Sammy's Bar sung by Al O'Donnell

[@terrybutler8674]

Everyone has has their personal favourite, for me Al O'Donnell was the finest ballad singer of all. I have both of of his 1970s albums on vinyl. Brilliant.

[@derabes]

Al O Donnell..what a gent and what a singer. Absolutely beautiful version of this classic.

[@randybyrne4865]

A friend since the early 70's. A master musician and his unique Dublin voice, made Al one of Ireland's finest traditional ballad singer's in my opinion at least.

[@mrsterripurcell]

Had to come back and listen to it again just to remind me how good it was. Stunning

[@jamesstuartbrice420]

Very great! Do not forget Martin Simpson and his beautiful version.

[@quattuorperquattuor1711]

Beautiful version, the music, the singing, the interpretation - a magical song, to dance slowly holding the one you love so tightly that they cannot leave you

[@sheiladelaney9643]

Wonderful, wonderful voice. I didn't know he had died. Rest in peace

[@Gerthebard]

A beautiful song, I first heard it from an album by Johnny mcevoy. I loved that version and have heard many more. None as good as this one, I just wish I could find the full version by Johnny mcevoy, all the CDs have a shortened version, yet the LP follows this rendition quite closely. Truly wonderful singer. Thanks Al.

[@TonyTheDriver100]

I've sung this song all over the world and has been recorded by many folk including Lonnie Donegan but this is probably the best version. What a beautiful sound his voice has.

[@mrsterripurcell]

And it can still be heard as great as ever

[@RalfGummerus-GBoy]

If it is what I understand, that this is your song, add the lyrics on the YTube post... Great song.... appears Irish to me...

[@TonyTheDriver100]

Hi Ralf, The original song was by Cyril Tawney, a Royal Navy engineer from the Midlands of England who became a legend in song writing after he had left the Navy. There are a few of his songs on KZbin. This song tells the story of a girls who he loved while stationed in Malta but she was two-timing him with a a Merchant sailor. In the folk-singing world, Royal Navy sailors are referred to as 'Jack' and Merchant sailors are referred to as John and they earned a LOT more money than Jacks. So for her to say, "Been with Johnny all the day" means that she had been with a merchant sailor who had a car..... So this girl was two-timing Jack with a John. Hope that is clear. Regards

[@mrsterripurcell]

Ralf Gummerus Al is a Dubliner, still sings a round a bit. He just retired a few yeas ago from RTE n[the Irish television station]

[@MrIbgrant]

+The Glastonbury Ferryman Yes, but also have a look at the wonderful video version by Flipping The Whale.

[@justinoreilly6091]

lets b grateful to the person who invented u tube preservìng the greatness of al o d cyril tawney and luke kelly,let us appreciate dick gaughan and june tabor while we and they are still around,.and glastonberry ferryman for his erudition

[@joejitzu4116]

Al died today. rest in peace.😢

[@mrsterripurcell]

Marvelous absolutely marvelous thanks for the post

[@Ambidexter143]

An Irishman singing a song about a British sailor in Malta.

[@mrsterripurcell]

Still sounds great must be 60 years further on, thank you

[@MrIbgrant]

A great version!

[@Lisnageeragh]

This is much better than his cd version I think ...that great tone in his voice ...nasal and real Dublin Remember him well from the 60s ballad sessions ...great upload thanks ....does he sing in public now??

[@eoinoriabhaigh8186]

Beautiful. RIP Al.

[@darrinkelly27]

Thanks for this rare version.

[@andrewhayes3040]

WOW I LOVE THIS SONG

[@tobiasoellers146]

Beautiful. And I dream of Ireland with a tear in my eye

[@janetmackinnon3411]

? Malta?

[@andrewhayes3040]

This is Amazing song

[@tandbiscuits8090]

WHY?!... isn't this version of the song available on Itunes, it's really the best :/

[@mrsterripurcell]

God Rest you Al'o still sounds great Paddy P.

[@jimandgraz]

monday nights in the ballymore inn in wicklow still playing

[@irishtunes3674]

sad love song which takes place in lovely Malta

[@gordondarker6835]

Now only the memories

[@tomgreene2282]

Ah yes...he used to sing at the UCD ballad sessions in the mid 1960s....old haunts and some friends now gone.

[@Lisnageeragh]

Thanks for info! He's just great ...was at it before the money ...great Dublin accent and ngnyaaa..without affectation ...

[@lmadeira9826]

Sublime.

[@radharcanna]

This is so beautiful. Anyone know who's on backing vocals?

[@conlaochmccleoud281]

Don’t know that , but what I do know is that their real good an they stay in background…

[@sheiladelaney9643]

Quick question. He didn't ever play in Lanzarote during the summer, did ye?

[@jamesstuart2076]

This is a great version. I think I prefer Martin Simpson's version, but that is just a matter of preferences

[@conlaochmccleoud281]

For me it’s a flip of a coin between this an LonieDs both have it …

[@justinoreilly6091]

sàdly al died last thùrsday

[@tomgreene8480]

+Justin O'Reilly Sadly he did ..he now needs no yankee car....used to listen to him in the 60s

[@MrMusicguyma]

Al was a good un.

[@unknowman1955]

A very pale imitation of a beautiful song sung by the inimitable Cyril Tawney..