Brian Warfield, Wolfe Tones' singer and the author of Joe McDonnell, the song which John Delaney made his own in a south Dublin pub last month, says he owes the FAI chief a pint.
Delaney, whose own pint-buying exploits in the service of Irish away fans is the subject of much legend, blasted out a heartfelt but rather croaky rendition of 'Joe McDonnell' after Ireland's 4-1 over the USA in November. The footage was caught on camera phone.
The ballad has been propelled to 7th in the download charts. It now looks distinctly possible that the song will become Christmas no.1 (d'you remember that race?)
Warfield wrote in the Irish Sun:
I definitely owe John Delaney a pint or two. It’s amazing and a wonderful reaction from the public. I think most people think John had a right to sing any song he wants.
The FAI later told a number of media outlets, including this one, that the man in question was not John Delaney.
John Delaney later admitted it was him and proceeded to construct the magnificently confusing sentence in the history of the English language when explaining why the Guardian was informed otherwise on the Monday after. No explanation has been offered as to why we were told it wasn't him two day prior to this.
Many agreed with Warfield's contention that Delaney should be free to sing what he wishes and that singing the song does not mean one marks oneself as a supporter of the Provisional IRA. After all, if someone sings 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?' it does not automatically mean they are asking a direct question to those around them.
However, others, including Irish Times journalist Emmet Malone, insisted that it was unprofessional and inappropriate for someone in Delaney's position to be singing a potentially contentious song. They pointed to the sacking, in similar circumstances back in 1999, of Donald Findlay QC, the vice-chairman of Rangers, after he was caught on tape singing what was described as 'an anti-Celtic song.'
Here's Brian Warfield's appeal to people to make the single Christmas no.1
Untitled from Brian Warfield on Vimeo.
