I wonder did Christy get up to the Fleadh at all in Belfast ? What an amazing groundbreaking week is was here. Love to hear Christy’s thoughts on the Fleadh.
Also love to see Christy back in the Waterfront Hall or similar soon – it has been a time .
Christy's reply
the Boyle Fleadh in 1963 remains my favourite..we rocked up from Newbridge in Mick Curran’s Bedford Bed… 11 of us with little money and not even a sleeping bag between us..first time to hear The Grehan Sisters and John “Jacko” Reilly
The Thurles All-Ireland Fleadh around the same time was legendary
There was a great Portarlington Fleadh in 1965 and a wild one in Bunclody where I heard Liam Clancy singing by The Streams….The Clones All-Ireland was a cracker circa 1969 and Scariff hosted a right good fleadh circa 1970 …
What a fantastic film/documentary on Donal on TV last night.
Inspiring and emotional….. what a musical genius….. how he described seeing music as colours, something only a few could fathom I guess.
Natives… Enniskillen Dragoon and
Adieu to Ballyshannon….. some encore .
Christy's reply
“Adieu to Ballyshannon will I ever see you more,
and manys the happy day I spent around Bundoran’s shore
to my wife and family I’ll bid a fond farewell
for I’m goin away and I’m bound to stay…in the Burning Pits of Hell”
from “Father McFadden”…this song was learned from Donal’s Father, the late Frank Lunny Snr…. he was a great encourager of our early attemps at singing and playing the ballads…he also sang The Flower of Finae and The Flower of Sweet Strabane. Lunny’s was a great music house Mr & Mrs Lunny always welcomed a session in their home
such a fitting tribute to Donal Lunny who has inspired, arranged, written,produced, gigged, accompanied and delighted us for well over 60 years….Rakes of Kildare, Parnell Folk, Emmet Spiceland, Planxty, Sean Davy Band, Bothy Band,Moving Hearts, Coolfin, Dark Horse, Mosaic, Sharon Shannon among his collaborations and an endless array of artists who have had the privilidge of his talents and time..
Apart from all that he has been a friend and ,when time permitted, a companion, mighty crack, great mimic and poker shark …..
Thanks to Kevin for mentioning HSP gigs…and a lead into…www.johnboyleoreilly.com
I’ve had many great wanders in that area,but never followed up on the man who had such an interesting and important life…all the best to festival organisers and balladeers!
Great news from Hawick…fab that the town was rocking n reeling…
All the best for forthcoming travels,Christy.
Dave
Christy's reply
sending best wishes to all songsters in Suffragette City
Well Christy..your tribute to Glen was class.. it was a sad week but no doubt the musical community’s embrace will bring some comfort to his family and friends..
Back to full battery here after a weekend off with no gigs..This weekend we play Ballinamore Festival, the inaugural John Boyle O’ Reilly festival (Slane) and Féile Thrá Lí..
P.S I see you’ve got two nights in the National Opera House coming up. Was lucky to have played it for the first time this year. Having spent a few summers painting when I was in school, I couldn’t stop thinking about the poor divil who has to varnish all the timber..
Well Christy, what a weekend we had !
Thursday night kicked us off with a pop quiz, that got everyone talking (even the ’round of garrys’ ).
We collected weary travellers from Dub, Belfast and London to perform, and our Galway boy had horrendous car problems and limped in to Hawick at 20mph.
Undeterred we had wonderful sets from Miwa Nagato-apthorp with Jenny Biddle, a young people’s gig where my nephew Rowan Sykes (songs on line), Joe Yallop the incredible teenage pianist as well as 5yo Marnie Brown and several others dazzled us with their sparkling talents at an ’emerging talent’ gig,many playing in public for the first time.
On the street the Humble Scribes played some of their lovely own songs plus some Lindisfarne ones, Tom Barry charmed us with ‘black is the colour’ and IMLE jammed us a ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ ,whilst brilliant guitarist Isaac Sutherland charmed the moveable throng.
At nights there were bar-room sessions including a lovely rendition of Arthur MacBride and of Spancil Hill, amongst pints of porter, irn bru and whisky.
