Hi Christy I have seen you several places over the years, in London, Castlebar etc but sad to say I missed the Castlebar gig last night but my daughter who is 23 went and she absolutely loved it. I am hoping you will come back to Castlebar in the near future, I won’t miss the next one.
Best wishes
Geraldine
Hello Christy,
I’ve been meaning to post bout last night’s gig all morning, still trying to get my thoughts in order.
Musically, you are shining. The enjoyment of the sound is palpable and it adds a great big sparkle. Loving your low notes, they’ve developed and developed over the years and now they’re superb. Do you know what that basso profundity note was that you had a play with was? Wish I did. The top is working well and there are some lovely noises in there. The guitar is really pulling it’s weight in the solo gigs. Sweet harmonics and your picking is a joy. Picking out different string with the strumming was something that i really enjoyed.
Trying to think of the songs. I think I will be bound to miss some, so many highlights .
A pair of brown eyes was my first hearing, live. Your so deep in it, the best.
Thankyou for Knock, another first for me. Mayo loves it. Well below the valley blew me away, you might have noticed from my previous post. …
You’ve added more space by being more sparing with the refrain. This was the best version I’ve ever heard. The bodhran is like it’s own animal and you are one with it. I think I might have a reasonable video of the song. I hope so.
Bot in the Wild is a special song. It feels like it’s going to get a following like The Voyage. The theme is loving and universal. The way the words and the melody work feel very right, on my first listening. I think it’s going to get a lot of requests.
There’s loads more but it’s all swimming round me head still. It might clear later.
Were having a lazing day today in the hotel. The weather is making a day for relaxing.
The West was well and truly awake tonight, especially when you sung ” Fr James”, there was no turning back then !!
The new songs are fitting in seamlessly and are sounding better every time. Another brilliant performance , go raibh míle maith agat.
Ride On,
Patsy
Christy's reply
(1972-2024)
Gotta say it Patsy….I love that room….last night it was rockin…fair play to Pat Jennings….despite all the hurdles,fences,setbacks and courtcases endured ,he has ploughed on for half a century developing his Traveller’s Friend Theatre into the great gig room it is today….. Couple that with the Mayo audience and you cant go wrong….the “Green and Red” GAA supporters are renowned for their passion and devotion….allow me to suggest that Mayo listeners offer the same rowdy-dow when it comes to the raw bar….I think of legendary nights in The TFT,The Beaten Path, The Midas Club, O’Hara’s of Foxford, Westport, Claremorris,Kiltimagh, Ballina…the list goes on and on…. my last “proper” job was in Ballyhaunis…I spent a year workin there before takin the mail-boat back in 1966…from Bank-Clerk to Balladeer, I’ve notworn a tie since and no regrets…
Last night Pat Jennings invited us back for a return visit….
beimíd arais go tapaidh, le cónamh dé…
anyone know whatever became of Barcastle sausages ?
Christy,
Go raibh míle míle maith agat.
Bain Sorcha agus Neans an-sult as an oíche.
Bhí na ‘Cliffs ‘ thar cionn.
Fairplê.
Colm Joe
Christy's reply
The Cliffs of Dooneen always carries me away….a plain and simple song it has that mystical quality….Duende descends when listeners sing softly along….fair play to Anne Mulqueen for bringing forth Jack McAuliffe’s beautiful Kerry verses
Sitting in city sun,processing the film I’ve just seen…
The Outrun with the awesome Saoirse Ronan…breathtaking in the rollercoaster of emotions evoked and the beauty of Orkney.The storm scenes reminded me of enjoying similar on the cliffs of Co Clare.
I hope many here will see this ace film – and stay to the very end of the credits,which is really worthwhile!
Enjoy the West and gig.
Dave
Christy's reply
looking forward to seeing that
more storms looming
batten down the hatches
poised for take off here in castlebar
first played in this theatre with Planxty
Christmas Eve 1972
“there were three auld gypsies came to our hall door
they came brave and boldly O
one sang high and the other sang low
and the lady sang the “Raggle Taggle Gypsy O
Hi Christy.,
You are playing at the Royal tonight.
