— Marita McKenna (@maritamckenna) January 20, 2017
Top man Finbar Furey , another national treasure ☘️☘️ Good man Fin ??#latelate
— Shiv Kelly (@shivkelli) January 20, 2017
Good ol Finbar Furey on the #latelate ? what a man ? only a couple of weeks ago I saw him live in @thegrainstore ? some musician ?
— Mark Ryan (@Mark_Pablo_R) January 20, 2017
What a national treasure Ye are #latelate
— karen mulhern (@swimmerdonegal) January 20, 2017
While Finbarr Furey may have changed in appearance, his voice is as gorgeous as ever #latelate
— Siobhán Mehigan (@siobhanmehigan) January 20, 2017
