Hello Christy,
Watching the gigs rolling on. Well be in Cork in June for the Marquee. I think we’re on the front row…. hope I’m remembering right.
Been looking for a copy of Liam O’Flynn’s The Fine Art of Piping on vinyl for ages, looks like it’s pretty rare. Anyway, finally found it. It landed here today and
It’s signed!!!
Brilliant surprise. No idea it was signed till we unwrapped it
We’ll be listening later. I’m in Halifax Town Hall right now. Trying to help Councillors with their computers. Not so great at it but they’re interesting to chat to.
The man in the black T Shirt who shared the stage with Lunny, Irvine, agus O’ Flynn… and an oul transit van around Bellaghy in the oul days… went to Damien Dempsey Thursday night who mentioned supporting you.. listen, I’m great bloody friends with that lunatic Joe Brolly, played football in the same line as him as a corner forward striking points with both feet, listened to your pair of yahoos on the podcast… crazy in an understatement. Give us an oul blast of the time has come, or butterfly, or metropolitan Avenue, or quiet desperation, or whatever tickles your fancy. A quare influence throughout the years. Give my oul friend a shout out on Thursday night in the Armagh City Hotel, a man by the name of Tommy Sloan who’s seeing you for the first time ever. Good man, keep doing what sells the personality. Such is life! As Kate Rusby would say “ there’s no one to sing me a lullaby”….
Cheers
Eunan Murphy
Christy's reply
Eunan,
there’s a quare bit of stuff in thon paragraph Eunan….I’m still trying to absorb the glorious complexity of your auld ráméis….keep coming back…
so many requests for shout outs in Armagh…23 so far…I’ll put them all in a hat and pick a couple out….your in with a chance !!
times spent with Liam (RIP), Donal and Andy…always remembered and cherished
Reading the comments on Little Musgrave brought back such memories. Hearing that song for the first time…I was spellbound.
That was the song that put me down the rabbit hole of majestic ballads for about 40 years. My favorite of all time!
Have to agree on the Mullins clan and results in the Grand National!!
Christy's reply
“its more I love his cheeks she cried
its more I love his chin
its more I love his dead body
than all your kith and kin”
Sometimes Christy it is worth the wait and
20 years on and being made and shown is ‘The shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes’ a series starting on disney on 30th april.
Hollow Point…..chris wood , never in vain.
All the best rory
Christy's reply
I saw Chris Wood play but once..a gig here in Dublin …his was one of the best Folk Club gigs I have ever witnessed…its a good few years back but I clearly recall so much about that gig…
I’m always hoping that he might come back here again
Well Christy. I hope all is good for you. We had a brilliant afternoon yesterday at the Pecker Dunne Festival in Wexford. Great stories, songs, music and we got great weather for it too. It was a brilliant event altogether.
Christy's reply
“I never met Bob Dylan but I sang with Pecker Dunne
When we drank Lough Eireann dry we went lookin for Lough Dann”
“The Pecker”…always remembered in this house
” he’s goin the road with a mighty load
a his tool box upon his back”
Hello Christy,
Songs I’m learning this week
Inchicore Wake
Come up the Stairs
If they’re not ready for this Tuesday I’ll be taking them yo the Panther Club next week.
I love the songs that let you tell a story.
Hi Christy, I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful Waterfront gig on Thursday night. It was great to see you on such terrific form again and you treated us to a beautiful selection of songs with the new ones blending in perfectly into the setlist. You did your old pal Wally Page so proud with a stunning version of Boy In The Wild. It’s also always such a tonic to see how much pleasure you still get from performing songs like Spancilhill and Well Below The Valley and as you say it’s definitely a ‘two way situation’.
It’s a rare and special gift you have to transport people away from whatever they’re experiencing and having to endure in their lives to a happy and peaceful place thanks to the beauty of your songs. Like many thousands of other people I’m so grateful that you continue to share your gift with us.
Thank you also to your brilliant crew who through their skills and hard work provide you with the platform to give us these Magic Nights. I’m already looking forward to Derry in June. Many thanks again, Christy.
