Gus Farrell – On The Waterfront

“I’m John Farrelly. I’m not Gus Farrell. I’m an ordinary Joe Soap. Gus Farrell is gone.”

This week’s guest was known as Gus Farrell during his fighting days in the 1960s and 70s. Hailing from Sheriff Street in Dublin, he rose to prominence in 1965, winning the Irish junior title, and followed it up with senior success in 1966. A Texaco Award winner for boxing, he was one of Ireland’s most popular sportsmen at the time and by the end of the year, had turned pro, fighting on a number of Barney Eastwood shows in Belfast. The Rocky Road joined Gus – or Gussie – and nephew Lee Farrelly for a couple of pints in north Dublin to hear stories of his life growing up in the city, his work as a cattle drover down the docks, amateur glories and life as a pro. Between 1966 and 1971 he had 23 fights – including a famous double with fellow Dub and friend Liam ‘Ske’ Mullen, when he won the Irish welterweight title – but it's fair to say that injuries robbed him of reaching his full potential. Here, he talks about his lifelong friendships with the McCormack brothers, John and Pat, the importance of family, the dark side of boxing and why he’d rather watch a true Blue over Muhammad Ali any day. 

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