Eric Faulkner was good without tartan, the Creaky Blinders did well not to show a hint of their age, and we had a glorious outdoors gig in Hawick’s beautiful Wilton Lodge Park amphitheatre bandstand where the gorgeous sounds of Tom Barry charmed the birds right out of the trees, even with his self-penned ‘cake and strong whiskey’. His car may have failed him but his musical genius did not.
This year we had festival goers from all over the world. Canada, Usa, Australia and even Kelso, a great mix of people just enjoying the music.
We have had well in excess of 100 acts at our festivals and park weekends over the last 10 years but i concurred with 2 of my fellow organisers when they suggested that IMLE were the greatest thing we have ever heard at Live Music Hawick over the years.
This group of young and wonderful artists are a collective formed with the skillful hands of Cian MacCarthaigh where the huge abilities of James, Niall, Blathnaid and Neil are crafted into an Irish speaking hip hop band that are so much, much more than my crass and inadequate description. If you do nothing else after reading this than listen to one of Tom’s heartfelt songs and buy a ticket to go and see IMLE, then it will be worth it.
Rock on Christy, we certainly did,
Rory
Christy's reply
an amazing array of music ….respect to you and all your companeros for achieving this festival….always a very different atmosphere around festivals organised by volunteer communities..it takes a lot of hard work and commitment to create such a vital event…and to do it year after year…I hope your efforts are appreciated and supported by the “Powers-to-Be”…(seldom the case unless there are photo ops, kudos gained and votes to be gleaned)
Faithful Departed has popped up a few times the last little while as I get to the yard work. So many to remember and such great music to remember them by. Soon time for me to look to next springs trip to Ireland and hopefully I can catch you in concert again. All the best
Brendan
Christy's reply
Phil Chevron’s classic ballad seldom far from my workroom play list….I’ve never gigged it much since Moving Hearts gigs 45 years ago …it never seemed to settle with subsequent audience….I love the wordy lines, the imagery….maybe I’ll consider giving it a whirl again
Thank you so much for your reply and I’m glad that the Continental Céile brings back those great memories. It’s a family favourite when we get together on occasion for a “sesh”. It’s not an easy one to remember all the lyrics, not to mention the distractions of a live audience but we won’t write off hearing an auld verse or two from you somewhere along the way…. no pressure of course and looking forward to seeing you on the 23rd.
Hi Christy,
Loved your ‘No surfing tonight’ 👍
Whenever you feel like surfing.
We’d welcome your comments on our website http://www.morechristy.com
We want to be sure that it tributes your good self the way our live performances on stage hopefully do. All part of our ‘Voyage’ of keeping your legacy going in the UK.
Great to be at the ‘National Ballad Lounge’ back in May. You were absolutely on form that night !!
Take good care.
Dave and Giles (More Christy)
Derry man referenced in Christy Moore’s Spanish Civil War anthem honoured after 90 years
Eamon McGrotty was a member of the 15th International Brigade during the conflict and was killed in February 1937
Christy's reply
Last Month, Frank Conroy was finally honoured in Kilcullen Co.KIldare….
For generations, Catholic and State Authorities have specifically and purposely denied those heroic volunteers…
They made their way to Spain to fight the Fascists who those same authorities supported..
When surviving Brigadistas returned to Ireland they were shunned by Church and State…
Peter O’Connor and his Wife Biddy told me of his return home..
shared how he (and others) found it hard to gain employment, and suffered the cold shoulder from many in the community
Fleadhs and Feile all over the place… flutes
and fiddles everywhere…. music coming from all angles but it’s the Christy gigs that we are looking for.
Watched a video of a 2017 gig of yours from Bundoran… Oct 2017 ( youtube) and started to think , Oct is coming around…. and wondered is a Bundoran October gig a possibility this time around ??
Christy's reply
the moon went out of kilter
thon stars still unaligned
no visit pending
to the holy town
I do love that Great Northern….the McEniffs always give a Donegal welcome…I get to stay in the Bridal Suite with extra sausages for the breakfast..last october I was awakened by an errant golf ball and had to be revived by the assistant manager….
Hi Christy, hope you are well.
We now have our website up and running ! http://www.morechristy.com
When you get 5 minutes take a look and any comments would be appreciated.