Christy's reply
I’ve just heard a lovely song tribute to Wally from Baz McSherry…I think he will record it
Hi Christy
Working in aberdream on friday i managed to get my hands on 2 gems at modest prices.
In green vinyl only the 2nd ever 7″ single by Jools Holland’s band Squeeze ( i’m pretty sure you played his show).
Also the 7″ picture disc of Tomorrow’s just another day by Madness for ‘er indoors.
You really cannot beat the auld vinyl.
My collection grows monthly ,thumbing through a record shop’s vinyl selections is such an enrapturing experience, i bet Dagrab has some collection !
Rory
Christy's reply
Morra Rory,
Good to read of your colourful sound acquisitions … of you squeezing the madness out of Granite City….
as far as I can recall I think I played twice on the Jools….once solo way way back and a second time with Declan Sinnott…thats as much as I can recall…
Willie Mullins swept the boards yesterday ….what a clean sweep was that !! and to see his Son aboard the winner was icing on the cake..JP will have to lash out the lolly…..
I just loved the victory celebration..as the jockey rode the owner into the winner’s enclosure
Palestinian Child’s Day, initiated by former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, is marked every year on April 5.
Since the beginning of the aggression in the Gaza Strip, approximately 19,000 children have been killed, and approximately 39,000 have lost one or both parents
Fairplay Pat,
Great story about The Great Man.
No doubt there will be similar up and down the land,
over the next few days and whenever football is talked about.
Micko would be one of the three at the proverbial who would you
share a table with living or dead. Bill Shankly, and Ali would make
up the other two spots. I would just be making tae ( Barry’s obvs)
bringing in sandwiches and listening in … Elvis would probably have
same sandwiches ate before I brought them in.
Ach sin sceal eile
Peace & Love
Bourkey
Christy's reply
you got me thinkin there Bourkey…..
three sporting legends to share the spuds ???
upon mature reflection I’m thinking:
Dr Pat O’Callaghan (great Irish Olympian), (Dr Pat would bring the salmon)
Dr Jerry Walshe (crash-tackling centre for Ireland & Sundays Well) …( for the craic)
Andy Moore (1915-1956) to sing “O The Night of The Kerry Dances” and “The Garden where The Praties Grow”
Hoping to hit The Hanger in the Fall…I’ll give you the nod
Hi Christy, My wife & myself enjoyed being in your company once again in the Waterfront last night for what we thought was a beautifully intense and reflective set.
Although we have been blessed to see you perform too many times to count now since the late 80s, I think I have only heard “Quiet Desperation” live on one occasion (in London) and you weren’t happy with it, it was beautiful and haunting last night. I have repeated a line or 2 of the lyrics in my head thousands of times over the years when I have struggled with elements of my mental health but last night my spirits soared to hear it live from you.
You mentioned that you may not make it back to Belfast, I sincerely hope that we get to enjoy your company again but if not then thank you for the many times we have seen & listened to you.
Take it handy Christy.ODAAT.
Michael & Bernie
Christy's reply
Thanks Michael……”Quiet Desperation” had been off the set list for many years until last Thursday night in Belfast….I was asked to give a call-out to some of the Volunteer workers from The People’s Kitchen….the song sprung to mind…
I learned this song from the singing of Floyd Westerman who also wrote the song. I heard him sing here and we exchanged a few songs. I heard that he adapted “Irish Ways and Irish Laws” (by John Gibbs) to “Indian Ways,Indian Laws” and sang it …..I met him subsequently after a concert I played in Culver City. He attended that gig with Jackson Browne who’s “After The Deluge” also got a run out on Thu night.
Back home in Derry but wishing there was another gig tonight. Not long until 2 in the Millennium though. Always great to see your crew recognised as they are a good team. Great to see long haul listeners too from all over the island, and indeed, beyond. Some great connections made through the gigs. Sweet music, roll on.
Christy's reply
Runners and Riders for the 8 o’clock in Belfatsd last night
Chicago
Quinte Brigada
Johnny Boy
Ride On
Smoke & Whiskey
Boy in the Wild
Cumann na mBan
Burning Times
Black & Amber
North & South
Only Our Rivers
McIlahtton ( shamefully abandoned…still not over the trauma !!)
