Got to agree with Patsy that the Minor game is sadly missed and the “Match Day entertainment” is no substitute. Asking people to cheer if they’re from whatever county is less than inspiring. Maybe we need a Christy Moore half time show to compensate. Lucky enough to be stewarding at the games so don’t hear the “predictions and analysis” but introducing the Jubilee Team to the stadium whilst people are still looking for their seats is quite disrespectful. They vote with their feet & wait in the bars until nearer to throw in. Thank God for the games where all the hype disappears & the training is tested on the field. I’ll not risk banishment from the site by trying to predict a winner but hoping for a high quality game on Sunday. maybe Trump will arrive to present the Sam Maguire :O
A few weeks ago,I was lucky to see the amazing dance based show,’The Surge:An Ode to Sinead O’ Connor’
Info now online about a current US tour,followed by quite a few shows at The Joyce Theater,New York. I hope there’ll be a tour to Ireland/Europe,sometime…I can’t over praise the emotion and dance skills on show…
I would call games while taking off Michael O Heir at NY’s Gaelic Park. It was spot on and I was.introduced ( he was calling the ’81 NY select JF win over Galway). I hope that’s not what stage fright is like for young performers. I remember nothing but his smiling face and my terror – rest is a blank.
I meant to thank you Christy, at end of my comment, for the way you replied to my question. Last sentence today was meant that way, and not a dig against Kerry, course.
Hi Christy and 4711ers
I’ll sometimes splurge for the Hurling final, over many years now the world’s last great amateur sporting event. Didn’t bother after seeing this year’s semi highlights. Not having orchestrated suspense, some matches will be quickly decided. Regardless, we shouldn’t have to mute Gaelic games. Some years ago Christy, after listening to an auld Cork hurler describe the Munster final as ‘Hell’s kitchen’ I asked what that meant, as etymology of NY’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood seemed a mystery here. If memory serves, you replied, ‘We make our own Hell’s kitchen’. Sounds not far off from directions a Tipp man gave me for Kerry!
Hi Christy,
Just wondering which lyrics you added to the Galtee Mountain Boy. Was it the following?
I’ll bid farewell to old Clonmel I never more shall see
And to the Galtee Mountains that oft times sheltered me
Those who fought for freedom, died without a sigh
May their fight not be forgotten, said the Galtee Mountain boy.
GRMA
Christy's reply
changed again to
“I’ll bid farewell to Old Clonmel
to the Hive of The Honey Hee
the safe houses of Tipperary
that oft’ times sheltered me
to my comrades of The Column
who kept the flag flying high
may their cause be ne’er forgotten
said The Galtee Mountain Boy”
I first heard this song sung by the late Patsy Halloran in 1964…
I dont know who wrote the original Ballad…
back in those times it was a song of consequence for many people ….
people who lived through the War of Independence and the trauma that ensued..
Hello Christy,
Got to reiterate the comments. Such a great group of people frequent these halls.
It’s lovely to hear the enjoyment we all get from it
My posts are usually about whatever song-wrangling I’m doing right now.
“Strength to sing and dance, to love and fight”
Jimmy Mccarthy’s Ride On is one of two these last few weeks.
Four perfect notes, three perfect chords.
Theres a lifetime of music in there.
Couldn’t agree with you more Christy, too much analysis, co-Commentators, slow motion pictures, still pictures etc. alas for the days when we listened to Michael O Heir, and painted our own pictures of the Games. The referee called it as he saw it and the game kept moving. The loss of the minor match on all- Ireland day was a backward step too. I always loved being in on time for the Minor. Let’s hope Sunday is a good one. Enjoy your well deserved break.
Best regards.
Ride on.
Patsy
Christy's reply
we’re getting to a point where we’ll soon have more pundits then players…
always liked being in for “The MInor Match”….sambos and flask in the mála…. anyone for the last few choc ices….get your colours…apples oranges and bananas…fresh fruit here… Pecker on Jones’s Road
Francis
July 22, 2026 at 8:17 pm
Location: malvern Hills- 33 Years Of State persecution and not out!
“Sometimes we fight for the will to survive, more times we wish we were dead. No Time For Love!” “The Spirit Of Freedom.” Hugs to all.
Christy's reply
written by Jack Kershaw..I learned it from an album by “The Men of No Property” subsequently called “People of No Property”
Hi Christy, for some reason Wally came to mind this morning, and i went searching for “Already Gone” , a beautiful song on a social issue close to my heart , god could he write. I check in most days and read all the comments and responses, Bourkey, Rebecca, Hillary, Lar , and so many more, i love this connection with us all, While performing here at gigs i always mention the writer of the songs at some point, Peter, Wally Jimmy , Yourself, Pat Quinn, Barry aka luka etc it’s the least we as singers of such powerful songs can do, to recognize, pay tribute, acknowledge the work, i’ll see ye in Wexford and Kildare, once i change the tire on the Honda and oil the saddle on the box, love Fin
“There was a badness that had its way. Love wasn’t lost it just got mislaid.”
There is a fever in my brain. That is the curse of the Benzos way.
