Butty was certainly a great character, a showman and I can see many similarities between him and Savile. These men were a product of their age and a working class culture that has all but disappeared thanks to the pathetically political correct mob, who've managed to make all our lives, that little bit more miserable.
This is the building that was one of Butty's pubs. The Wellington Arms, Uxbridge Rd, Shepherds Bush just a short walk from the BBC theater.
And, so it was that Muhammad Ali came to Croke Park in 1972 and the grateful Irish sang their hearts out
Here's the whole fight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0z0BmpA_h0
I have to admit that far more interesting to me is the story of the barman persuaded by Butty to be buried underground in a coffin for 61 days. I recall a few people tried this when I was a kid. You have to laugh at the hand waving from the coffin. The crowds were massive too.
http://killorglinarchives.com/?p=3124
This footage shows the great event before and after
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z4QCV6vMxY
It must have been great fun being around these great character's in the 60's and 70's.
One more thing I'll mention before I end my little tribute. Jimmy and Michael 'Butty' Segrue appear to have more than just acts of physical bravado in common. They BOTH lie in unmarked graves. Butty died just a few years after his spot on Jimmy's show. He was 53 years old and carrying a fridge upstairs at the time so the story goes. A documentary was made in 2012 'When Ali came to Ireland. Can't find it anywhere, but it will pop up somewhere I guess.
Rest in peace Butty. You seemed like a real nice guy !
They're standing on him. I'm sure he doesn't mind !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX6whnRdH7E
OMG as I often say on twitter, just noticed that one of the few article's I came across while researching this, was published less than a month ago. Coincidence ?
http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/The-amazing-tale-of-Irelands-strongest-man-Michael-Butty-Sugrue-VIDEO.html
Not the film but some coverage here just after 12 minutes:http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06n4404/real-lives-reunited-series-3-episode-6
ReplyDeleteThank you will watch later
DeleteGreat film shame none of them mentioned Butty !
DeleteI worked for Butty in the Wellington when Muhammad Ali was a guest star there. The bar staff had a photo with him and sadly, I've lost my copy. Where is he buried.
ReplyDeleteHi, he's buried in Churchtown, Beaufort
DeleteI saw the coffin being put in the hole in a mews off Malvern Road.
ReplyDelete