On The Mainland
Back Home Derry
Palestine
Yellow Triangle
Cry Like A man
Irish Pagan Lullaby (Sail on Jimmy)
Lyra McKee
Ordinary Man
Quiet Desperation
After The Deluge
Well Below The Valley
Spancilhill
Lisdoonvarna
Allende
Giuseppi Conlon
Scapegoats
Joxer
Time has Come
Great to read the names of crew linked to your gigs and travels…a few times after brilliant Bridgewater Hall nights,it was good to have affable chat with the sound guys as I was leaving…
You talk of privilege,but your accessibility is a bit special too…a few weeks ago,when I gave a short talk about the Manchester folk scene/special reference to your time here and getting ‘ the start’ in these parts…there was a great buzz as older folk reminisced about you at MSG etc and younger players say they owe a lot to you and such times.its all a wonderful story…
This week I’ve played ‘The Voyage’s album a heap of times…memories flood back. The cassette in the car…tape on rewind as the songs took us around Ireland. Years on ,the songs pack punches…it’s a complex mix and a fab reduction by Donal. Always a treat to revisit your music…and then there’s top notch new stuff!!
Thank you to you, and all of the crew, for another wonderful evening in the Waterfront. An amazing mix of old and new songs that stir memories of so many gigs. Loved Allende and sad that it still seems all too topical. Love your version of Spancil Hill, and The Time Has Come brought Peggy to my mind. Looking forward to seeing you on the walls in memory of Lyra – her passing was a sad day for our town. Stay safe and well.
Christy's reply
Good man John…I enjoyed last night in The Waterfront…its been some journey since the singing began…learning Kevin Barry when I was a gasún, then The Meeting of The Waters, then singing at Variety concerts in Newbridge & The Curragh, ….now 70 years later playing in such an amazing Concert Venue in Belfast..
good that you mention my colleagues in The Crew….without their focus, enthusiasm and expertise I could not perform at this level..
Thanks to:
David Meade ……. Sound
Geoff Ryan…………Lights
Dikon Whitehead . Monitors
John Meade……… Staging and Guitars
The Screening Crew
Michael Devine ……Tour Manager
Marius ……………..Transport
Paddy Doherty….. Manager….assisted by Cian
Aiken Promotions…with Cathy Wilson and crew
All the Staff at Waterfront
None of this could happen without all you good listeners….I live a very priveliged existance….never dreamt of such lofty heights when I started out with my £3 guitar and a bunch of Clancy Brothers Ballads….way back in the old world
About 45 years ago a couple of us went from Dundalk to the Glen for a funeral. We decided to stay in Dwyer’s b&b in Waterville. You never know, we might get a chance to chat with Mick, we were aspiring college GAA coaches then with a grand team of youngsters. Sure enough Mick came in, and super host that he was he spotted the two strangers. How ya lads. Grand. Would you have a few minutes to chat football asked I. Back in a jiffy. A couple of minutes later he came back, sat down, and called out ‘Mary, a big pot of tea and a plate of sandwiches for the lads here’.
He spent four hours with us, answered all our questions, gave me fantastic tips on how to set out a team, how to win. He was generosity itself.
He told us a great story, Eoin Liston was late for training. Mick told him, follow my rules or don’t bother coming at all, and Mick told us he had a terrible sleepless night worrying that the bomber would not come back!
Christy's reply
That was the nature of the man I knew…visited once while doing “The Ring” with my Mother….Mick rolled out the hospitality for Nancy…talked to her about Meath Football legends, she always spoke of that afternoon in Waterville ….
and then himself and Karl came to Kildare and he walked the side line with the rolled up programme in his hand…he took us to the only Final Kildare achieved in my lifetime….
back in the day I played two gigs in Mick’s Family Hotel..back when they’d have Cabaret on Sunday night with a Showband coming on at midnight….back when I wrote “Welcome to The Cabaret”
played some tight spots back then….saw some sights..met some quare hawks..all part of learning the ropes…..I don’t regret a minute of any of it…..even the hairy nights were times of learning
Hi. A great day for a drive and lots of memories of Micko being shared on the radio, he certainly made an impact san Riocht and put many other counties on the map, nearly brought Cill Dara to Final glory !! He was a musician also ! Safe travelling all to the Waterfront, always a great atmosphere there. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
RIP Micho..
he gave Kildare a few great outings….and I had a few good gigs in his Lounge, way back about 40 years ago….RIP
hi Christy
a mutual friend from the North of Ireland sent me the last Planxty gig video from Vicar Street yesterday , and it was only when listening to it that i realised the story of how you really did stumble upon the lyrics to Little Musgrave , what a magical find.