If you happen to be singing Cliffs of Dooeen , will you get a shout out to my wife and daughter in the audience. Sorcha agus Neans.
Hopefully it’s far from the last hurrah. As you said in your chat, there are so many ways of recording now, that it’s not as difficult as in past years. You have that special gift of discovering songs and making them your own, so hopefully there’s more to come . Keep doing what you do and best wishes to all of the crew.
Clocking up some miles to see you Christy. Boat from Holyhead, stopped in Clonmel to catch up with cousin Nuala, and a few pints in Annie’s (remember them? they told us to say hello to you!). Travelling up to Castlebar now. Really looking forward to seeing you tonight for the first time! Kieran & Louise
Christy's reply
Remember Annie and Nuala !!!
some of the happiest days of my life….
Annie was Queen of the Parnell Street…
Nuala was her Princess…..
not a 5 star hotel in the world could hold a candle to the hospitality enjoyed in Annie’s….
I stayed there back in 1964 with Mick Egan, Frank Spillane, Mr. Nevin, Eamon Roche and John Meade….sang a few songs around the Vale of The Honey Bee….great memories still resound….old friends always remembered
Hello Christy,
That’s a verse I’ve not heard before.
It was great driving West and picking up all the places you sing about and we’ve heard in recordings and live.
“There’s Longford, West Meath and Roscommon”
Yesterday after breakfast we headed into Castlebar, lovely Castle book shop and found some books that are impossible to find in UK shops.
On Raglan Road, a look at 10 songs and the people in them. It included The Voyage.
A collection of Brendan Began’s shorter writings, it looks a riot.
David Rooney’s new children’s book on the famine, full of his beautiful artwork and explained in a way I can easily understand.
A 2025 calendar combining pictures of Irish dressers and snippets of folklore.
In the evening we walked to The Olive Tree. Gorgeous eastern Mediterranean food, the place was draped with Palestinian flags. Pic of Steve looking happy and proud.
And now today’s the day. It’s a long drive from Dublin. Hope it all goes smoothly for you. We are champing at the bit with anticipation. Gig day! I’ve been lapping up all the notes you wrote in the chat and the great talk on here. Feels like big times are here.
Gig day!
Rebecca
Christy's reply
The Linen Hall Gallery worth a look if you are in the vicinity
Brilliant chat today – loved the background information about the songs. I always look forward to your recordings, but have a feeling that this one is going to be extra special – it’s a wonderful mix of amazing songs. It’s great to have that to look forward to. Best wishes to you and all the crew for Castlebar – hopefully Ashley will stay away.
Christy's reply
might this be the last hurrah….
then again John…who knows what lies ahead…
already fresh thoughts seem to be gathering….
thanks for your ongoing interest and support…..Fair Play To You All out there at 4711
Hi Christy, thank you so much for the personal insights into the new album. You need and obviously have a brilliant crew to get it all going properly.
The explanations/backgrounds/stories to the songs are more than a great “appetizer” for us waiting eagerly for the new album.
I had the great joy of listening to some of the new songs at various gigs already. One better than the other!!! Luckily it’s not long to go til November 1st. And then the album will be played in repeat mode 😉.
Meanwhile I enjoy the variety of recommendations in this guestbook as the one to creedon’s musical atlas – thank you to all of you 😊 !
All the best to you for the gig tomorrow, enjoy the new songs – I’m sure they are very well-received by your listeners!
Birgit
Christy's reply
I’ll be relieved when the work is finally all done…
the songs let loose to make their own way thru the air……
these lead up days feel filled with anticipation….
but normal service will soon be resumed…
to be gazing at the blank page once again…
but now its time to hit the Western Road once more…
out thru Chapelizod, Lucan,Leixlip, Maynooth,Kilcock….
left at Longford towards Strokestown, Frenchpark and Baile na Gabhair
flying towards the Plains of Sweet Mayo….
the pannieres packed
with songs and strings and prompts and plastic plectrums….
the head is clear as we pass Barr na Cúige
I’m posting about younger singers,so apt that I’m following Matty here…
Recently,I came across the fascinating Clare Sands and played a fair bit of her music today.In contrast,I then turned to the iconic Shirley Collins…
I took a break from listening and read the Friday music newsletter from The Guardian…since then I’ve been down a wonderful rabbit hole! The newsletter had a lengthy piece about Rois…
A new take on the oldest of music and links to death/mourning…not exactly a laugh a minute,but humanity and some humour…also news that Rois has some gigs in Ireland.