Take care,
Dave and Giles (More Christy)
I wonder did Christy get up to the Fleadh at all in Belfast ? What an amazing groundbreaking week is was here. Love to hear Christy’s thoughts on the Fleadh.
Also love to see Christy back in the Waterfront Hall or similar soon – it has been a time .
the Boyle Fleadh in 1963 remains my favourite..we rocked up from Newbridge in Mick Curran’s Bedford Bed… 11 of us with little money and not even a sleeping bag between us..first time to hear The Grehan Sisters and John “Jacko” Reilly
The Thurles All-Ireland Fleadh around the same time was legendary
There was a great Portarlington Fleadh in 1965 and a wild one in Bunclody where I heard Liam Clancy singing by The Streams….The Clones All-Ireland was a cracker circa 1969 and Scariff hosted a right good fleadh circa 1970 …
all these Fleadhs were in Black & White…….
What a fantastic film/documentary on Donal on TV last night.
Inspiring and emotional….. what a musical genius….. how he described seeing music as colours, something only a few could fathom I guess.
Natives… Enniskillen Dragoon and
Adieu to Ballyshannon….. some encore .
“Adieu to Ballyshannon will I ever see you more,
and manys the happy day I spent around Bundoran’s shore
to my wife and family I’ll bid a fond farewell
for I’m goin away and I’m bound to stay…in the Burning Pits of Hell”
from “Father McFadden”…this song was learned from Donal’s Father, the late Frank Lunny Snr…. he was a great encourager of our early attemps at singing and playing the ballads…he also sang The Flower of Finae and The Flower of Sweet Strabane. Lunny’s was a great music house Mr & Mrs Lunny always welcomed a session in their home
such a fitting tribute to Donal Lunny who has inspired, arranged, written,produced, gigged, accompanied and delighted us for well over 60 years….Rakes of Kildare, Parnell Folk, Emmet Spiceland, Planxty, Sean Davy Band, Bothy Band,Moving Hearts, Coolfin, Dark Horse, Mosaic, Sharon Shannon among his collaborations and an endless array of artists who have had the privilidge of his talents and time..
Apart from all that he has been a friend and ,when time permitted, a companion, mighty crack, great mimic and poker shark …..
Hi Christy
Thanks to Kevin for mentioning HSP gigs…and a lead into…www.johnboyleoreilly.com
I’ve had many great wanders in that area,but never followed up on the man who had such an interesting and important life…all the best to festival organisers and balladeers!
Great news from Hawick…fab that the town was rocking n reeling…
All the best for forthcoming travels,Christy.
Dave
sending best wishes to all songsters in Suffragette City
Well Christy..your tribute to Glen was class.. it was a sad week but no doubt the musical community’s embrace will bring some comfort to his family and friends..
Back to full battery here after a weekend off with no gigs..This weekend we play Ballinamore Festival, the inaugural John Boyle O’ Reilly festival (Slane) and Féile Thrá Lí..
P.S I see you’ve got two nights in the National Opera House coming up. Was lucky to have played it for the first time this year. Having spent a few summers painting when I was in school, I couldn’t stop thinking about the poor divil who has to varnish all the timber..
Marcaídh ar aghaidh Caoimhín….
Sorry i forgot lovely Gaelic singing and whistle playing by Emma Leitch….
Well Christy, what a weekend we had !
Thursday night kicked us off with a pop quiz, that got everyone talking (even the ’round of garrys’ ).
We collected weary travellers from Dub, Belfast and London to perform, and our Galway boy had horrendous car problems and limped in to Hawick at 20mph.
Undeterred we had wonderful sets from Miwa Nagato-apthorp with Jenny Biddle, a young people’s gig where my nephew Rowan Sykes (songs on line), Joe Yallop the incredible teenage pianist as well as 5yo Marnie Brown and several others dazzled us with their sparkling talents at an ’emerging talent’ gig,many playing in public for the first time.
On the street the Humble Scribes played some of their lovely own songs plus some Lindisfarne ones, Tom Barry charmed us with ‘black is the colour’ and IMLE jammed us a ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ ,whilst brilliant guitarist Isaac Sutherland charmed the moveable throng.
At nights there were bar-room sessions including a lovely rendition of Arthur MacBride and of Spancil Hill, amongst pints of porter, irn bru and whisky.