Tom Barry does a fine version of it on his Lighthouse album.
Such a sad wee tale , but Andy Irvine brought it further to life with his music.
Rory
Christy's reply
21 years ago..seems like last week..I loved playing with that Band…..must be nearly time to sing Little Musgrave again..its been 7or 8 years since….
I wish I could play that song again with Jimmy….
we’d both do it very different today
I think of Jimmy a lot…. The Boy from Dolphin’s Barn
we travelled manys the road together
Hello Christy,
Hope all is well with you.
We were at the Panther Club in Cleckhuddersfax last night. Lots of songs all round, there was even a Child Ballad 243d if I’m remembering right. The demon lover. Shipwrecks, the supernatural and a great story.
It was a smallish group with guitars, fiddle, mandola, concertina so I got chance to sing five songs.
Reel in the Flickering Light (with guitar)
Parting Glass (acapella)
Wandering Aengus (with guitar)
Smoke and Strong Whiskey (with guitar)
January Man (acapella)
It’s the first time I’ve sung acapella in public.
I liked it! Always had a niggling thought about pitching but it was fine. Don’t know why I’ve let such a stupid worry hold me back.
Hello Christy,
Watching the gigs rolling on. Well be in Cork in June for the Marquee. I think we’re on the front row…. hope I’m remembering right.
Been looking for a copy of Liam O’Flynn’s The Fine Art of Piping on vinyl for ages, looks like it’s pretty rare. Anyway, finally found it. It landed here today and
It’s signed!!!
Brilliant surprise. No idea it was signed till we unwrapped it
We’ll be listening later. I’m in Halifax Town Hall right now. Trying to help Councillors with their computers. Not so great at it but they’re interesting to chat to.
Rebecca
Christy,
The man in the black T Shirt who shared the stage with Lunny, Irvine, agus O’ Flynn… and an oul transit van around Bellaghy in the oul days… went to Damien Dempsey Thursday night who mentioned supporting you.. listen, I’m great bloody friends with that lunatic Joe Brolly, played football in the same line as him as a corner forward striking points with both feet, listened to your pair of yahoos on the podcast… crazy in an understatement. Give us an oul blast of the time has come, or butterfly, or metropolitan Avenue, or quiet desperation, or whatever tickles your fancy. A quare influence throughout the years. Give my oul friend a shout out on Thursday night in the Armagh City Hotel, a man by the name of Tommy Sloan who’s seeing you for the first time ever. Good man, keep doing what sells the personality. Such is life! As Kate Rusby would say “ there’s no one to sing me a lullaby”….
Cheers
Eunan Murphy
Eunan,
there’s a quare bit of stuff in thon paragraph Eunan….I’m still trying to absorb the glorious complexity of your auld ráméis….keep coming back…
so many requests for shout outs in Armagh…23 so far…I’ll put them all in a hat and pick a couple out….your in with a chance !!
times spent with Liam (RIP), Donal and Andy…always remembered and cherished
Reading the comments on Little Musgrave brought back such memories. Hearing that song for the first time…I was spellbound.
That was the song that put me down the rabbit hole of majestic ballads for about 40 years. My favorite of all time!
Have to agree on the Mullins clan and results in the Grand National!!
“its more I love his cheeks she cried
its more I love his chin
its more I love his dead body
than all your kith and kin”
such great verses in that old song
is there a Folk Club in Bucklefordsberry ?
Sometimes Christy it is worth the wait and
20 years on and being made and shown is ‘The shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes’ a series starting on disney on 30th april.
Hollow Point…..chris wood , never in vain.