The mix of music styles and genres is wonderful…we remember the buzz of Clancys,Dubliners and young Bob,whilst enjoying the current crop of young artists.And,in the not too distant future a new LP will hit the deck…A Terrible Beauty,happily added to the collection.
Enjoy gigs and travels.
Dave
Christy's reply
Rois has eerie eary early sounds going on there….got drawn in straight away…will be listening for more
Some outstanding writing Christy over the new album, I’ll look forward to it’s release in the coming weeks. I was intrigued about the music video, I can imagine a great scene for that song, which was a powerful lyric down below in Wexford. I hope all is well in time for the selection of gigs in vicar st. I know a crowd heading to Carrickdale also, a beautiful scene I vaguely recall, not far from Newry if I’m correct. Plenty of history left in those valleys and forests, traces of the past are very visible in that area.. this old image shows both the border and the location of the Carrickdale, something to think about.
I’d like to thank you for the advice on strumming away, I’d always think of when you said at least 15 minutes every day would do it, I’ve began doing the trad sessions when i can on a Saturday now, learning new songs and chords as the days pass by.
Good man Matty..in my experience the 15 mins a day was enough in my early days …but only until I got going…soon as I got started I needed to do more, and then more….60 years later I still need a couple of hours every day to keep the fingers, the co-ordination, the memory muscles all flexed and working in tandem..to work on new songs, to memorise old ones that might be making a come back….
it really all depends where you are going with it….if its for fun , recreation, socialising , it only requires the occasional bit of practice…..on the other hand if its contemplated as a serious thing…then the finger has to be got out, the sleeves gotta be rolled up, the works gotta be done….
keep up the music..enjoy wherever it takes you
Bali Hai will call you, any night any day….great show…did a few shows in school…they kept me well back…wings even.
18,000 feet of runway is an awful long way to go without singing in…I’ve a special memory of that song from the 12 nights at The Gaeity run..(still have the bus stop poster Chris Roche gave me).
Always nice to see the mention of a few Rock n Roll classics…and the Clancy’s…puts me in mind of, I think, Me and Bibi…? ‘I was listening to Elvis, and then one night between Athlone and Hilversum…I found it…Fine girl ya are ‘
We had an old radio here and I loved it, large ivory coloured buttons, red needle, bulb in through the glass.. radio has fascinated me since…I still want to be John Creedon when I grow up…
Chip shops and and bed and breakfasts…xx
Christy's reply
back in National School Niall Roche told us that he could see Dan Dare in the back of their wireless…I kinda half believed him
Hello Christy,
Thanks to Bourkey! Yes we’re here all safe in Castlebar. Ticketmaster eh? So glad it’s been bought for the National Museum.
So it’s wear red day. I had no idea till I saw Rory’s post.
Here a wearing red link, also with a link to Joxer live https://www.facebook.com/share/p/iozzHEcSZT3i87mP/
Sorry its Facebook, can’t work out how else to do it.
It’s my birthday. Steve has bought me a card, when you open it up a cat yowls happy birthday while a cardboard cake lights up. I’ve also got a lovely guitar tuning gizmo thing. You put its turner on the tuning pegs one by one and it twiddles away automatically till you’re all tuned up. Magic!
Exploring Castlebar today. Hoping to find record shop. You never know…
Some Barcastle nostalgia, Christy.
https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2024/01/20/mayo-memories-barcastle-sausages-beetroot-and-porridge/
Hi Christy I have seen you several places over the years, in London, Castlebar etc but sad to say I missed the Castlebar gig last night but my daughter who is 23 went and she absolutely loved it. I am hoping you will come back to Castlebar in the near future, I won’t miss the next one.
Best wishes
Geraldine
Hello Christy,
I’ve been meaning to post bout last night’s gig all morning, still trying to get my thoughts in order.