Slainte!
Hi Rebecca,
A chara they were hitting each so fast
you didn’t even see them. Try and catch a game
next time you’re over the pond.
Take Care
Bourkey
Christy's reply
Hurling has held on to its core values, maintained its level of skill and honest endeavour….last Sunday’s finals showed us the best and worst of Sporting behaviour….I salute our GAA…I hope that Rebecca & Stephen get to witness the “Clash of The Ash”
Hi C you’ ve been consistent in highlighting the case of the Sallins Train Robbery stitch up from the very beginning, and more recently you were involved in the campaigning and fundraising gig in Vicar St. It’s good to see them getting justice after all these years, although they are not finished, as they demand an independent Inquiry into the circumstances of the investigation. The Heavy Gang have a lot to answer for including the Kerry Babies Injustice https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/0721/1584393-osgur-breatnach-sallins/
The setlist at the Limerick gig was a great mix, as always you included the local unusual songs, the Limerick Choir were in full voice. Attention turns now to the weekend activity, enjoy your mini break and best wishes at the Curraghmore Estate. Beir bua agus beannacht, GRMMA. H
Christy's reply
it has been a life long, soul destroying battle for Oscar and his family, for Nicky and Brian too….their lives torn asunder in The Bridewell Garda Barracks half a century ago by that corrupt and vicious “Heavy Gang”
tragically Brian did not live to see yesterdays verdict
“others in The Bridewell heard them screaming
even Prison Doctors could see
their injuries were not self inflicted
those who tipped the scales did not agree”
Hi Christy I am a younger man (28) from across the pond who discovered your music a couple years ago, and talking about you to my mother she told me I should share my thoughts with you. As a direct result of your having lived and created I have been blessed not only with beautiful music, but a deeper and more personal connection to and knowledge of the history and the people of Ireland. My family came over in the late 1800s and along the way we lost a lot of our cultural heritage. Your music has stirred every emotion under the sun within me and you have helped me regain a shred of that cultural connection. I was even able to share it with my mother. Thank you sir.
Christy's reply
should you wish to further pursue your cultural heritage you might consider visiting the Irish Trad Music Archive ( Itma)…..I wish you well upon your journey
Got to agree with Patsy that the Minor game is sadly missed and the “Match Day entertainment” is no substitute. Asking people to cheer if they’re from whatever county is less than inspiring. Maybe we need a Christy Moore half time show to compensate. Lucky enough to be stewarding at the games so don’t hear the “predictions and analysis” but introducing the Jubilee Team to the stadium whilst people are still looking for their seats is quite disrespectful. They vote with their feet & wait in the bars until nearer to throw in. Thank God for the games where all the hype disappears & the training is tested on the field. I’ll not risk banishment from the site by trying to predict a winner but hoping for a high quality game on Sunday. maybe Trump will arrive to present the Sam Maguire :O
Seems like it ain’t only the GAA that have brought in rule changes; Judge says get ‘courting done early’ at Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival. Time for another gaggle? https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/0723/1584819-lisdoonvarna-closing-time/
Well I never..
Hi Christy
Interesting news,mainly for US readers…
A few weeks ago,I was lucky to see the amazing dance based show,’The Surge:An Ode to Sinead O’ Connor’
Info now online about a current US tour,followed by quite a few shows at The Joyce Theater,New York. I hope there’ll be a tour to Ireland/Europe,sometime…I can’t over praise the emotion and dance skills on show…
Dave
I would call games while taking off Michael O Heir at NY’s Gaelic Park. It was spot on and I was.introduced ( he was calling the ’81 NY select JF win over Galway). I hope that’s not what stage fright is like for young performers. I remember nothing but his smiling face and my terror – rest is a blank.
I meant to thank you Christy, at end of my comment, for the way you replied to my question. Last sentence today was meant that way, and not a dig against Kerry, course.
Hi Christy and 4711ers
I’ll sometimes splurge for the Hurling final, over many years now the world’s last great amateur sporting event. Didn’t bother after seeing this year’s semi highlights. Not having orchestrated suspense, some matches will be quickly decided. Regardless, we shouldn’t have to mute Gaelic games. Some years ago Christy, after listening to an auld Cork hurler describe the Munster final as ‘Hell’s kitchen’ I asked what that meant, as etymology of NY’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood seemed a mystery here. If memory serves, you replied, ‘We make our own Hell’s kitchen’. Sounds not far off from directions a Tipp man gave me for Kerry!
Hi Christy,
Just wondering which lyrics you added to the Galtee Mountain Boy. Was it the following?
I’ll bid farewell to old Clonmel I never more shall see
And to the Galtee Mountains that oft times sheltered me
Those who fought for freedom, died without a sigh
May their fight not be forgotten, said the Galtee Mountain boy.
GRMA
changed again to
“I’ll bid farewell to Old Clonmel
to the Hive of The Honey Hee
the safe houses of Tipperary
that oft’ times sheltered me
to my comrades of The Column
who kept the flag flying high
may their cause be ne’er forgotten
said The Galtee Mountain Boy”
I first heard this song sung by the late Patsy Halloran in 1964…
I dont know who wrote the original Ballad…
back in those times it was a song of consequence for many people ….
people who lived through the War of Independence and the trauma that ensued..