All the best rory
I saw Chris Wood play but once..a gig here in Dublin …his was one of the best Folk Club gigs I have ever witnessed…its a good few years back but I clearly recall so much about that gig…
I’m always hoping that he might come back here again
Well Christy. I hope all is good for you. We had a brilliant afternoon yesterday at the Pecker Dunne Festival in Wexford. Great stories, songs, music and we got great weather for it too. It was a brilliant event altogether.
“I never met Bob Dylan but I sang with Pecker Dunne
When we drank Lough Eireann dry we went lookin for Lough Dann”
“The Pecker”…always remembered in this house
” he’s goin the road with a mighty load
a his tool box upon his back”
Hello Christy,
Songs I’m learning this week
Inchicore Wake
Come up the Stairs
If they’re not ready for this Tuesday I’ll be taking them yo the Panther Club next week.
I love the songs that let you tell a story.
Leinster had a bit of a match yesterday…
Rebecca
Hi Christy, I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful Waterfront gig on Thursday night. It was great to see you on such terrific form again and you treated us to a beautiful selection of songs with the new ones blending in perfectly into the setlist. You did your old pal Wally Page so proud with a stunning version of Boy In The Wild. It’s also always such a tonic to see how much pleasure you still get from performing songs like Spancilhill and Well Below The Valley and as you say it’s definitely a ‘two way situation’.
It’s a rare and special gift you have to transport people away from whatever they’re experiencing and having to endure in their lives to a happy and peaceful place thanks to the beauty of your songs. Like many thousands of other people I’m so grateful that you continue to share your gift with us.
Thank you also to your brilliant crew who through their skills and hard work provide you with the platform to give us these Magic Nights. I’m already looking forward to Derry in June. Many thanks again, Christy.
I’ve just heard a lovely song tribute to Wally from Baz McSherry…I think he will record it
Hi Christy
Working in aberdream on friday i managed to get my hands on 2 gems at modest prices.
In green vinyl only the 2nd ever 7″ single by Jools Holland’s band Squeeze ( i’m pretty sure you played his show).
Also the 7″ picture disc of Tomorrow’s just another day by Madness for ‘er indoors.
You really cannot beat the auld vinyl.
My collection grows monthly ,thumbing through a record shop’s vinyl selections is such an enrapturing experience, i bet Dagrab has some collection !
Rory
Morra Rory,
Good to read of your colourful sound acquisitions … of you squeezing the madness out of Granite City….
as far as I can recall I think I played twice on the Jools….once solo way way back and a second time with Declan Sinnott…thats as much as I can recall…
Willie Mullins swept the boards yesterday ….what a clean sweep was that !! and to see his Son aboard the winner was icing on the cake..JP will have to lash out the lolly…..
I just loved the victory celebration..as the jockey rode the owner into the winner’s enclosure
Palestinian Child’s Day, initiated by former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, is marked every year on April 5.
Since the beginning of the aggression in the Gaza Strip, approximately 19,000 children have been killed, and approximately 39,000 have lost one or both parents
‘Happy’ palestinian child’s day
Rory
Heartbreak Day
Fairplay Pat,
Great story about The Great Man.
No doubt there will be similar up and down the land,
over the next few days and whenever football is talked about.
Micko would be one of the three at the proverbial who would you
share a table with living or dead. Bill Shankly, and Ali would make
up the other two spots. I would just be making tae ( Barry’s obvs)
bringing in sandwiches and listening in … Elvis would probably have
same sandwiches ate before I brought them in.
Ach sin sceal eile
Peace & Love
Bourkey
you got me thinkin there Bourkey…..
three sporting legends to share the spuds ???
upon mature reflection I’m thinking:
Dr Pat O’Callaghan (great Irish Olympian), (Dr Pat would bring the salmon)
Dr Jerry Walshe (crash-tackling centre for Ireland & Sundays Well) …( for the craic)
Andy Moore (1915-1956) to sing “O The Night of The Kerry Dances” and “The Garden where The Praties Grow”
Hoping to hit The Hanger in the Fall…I’ll give you the nod
Hi Christy, My wife & myself enjoyed being in your company once again in the Waterfront last night for what we thought was a beautifully intense and reflective set.