Musically, you are shining. The enjoyment of the sound is palpable and it adds a great big sparkle. Loving your low notes, they’ve developed and developed over the years and now they’re superb. Do you know what that basso profundity note was that you had a play with was? Wish I did. The top is working well and there are some lovely noises in there. The guitar is really pulling it’s weight in the solo gigs. Sweet harmonics and your picking is a joy. Picking out different string with the strumming was something that i really enjoyed.
Trying to think of the songs. I think I will be bound to miss some, so many highlights .
A pair of brown eyes was my first hearing, live. Your so deep in it, the best.
Thankyou for Knock, another first for me. Mayo loves it. Well below the valley blew me away, you might have noticed from my previous post. …
You’ve added more space by being more sparing with the refrain. This was the best version I’ve ever heard. The bodhran is like it’s own animal and you are one with it. I think I might have a reasonable video of the song. I hope so.
Bot in the Wild is a special song. It feels like it’s going to get a following like The Voyage. The theme is loving and universal. The way the words and the melody work feel very right, on my first listening. I think it’s going to get a lot of requests.
There’s loads more but it’s all swimming round me head still. It might clear later.
Were having a lazing day today in the hotel. The weather is making a day for relaxing.
Rebecca
Hi Christy,
The West was well and truly awake tonight, especially when you sung ” Fr James”, there was no turning back then !!
The new songs are fitting in seamlessly and are sounding better every time. Another brilliant performance , go raibh míle maith agat.
Ride On,
Patsy
(1972-2024)
Gotta say it Patsy….I love that room….last night it was rockin…fair play to Pat Jennings….despite all the hurdles,fences,setbacks and courtcases endured ,he has ploughed on for half a century developing his Traveller’s Friend Theatre into the great gig room it is today….. Couple that with the Mayo audience and you cant go wrong….the “Green and Red” GAA supporters are renowned for their passion and devotion….allow me to suggest that Mayo listeners offer the same rowdy-dow when it comes to the raw bar….I think of legendary nights in The TFT,The Beaten Path, The Midas Club, O’Hara’s of Foxford, Westport, Claremorris,Kiltimagh, Ballina…the list goes on and on…. my last “proper” job was in Ballyhaunis…I spent a year workin there before takin the mail-boat back in 1966…from Bank-Clerk to Balladeer, I’ve notworn a tie since and no regrets…
Last night Pat Jennings invited us back for a return visit….
beimíd arais go tapaidh, le cónamh dé…
anyone know whatever became of Barcastle sausages ?
Christy,
Go raibh míle míle maith agat.
Bain Sorcha agus Neans an-sult as an oíche.
Bhí na ‘Cliffs ‘ thar cionn.
Fairplê.
Colm Joe
The Cliffs of Dooneen always carries me away….a plain and simple song it has that mystical quality….Duende descends when listeners sing softly along….fair play to Anne Mulqueen for bringing forth Jack McAuliffe’s beautiful Kerry verses
Yowser! Thankyou for the GREAT gig. Just getting our breath back. That bodhran is a beast! I love it.
The Goat was ruttin and ringin last night
Hi Christy/all
Sitting in city sun,processing the film I’ve just seen…
The Outrun with the awesome Saoirse Ronan…breathtaking in the rollercoaster of emotions evoked and the beauty of Orkney.The storm scenes reminded me of enjoying similar on the cliffs of Co Clare.
I hope many here will see this ace film – and stay to the very end of the credits,which is really worthwhile!
Enjoy the West and gig.
Dave
looking forward to seeing that
more storms looming
batten down the hatches
poised for take off here in castlebar
first played in this theatre with Planxty
Christmas Eve 1972
“there were three auld gypsies came to our hall door
they came brave and boldly O
one sang high and the other sang low
and the lady sang the “Raggle Taggle Gypsy O
Hi Christy.,
You are playing at the Royal tonight.
If you happen to be singing Cliffs of Dooeen , will you get a shout out to my wife and daughter in the audience. Sorcha agus Neans.
Sorcha happens to be Ann Mulqueen’s daughter.
Right So
Colm Jo
The Hare and Lofty Pheasant, plain to be seen
Hopefully it’s far from the last hurrah. As you said in your chat, there are so many ways of recording now, that it’s not as difficult as in past years. You have that special gift of discovering songs and making them your own, so hopefully there’s more to come . Keep doing what you do and best wishes to all of the crew.