Hello Christy,
Got to reiterate the comments. Such a great group of people frequent these halls.
It’s lovely to hear the enjoyment we all get from it
My posts are usually about whatever song-wrangling I’m doing right now.
“Strength to sing and dance, to love and fight”
Jimmy Mccarthy’s Ride On is one of two these last few weeks.
Four perfect notes, three perfect chords.
Theres a lifetime of music in there.
Rebecca
Couldn’t agree with you more Christy, too much analysis, co-Commentators, slow motion pictures, still pictures etc. alas for the days when we listened to Michael O Heir, and painted our own pictures of the Games. The referee called it as he saw it and the game kept moving. The loss of the minor match on all- Ireland day was a backward step too. I always loved being in on time for the Minor. Let’s hope Sunday is a good one. Enjoy your well deserved break.
Best regards.
Ride on.
Patsy
we’re getting to a point where we’ll soon have more pundits then players…
always liked being in for “The MInor Match”….sambos and flask in the mála…. anyone for the last few choc ices….get your colours…apples oranges and bananas…fresh fruit here… Pecker on Jones’s Road
“Sometimes we fight for the will to survive, more times we wish we were dead. No Time For Love!” “The Spirit Of Freedom.” Hugs to all.
written by Jack Kershaw..I learned it from an album by “The Men of No Property” subsequently called “People of No Property”
Hi Christy
Great to see the above mentioned in LP sleeve notes…Dominic Behan’s ‘Down by the Liffeyside’…a massive influence on future singers.’
Topic Records, recorded by Bill Leader,London 1959…mighty singing and aided by top musicians, Peggy Seeger,Leon Rosselson,Ralph Rinzler…
A wonderful record…lots of online info about Dominic and Brendan…rabbit holes beckoning…
Thankfully cass is permanent.
Dave
I cherish the memory of meeting him….it was a turning point for me…I learned a lot from Dominic…about songs, singing and life itself
Hi Christy, for some reason Wally came to mind this morning, and i went searching for “Already Gone” , a beautiful song on a social issue close to my heart , god could he write. I check in most days and read all the comments and responses, Bourkey, Rebecca, Hillary, Lar , and so many more, i love this connection with us all, While performing here at gigs i always mention the writer of the songs at some point, Peter, Wally Jimmy , Yourself, Pat Quinn, Barry aka luka etc it’s the least we as singers of such powerful songs can do, to recognize, pay tribute, acknowledge the work, i’ll see ye in Wexford and Kildare, once i change the tire on the Honda and oil the saddle on the box, love Fin
Morra Fin…make sure you have her taxed
“There was a badness that had its way. Love wasn’t lost it just got mislaid.”
There is a fever in my brain. That is the curse of the Benzos way.
Slainte!
may you find some peace of mind today
Hi Rebecca,
A chara they were hitting each so fast
you didn’t even see them. Try and catch a game
next time you’re over the pond.
Take Care
Bourkey
Hurling has held on to its core values, maintained its level of skill and honest endeavour….last Sunday’s finals showed us the best and worst of Sporting behaviour….I salute our GAA…I hope that Rebecca & Stephen get to witness the “Clash of The Ash”
Hi C you’ ve been consistent in highlighting the case of the Sallins Train Robbery stitch up from the very beginning, and more recently you were involved in the campaigning and fundraising gig in Vicar St. It’s good to see them getting justice after all these years, although they are not finished, as they demand an independent Inquiry into the circumstances of the investigation. The Heavy Gang have a lot to answer for including the Kerry Babies Injustice https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/0721/1584393-osgur-breatnach-sallins/
The setlist at the Limerick gig was a great mix, as always you included the local unusual songs, the Limerick Choir were in full voice. Attention turns now to the weekend activity, enjoy your mini break and best wishes at the Curraghmore Estate. Beir bua agus beannacht, GRMMA. H
it has been a life long, soul destroying battle for Oscar and his family, for Nicky and Brian too….their lives torn asunder in The Bridewell Garda Barracks half a century ago by that corrupt and vicious “Heavy Gang”
tragically Brian did not live to see yesterdays verdict
“others in The Bridewell heard them screaming
even Prison Doctors could see
their injuries were not self inflicted
those who tipped the scales did not agree”
Hi Christy I am a younger man (28) from across the pond who discovered your music a couple years ago, and talking about you to my mother she told me I should share my thoughts with you. As a direct result of your having lived and created I have been blessed not only with beautiful music, but a deeper and more personal connection to and knowledge of the history and the people of Ireland. My family came over in the late 1800s and along the way we lost a lot of our cultural heritage. Your music has stirred every emotion under the sun within me and you have helped me regain a shred of that cultural connection. I was even able to share it with my mother. Thank you sir.
should you wish to further pursue your cultural heritage you might consider visiting the Irish Trad Music Archive ( Itma)…..I wish you well upon your journey