Although we have been blessed to see you perform too many times to count now since the late 80s, I think I have only heard “Quiet Desperation” live on one occasion (in London) and you weren’t happy with it, it was beautiful and haunting last night. I have repeated a line or 2 of the lyrics in my head thousands of times over the years when I have struggled with elements of my mental health but last night my spirits soared to hear it live from you.
You mentioned that you may not make it back to Belfast, I sincerely hope that we get to enjoy your company again but if not then thank you for the many times we have seen & listened to you.
Take it handy Christy.ODAAT.
Michael & Bernie
Thanks Michael……”Quiet Desperation” had been off the set list for many years until last Thursday night in Belfast….I was asked to give a call-out to some of the Volunteer workers from The People’s Kitchen….the song sprung to mind…
I learned this song from the singing of Floyd Westerman who also wrote the song. I heard him sing here and we exchanged a few songs. I heard that he adapted “Irish Ways and Irish Laws” (by John Gibbs) to “Indian Ways,Indian Laws” and sang it …..I met him subsequently after a concert I played in Culver City. He attended that gig with Jackson Browne who’s “After The Deluge” also got a run out on Thu night.
Best to you and Bernie…..Keep Coming Back
Back home in Derry but wishing there was another gig tonight. Not long until 2 in the Millennium though. Always great to see your crew recognised as they are a good team. Great to see long haul listeners too from all over the island, and indeed, beyond. Some great connections made through the gigs. Sweet music, roll on.
Runners and Riders for the 8 o’clock in Belfatsd last night
Chicago
Quinte Brigada
Johnny Boy
Ride On
Smoke & Whiskey
Boy in the Wild
Cumann na mBan
Burning Times
Black & Amber
North & South
Only Our Rivers
McIlahtton ( shamefully abandoned…still not over the trauma !!)
On The Mainland
Back Home Derry
Palestine
Yellow Triangle
Cry Like A man
Irish Pagan Lullaby (Sail on Jimmy)
Lyra McKee
Ordinary Man
Quiet Desperation
After The Deluge
Well Below The Valley
Spancilhill
Lisdoonvarna
Allende
Giuseppi Conlon
Scapegoats
Joxer
Time has Come
30 songs …1 hour 50 mins…..great audience…great venue
Maybe reduction,but I meant production!!
Hi Christy
Great to read the names of crew linked to your gigs and travels…a few times after brilliant Bridgewater Hall nights,it was good to have affable chat with the sound guys as I was leaving…
You talk of privilege,but your accessibility is a bit special too…a few weeks ago,when I gave a short talk about the Manchester folk scene/special reference to your time here and getting ‘ the start’ in these parts…there was a great buzz as older folk reminisced about you at MSG etc and younger players say they owe a lot to you and such times.its all a wonderful story…
This week I’ve played ‘The Voyage’s album a heap of times…memories flood back. The cassette in the car…tape on rewind as the songs took us around Ireland. Years on ,the songs pack punches…it’s a complex mix and a fab reduction by Donal. Always a treat to revisit your music…and then there’s top notch new stuff!!
All the best
Dave
Thank you to you, and all of the crew, for another wonderful evening in the Waterfront. An amazing mix of old and new songs that stir memories of so many gigs. Loved Allende and sad that it still seems all too topical. Love your version of Spancil Hill, and The Time Has Come brought Peggy to my mind. Looking forward to seeing you on the walls in memory of Lyra – her passing was a sad day for our town. Stay safe and well.
Good man John…I enjoyed last night in The Waterfront…its been some journey since the singing began…learning Kevin Barry when I was a gasún, then The Meeting of The Waters, then singing at Variety concerts in Newbridge & The Curragh, ….now 70 years later playing in such an amazing Concert Venue in Belfast..
good that you mention my colleagues in The Crew….without their focus, enthusiasm and expertise I could not perform at this level..
