Left to right: Liam Mannion, Ross Blouin, and Jerry Fleming. — Photo by Donald Norton

By Donald Norton

At a recent fundraiser, the publisher of The Somerville Times, Ross Blouin, introduced local pub owner Liam Mannion, who owns Sally O’Brien’s in Union Square, to Jerry Fleming, who owned the first Irish pub here in Somerville back in the late 60’s and early 70’s, known as the Blarney Stone, which was in the old Woodbridge Inn until it caught fire.

All three enjoyed a conversation on the difference in pubs today compared to back in the 60’s. If anyone is familiar and can remember back, the Blarney Stone was extremely popular with lines out the door and around corner every night. A great place, and live music with some of the best Irish bands of the day.

Liam has owned Sally O’Brien’s for a long time and has a busy place with all sorts of entertainment and live bands for everyone.