O O O O O
I Wish
Clocking up some miles to see you Christy. Boat from Holyhead, stopped in Clonmel to catch up with cousin Nuala, and a few pints in Annie’s (remember them? they told us to say hello to you!). Travelling up to Castlebar now. Really looking forward to seeing you tonight for the first time! Kieran & Louise
Remember Annie and Nuala !!!
some of the happiest days of my life….
Annie was Queen of the Parnell Street…
Nuala was her Princess…..
not a 5 star hotel in the world could hold a candle to the hospitality enjoyed in Annie’s….
I stayed there back in 1964 with Mick Egan, Frank Spillane, Mr. Nevin, Eamon Roche and John Meade….sang a few songs around the Vale of The Honey Bee….great memories still resound….old friends always remembered
Hi Christy
Just got a Claddagh newsletter…your new album cover looks brilliant…also,class to see it in the same frame as Nick Drake’s,Pink Moon!
Dave
Hello Christy,
That’s a verse I’ve not heard before.
It was great driving West and picking up all the places you sing about and we’ve heard in recordings and live.
“There’s Longford, West Meath and Roscommon”
Yesterday after breakfast we headed into Castlebar, lovely Castle book shop and found some books that are impossible to find in UK shops.
On Raglan Road, a look at 10 songs and the people in them. It included The Voyage.
A collection of Brendan Began’s shorter writings, it looks a riot.
David Rooney’s new children’s book on the famine, full of his beautiful artwork and explained in a way I can easily understand.
A 2025 calendar combining pictures of Irish dressers and snippets of folklore.
In the evening we walked to The Olive Tree. Gorgeous eastern Mediterranean food, the place was draped with Palestinian flags. Pic of Steve looking happy and proud.
And now today’s the day. It’s a long drive from Dublin. Hope it all goes smoothly for you. We are champing at the bit with anticipation. Gig day! I’ve been lapping up all the notes you wrote in the chat and the great talk on here. Feels like big times are here.
Gig day!
Rebecca
The Linen Hall Gallery worth a look if you are in the vicinity
Brilliant chat today – loved the background information about the songs. I always look forward to your recordings, but have a feeling that this one is going to be extra special – it’s a wonderful mix of amazing songs. It’s great to have that to look forward to. Best wishes to you and all the crew for Castlebar – hopefully Ashley will stay away.
might this be the last hurrah….
then again John…who knows what lies ahead…
already fresh thoughts seem to be gathering….
thanks for your ongoing interest and support…..Fair Play To You All out there at 4711
Hi Christy, thank you so much for the personal insights into the new album. You need and obviously have a brilliant crew to get it all going properly.
The explanations/backgrounds/stories to the songs are more than a great “appetizer” for us waiting eagerly for the new album.
I had the great joy of listening to some of the new songs at various gigs already. One better than the other!!! Luckily it’s not long to go til November 1st. And then the album will be played in repeat mode 😉.
Meanwhile I enjoy the variety of recommendations in this guestbook as the one to creedon’s musical atlas – thank you to all of you 😊 !
All the best to you for the gig tomorrow, enjoy the new songs – I’m sure they are very well-received by your listeners!
Birgit
I’ll be relieved when the work is finally all done…
the songs let loose to make their own way thru the air……
these lead up days feel filled with anticipation….
but normal service will soon be resumed…
to be gazing at the blank page once again…
but now its time to hit the Western Road once more…
out thru Chapelizod, Lucan,Leixlip, Maynooth,Kilcock….
left at Longford towards Strokestown, Frenchpark and Baile na Gabhair
flying towards the Plains of Sweet Mayo….
the pannieres packed
with songs and strings and prompts and plastic plectrums….
the head is clear as we pass Barr na Cúige
Barcastle here we come…
Hi Christy
I’m posting about younger singers,so apt that I’m following Matty here…
Recently,I came across the fascinating Clare Sands and played a fair bit of her music today.In contrast,I then turned to the iconic Shirley Collins…
I took a break from listening and read the Friday music newsletter from The Guardian…since then I’ve been down a wonderful rabbit hole! The newsletter had a lengthy piece about Rois…
http://www.roismusic.ie
A new take on the oldest of music and links to death/mourning…not exactly a laugh a minute,but humanity and some humour…also news that Rois has some gigs in Ireland.