Thanks to:
David Meade ……. Sound
Geoff Ryan…………Lights
Dikon Whitehead . Monitors
John Meade……… Staging and Guitars
The Screening Crew
Michael Devine ……Tour Manager
Marius ……………..Transport
Paddy Doherty….. Manager….assisted by Cian
Aiken Promotions…with Cathy Wilson and crew
All the Staff at Waterfront
None of this could happen without all you good listeners….I live a very priveliged existance….never dreamt of such lofty heights when I started out with my £3 guitar and a bunch of Clancy Brothers Ballads….way back in the old world
About 45 years ago a couple of us went from Dundalk to the Glen for a funeral. We decided to stay in Dwyer’s b&b in Waterville. You never know, we might get a chance to chat with Mick, we were aspiring college GAA coaches then with a grand team of youngsters. Sure enough Mick came in, and super host that he was he spotted the two strangers. How ya lads. Grand. Would you have a few minutes to chat football asked I. Back in a jiffy. A couple of minutes later he came back, sat down, and called out ‘Mary, a big pot of tea and a plate of sandwiches for the lads here’.
He spent four hours with us, answered all our questions, gave me fantastic tips on how to set out a team, how to win. He was generosity itself.
He told us a great story, Eoin Liston was late for training. Mick told him, follow my rules or don’t bother coming at all, and Mick told us he had a terrible sleepless night worrying that the bomber would not come back!
That was the nature of the man I knew…visited once while doing “The Ring” with my Mother….Mick rolled out the hospitality for Nancy…talked to her about Meath Football legends, she always spoke of that afternoon in Waterville ….
and then himself and Karl came to Kildare and he walked the side line with the rolled up programme in his hand…he took us to the only Final Kildare achieved in my lifetime….
back in the day I played two gigs in Mick’s Family Hotel..back when they’d have Cabaret on Sunday night with a Showband coming on at midnight….back when I wrote “Welcome to The Cabaret”
played some tight spots back then….saw some sights..met some quare hawks..all part of learning the ropes…..I don’t regret a minute of any of it…..even the hairy nights were times of learning
Hi. A great day for a drive and lots of memories of Micko being shared on the radio, he certainly made an impact san Riocht and put many other counties on the map, nearly brought Cill Dara to Final glory !! He was a musician also ! Safe travelling all to the Waterfront, always a great atmosphere there. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
RIP Micho..
he gave Kildare a few great outings….and I had a few good gigs in his Lounge, way back about 40 years ago….RIP
hi Christy
a mutual friend from the North of Ireland sent me the last Planxty gig video from Vicar Street yesterday , and it was only when listening to it that i realised the story of how you really did stumble upon the lyrics to Little Musgrave , what a magical find.
Tom Barry does a fine version of it on his Lighthouse album.
Such a sad wee tale , but Andy Irvine brought it further to life with his music.
Rory
21 years ago..seems like last week..I loved playing with that Band…..must be nearly time to sing Little Musgrave again..its been 7or 8 years since….
Just getting organised for the trip to Belfast. Lookihg forward to another great gig. Safe travels to you and all of the crew. Saw a clip on RTE archives on Facebook from this day in 1980 with you and Jimmy Faulkner and “I wish I Was in England” Jimmy was an amazing guitarist.
https://www.rte.ie/archives/2025/0306/1500564-christy-moore-and-jimmy-faulkner/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJbQ8VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdEDTJjUwhpYoI38DktED2BUk4FDERuiJ63YRoUh467ALVThhv5n0Jo2Eg_aem_TXCSPpPi8-oe9brRXVUB-g
I wish I could play that song again with Jimmy….
we’d both do it very different today
I think of Jimmy a lot…. The Boy from Dolphin’s Barn
we travelled manys the road together
Hello Christy,
Hope all is well with you.
We were at the Panther Club in Cleckhuddersfax last night. Lots of songs all round, there was even a Child Ballad 243d if I’m remembering right. The demon lover. Shipwrecks, the supernatural and a great story.
It was a smallish group with guitars, fiddle, mandola, concertina so I got chance to sing five songs.
Reel in the Flickering Light (with guitar)
Parting Glass (acapella)
Wandering Aengus (with guitar)
Smoke and Strong Whiskey (with guitar)
January Man (acapella)
It’s the first time I’ve sung acapella in public.
I liked it! Always had a niggling thought about pitching but it was fine. Don’t know why I’ve let such a stupid worry hold me back.
Here’s something intriguing
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A3HJPWU8x/
Rebecca
thats the way to go Rebecca