In the early 60's I met Feardon O'Whiff ('Stormy' to his friends). He had a great affect on my formative years. 

I hung out with these old guys and learned a few tricks I still have up my trouser-leg! 

Stormy, I can smell him now! Those baggy pants of his, strained from years of relentless experimenting. I can just picture his face, contorted a little, and then a smile, and a huge rrriiiippp.  The power of his perculations! He'd have the walls reverberating with a real egg that would be around for people to appreciate years later!

Just take a walk into O'Laferty's Pub and its as if he is still with us! The spirit is strong! Ah old Stormy - he  never forgot his roots, and even at the pinnacle of his career when he was performing for the rich and famous, he would still take the time to come in and give a freebee to those that got him started!

Oh he performed for high society alright – worked as a waiter at the West End Hotel. Once dropped a load in front of Prince Charles himself!  Och, just for the chance to exhibit in front of royalty! 

At his peak, people would pay big bucks to be in the front seats and get the full effect of Feardon -  it was marvelous!  Chili McCoys (Barbeque chips) and stout - that was his secret recipe!  What a stoter that really left the competition behind!

Now I have to broach the subject of Competition

Oh don’t you start! The competitions are ridiculous! Only yesterday I was introduced to a 4 time All Ireland Champion! Bloody Irish make a competition of everything! They’ll be doing the same with dancing and fiddlin' next!

What I object to is their system of scoring! Left leg slightly raised is a full point deduction! I mean I have been raising that leg for years! Do you think that Tiernan  McKegs would have cleared Ibrox Stadium if he didn't position himself legs apart.  Good old Tiernan - God rest his soul, and anyone angel who flies anywhere near his cloud!

Now there was a man who set a trend. Lots of imitators, but no one ripped one like McKegs! Och dearie me! Deaire me! Those were the days! They would bring a tear to your eye, and a wee stain to your teeth! 

Michael - [fake laughing] Do you have any advise for the youth of today?  

Next - New Wind

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