The mix of music styles and genres is wonderful…we remember the buzz of Clancys,Dubliners and young Bob,whilst enjoying the current crop of young artists.And,in the not too distant future a new LP will hit the deck…A Terrible Beauty,happily added to the collection.
Enjoy gigs and travels.
Dave
Rois has eerie eary early sounds going on there….got drawn in straight away…will be listening for more
Some outstanding writing Christy over the new album, I’ll look forward to it’s release in the coming weeks. I was intrigued about the music video, I can imagine a great scene for that song, which was a powerful lyric down below in Wexford. I hope all is well in time for the selection of gigs in vicar st. I know a crowd heading to Carrickdale also, a beautiful scene I vaguely recall, not far from Newry if I’m correct. Plenty of history left in those valleys and forests, traces of the past are very visible in that area.. this old image shows both the border and the location of the Carrickdale, something to think about.
I’d like to thank you for the advice on strumming away, I’d always think of when you said at least 15 minutes every day would do it, I’ve began doing the trad sessions when i can on a Saturday now, learning new songs and chords as the days pass by.
https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ME4P3FEC2STHB5MVDEVJSZTXRM.png?auth=6f3fe1780e856d4072c341db475abdf4fd640b9f1145678415480068fd5047d8&width=800&height=800
Good man Matty..in my experience the 15 mins a day was enough in my early days …but only until I got going…soon as I got started I needed to do more, and then more….60 years later I still need a couple of hours every day to keep the fingers, the co-ordination, the memory muscles all flexed and working in tandem..to work on new songs, to memorise old ones that might be making a come back….
it really all depends where you are going with it….if its for fun , recreation, socialising , it only requires the occasional bit of practice…..on the other hand if its contemplated as a serious thing…then the finger has to be got out, the sleeves gotta be rolled up, the works gotta be done….
keep up the music..enjoy wherever it takes you
Bali Hai will call you, any night any day….great show…did a few shows in school…they kept me well back…wings even.
18,000 feet of runway is an awful long way to go without singing in…I’ve a special memory of that song from the 12 nights at The Gaeity run..(still have the bus stop poster Chris Roche gave me).
Always nice to see the mention of a few Rock n Roll classics…and the Clancy’s…puts me in mind of, I think, Me and Bibi…? ‘I was listening to Elvis, and then one night between Athlone and Hilversum…I found it…Fine girl ya are ‘
We had an old radio here and I loved it, large ivory coloured buttons, red needle, bulb in through the glass.. radio has fascinated me since…I still want to be John Creedon when I grow up…
Chip shops and and bed and breakfasts…xx
back in National School Niall Roche told us that he could see Dan Dare in the back of their wireless…I kinda half believed him
And please, yes to Knock, if it’s ready. I’ve never heard it live.
Pilgrims in their thousands come cascading down the steps
of the auld De Havilland turbo props and Virgin Jumbo Jets”
Hello Christy,
Thanks to Bourkey! Yes we’re here all safe in Castlebar. Ticketmaster eh? So glad it’s been bought for the National Museum.
So it’s wear red day. I had no idea till I saw Rory’s post.
Here a wearing red link, also with a link to Joxer live
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/iozzHEcSZT3i87mP/
Sorry its Facebook, can’t work out how else to do it.
It’s my birthday. Steve has bought me a card, when you open it up a cat yowls happy birthday while a cardboard cake lights up. I’ve also got a lovely guitar tuning gizmo thing. You put its turner on the tuning pegs one by one and it twiddles away automatically till you’re all tuned up. Magic!
Exploring Castlebar today. Hoping to find record shop. You never know…
Rebecca
visit the Linen Hall Gallery if you are passing
Hi Rebecca,
Hope he made it over safe and sound.
Enjoy the gig on Saturday.
Ticketmaster bought Rory’s guitar.
Peace and Love
Bourkey