Ken O’Flaherty appeared on the Bushwacker Club on Billy Maher’s The Weekend Inn showevery Saturday night
Ken O’Flaherty appeared on the Bushwacker Club on Billy Maher’s The Weekend Inn showevery Saturday night
Tributes have been paid to a former BBC Radio Merseyside host who “never forgot where he came from”. Ken O’Flaherty was a regular voice on Billy Maher’s “The Weekend Inn” show, where he featured as the Australian correspondent for the Bushwackers Club Down Under.
He died on Thursday, February 26, aged 82. A post made on behalf of his children to the Bushwackers Club Downunder Facebook page read: “It’s with great sadness that I am writing to inform you all that my father Ken passed away Thursday morning. He will be sorely missed as a husband, father, brother and friend.
“He lived an incredible life and touched so many, may his memory live on through us all. A videolink for his funeral will be posted here at a later date.”
Born in Liverpool, Ken later moved to Australia, where he was “made very welcome” thanks to his love of music and business sense. He appeared on the Bushwacker Club on The Weekend Inn show every Saturday night for 20 years, alongside his friend and co-host Billy Maher.
A poem written by Billy in memory of Ken was shared by his daughter, Siobhan Maher. It read:
RIP-KEN O’FLAHERTY
“He was born close by The Adelphi, he knew The Bull Ring well
“His playground was The City Centre, that left him with great tales to tell
“He prepared for the life ahead with the people of our city, to us there’s no better way
With a background of St, Georges Hall, Wellingtons Column and the Mersey Ferrries Never bettered to this very day
“He loved music, poetry, and reading books as he joined in the Liverpool Sound
“Until the time came to head for Australia, as a British Pom for ten pounds
“He was made very welcome down in The Antipodes, they called him KennyO
“Loving his many talents, his music and business sense they just gathered around him and watched them all grow
“He never forgot where he came from, as good a scouser as any, he kept in touch all the while
He never stopped listening to RADIO MERSEYSIDE as it always produced a smile.
LITTLE BILLY MAHER’S WEEKEND INN was his favourite in those days
A programme for local people, about local people and their local ways
YOU CAN HAVE A GOOD NIGHT OUT BY STAYING IN, Billy used to say, and it gave Ken an idea
Why not have a weekly get-together, live on air, Kenny in Australia and Billy in Liverpool right here!
THE BUSHWACKER CLUB went live on air at midnight every Saturday night on BBC RADIO MERSEYSIDE
It ran for over 20 years to everyones delight!
Many thanks are due to Ken O’Flaherty, your friend and mine Kenny
RIP, A true friend and scouser supreme for memories of a wonderful radio show!
Responding to the news of Ken’s death, fellow members of the Bushwacker Club shared their own fond memories of his radio show. Brian Turner said: “This is very sad news, loved listening to Ken every week with Billy Maher and his catchphrase ‘good night all you mums out there’, always made me smile, condolences to all Ken’s family.”
John Sergeson said: “I spoke to Ken as I live in Australia (Perth), as a Scouser myself we had a lot to talk about mostly football and music. When I lived in Liverpool working nights, I would tape his spot talking to Billy. I still listen to the tapes today. My condolences to all his family and thank you Ken for enriching our lives, god bless you.”
Jo Reece said: “Ken was a big part of our family life on a Saturday night, when we listened to Radio Merseyside and Ken spoke to us all from down under…we enjoyed this link to Australia so much, listening to your dad/husband, speaking about what life was like in your fascinating country…
“He obviously adored it there, just as much as his birthplace here in Liverpool.
“My parents are gone now too sadly and Ken was still a link to my past with them, so it fills me with sadness to know he is no longer with us….but will forever be with us in our lovely memories of him. My deepest condolences to all of Ken’s family and friends.”
Jeanette Kirby said: “Such sad news…really enjoyed listening to Ken O’Flaherty . He was such a natural storyteller and so entertaining. We spoke on a post once…I felt privileged. Wish I could find that post now. We’ll miss him. RIP Ken.”