Eric Faulkner was good without tartan, the Creaky Blinders did well not to show a hint of their age, and we had a glorious outdoors gig in Hawick’s beautiful Wilton Lodge Park amphitheatre bandstand where the gorgeous sounds of Tom Barry charmed the birds right out of the trees, even with his self-penned ‘cake and strong whiskey’. His car may have failed him but his musical genius did not.
This year we had festival goers from all over the world. Canada, Usa, Australia and even Kelso, a great mix of people just enjoying the music.
We have had well in excess of 100 acts at our festivals and park weekends over the last 10 years but i concurred with 2 of my fellow organisers when they suggested that IMLE were the greatest thing we have ever heard at Live Music Hawick over the years.
This group of young and wonderful artists are a collective formed with the skillful hands of Cian MacCarthaigh where the huge abilities of James, Niall, Blathnaid and Neil are crafted into an Irish speaking hip hop band that are so much, much more than my crass and inadequate description. If you do nothing else after reading this than listen to one of Tom’s heartfelt songs and buy a ticket to go and see IMLE, then it will be worth it.
Rock on Christy, we certainly did,
Rory
an amazing array of music ….respect to you and all your companeros for achieving this festival….always a very different atmosphere around festivals organised by volunteer communities..it takes a lot of hard work and commitment to create such a vital event…and to do it year after year…I hope your efforts are appreciated and supported by the “Powers-to-Be”…(seldom the case unless there are photo ops, kudos gained and votes to be gleaned)
Faithful Departed has popped up a few times the last little while as I get to the yard work. So many to remember and such great music to remember them by. Soon time for me to look to next springs trip to Ireland and hopefully I can catch you in concert again. All the best
Brendan
Phil Chevron’s classic ballad seldom far from my workroom play list….I’ve never gigged it much since Moving Hearts gigs 45 years ago …it never seemed to settle with subsequent audience….I love the wordy lines, the imagery….maybe I’ll consider giving it a whirl again
Hi Christy,
Thank you so much for your reply and I’m glad that the Continental Céile brings back those great memories. It’s a family favourite when we get together on occasion for a “sesh”. It’s not an easy one to remember all the lyrics, not to mention the distractions of a live audience but we won’t write off hearing an auld verse or two from you somewhere along the way…. no pressure of course and looking forward to seeing you on the 23rd.
Hi Christy,
Loved your ‘No surfing tonight’ 👍
Whenever you feel like surfing.
We’d welcome your comments on our website http://www.morechristy.com
We want to be sure that it tributes your good self the way our live performances on stage hopefully do. All part of our ‘Voyage’ of keeping your legacy going in the UK.
Great to be at the ‘National Ballad Lounge’ back in May. You were absolutely on form that night !!
Take good care.
Dave and Giles (More Christy)
Derry man referenced in Christy Moore’s Spanish Civil War anthem honoured after 90 years
Eamon McGrotty was a member of the 15th International Brigade during the conflict and was killed in February 1937
Last Month, Frank Conroy was finally honoured in Kilcullen Co.KIldare….
For generations, Catholic and State Authorities have specifically and purposely denied those heroic volunteers…
They made their way to Spain to fight the Fascists who those same authorities supported..
When surviving Brigadistas returned to Ireland they were shunned by Church and State…
Peter O’Connor and his Wife Biddy told me of his return home..
shared how he (and others) found it hard to gain employment, and suffered the cold shoulder from many in the community
Fleadhs and Feile all over the place… flutes
and fiddles everywhere…. music coming from all angles but it’s the Christy gigs that we are looking for.
Watched a video of a 2017 gig of yours from Bundoran… Oct 2017 ( youtube) and started to think , Oct is coming around…. and wondered is a Bundoran October gig a possibility this time around ??
the moon went out of kilter
thon stars still unaligned
no visit pending
to the holy town
I do love that Great Northern….the McEniffs always give a Donegal welcome…I get to stay in the Bridal Suite with extra sausages for the breakfast..last october I was awakened by an errant golf ball and had to be revived by the assistant manager….
Hi Christy, hope you are well.
We now have our website up and running !
http://www.morechristy.com
When you get 5 minutes take a look and any comments would be appreciated.
Take care,
Dave and Giles (More Christy)
no surfing tonight