Antrim man Billy McFarland got his first round of applause in Portrush at the age of 12, when he won an open-air talent show during the summer holidays in the late 1940s. That day saw Billy’s heart set on the showbusiness trails.

The small south Antrim town of Ahoghill is home to Billy, his wife Nan and their family. It is famous for its floral displays, which bloom majestically each summer.

Almost everyone around these parts knows Billy, the man with the old-style manners and courtesy that never go out of date.

Billy, who is now 81, has a diary that would be the envy of many in their 20s and 30s. He is in great demand for guest spots on concert shows and social or fundraising events. He is still as passionate for the music scene as he was way back then.

As a teenager he started out with the Dave Smith Band.

“I always remember the evening I cycled from Randalstown to Larne, a one-way trip of over 20 miles and back again, to perform with Dave’s band. That’s how much I loved the scene at the time. We were all young and money was scarce. It was some time before I could afford a car.

“I was singing a variety of songs at the time, but the numbers of Pat Boone and Guy Mitchell were especially popular. They were great songs and still retain special appeal to this day.”

Billy fronted his own band towards the end of the 1950s and throughout the ’60s. Most of the lads that went on to form The Freshmen all served their apprenticeship with Billy.

“It was during that decade that I also got involved in the electrical business up this way and I was lucky that it went very well for me. It also took up a good lot of my time.

“Billy Brown and some of the lads were anxious to pursue some different trends in music and I was so delighted for them when things went their way and they became one of the biggest pop bands of the era. They were huge from Belfast down to Cork.”

While the Billy McFarland band played most of their dates in the Ulster region, they made several sojourns down south as well.

“One occasion that has always lingered in my mind is a New Year’s Eve night that we played in The Seapoint Ballroom in Salthill, Galway. The snow was falling when we came out from the hall and made our way to the nearby Oslo Hotel, and it was a beautiful and haunting sight that has stayed with me.”

Country soul

The popularity of country music soon seeped deep into Billy’s soul. His shows, which always feature his beloved trumpet, took on a highly recognisable song, blending brass and country standards that resonated strongly with audiences.

His Jim Reeves tribute medley (recorded to tie in with the recent 50th anniversary of the passing of the legend from Texas back in 1964) that was featured on the Memories of Gold album, is perhaps the finest tribute ever recorded to Jim. It blends the wonderful vocals of Billy in that endearing Antrim accent, along with narration and trumpet, and a deep since of spirituality.

Billy’s fondness for gospel music is reflected in many of his albums, including Never Grow Old, a collection of inspirational country gospel songs from over the years. True Stories – The Monologues Collection showcases another side of the man from Ahoghill.

Unchained Melody is the latest release on both DVD and CD from the Antrim legend. It features such classics as Oft In The Stilly Night, Jealous Heart, Tear Drops at Midnight, and Il Silenzio. Moonlight In Mayo, Among The Wicklow Hills, The Waltz of the Angels are others included on the 16-track compilation. There is also a lovely duet with Trionagh Allen on Magnolia Wind, the video of which was filmed at the SMA House in Dromantine, Newry.

“I have also included Roses Whisper Goodnight on the current release. It was my great friend Gene Stuart who suggested that I put this on the album. We all miss Gene so much. He was an amazing country talent and a true gentleman.

“This album was produced by William Mawhinney in Cloughey, Co Down. Moonlight In Mayo was a favourite of my late father and I very much enjoyed recording it. The music scene has been very good to me over the years and I have met so many great people. I still love every night I go out on stage.”

Many years have come and gone since the time Billy cycled the miles to perform in Larne. Today, he is still living the dream. His support and goodwill for voluntary causes is legendary. Whether it is the Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul, his heart is always in the right place.

Billy McFarland is truly one of the legends and gentlemen of the showbusiness scene in Ireland. CL

  • Radio Cracker

    Billy is hosting a daily show on Radio Cracker, Ballymena, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, throughout the Christmas season. This station broadcasts in the local area around Ballymena and is also available online. Also check them out on Facebook at Radio Cracker, Ballymena. The station just operates during the Christmas each year and is totally dedicated to raising funds for various local causes.