Just bought tickets for the York Barbican gig November 5th and bringing my sister along for the first time. She really loves Christy singing “Little Musgrave”. It would be great if the song could be on the playlist. If not it’ll be great anyway!!
Christy's reply
“I’d gladly give a hundred pounds to be on yonder plain”
There is indeed a parish hall in Leitirmacaward – St Bridgets Hall. And there was an Anti- Uranium protest group Active in the area of Leitir and Fintown in the late seventies/early eighties which was an area where mining was proposed to take place. Can’t track down any info on a concert there yet though. It would’ve been a solo gig at that time ??
Christy's reply
A bus load of us travelled up to Leitirmacaward…we were all involved in the anti-nuclear collective that emerged from the Carnsore Point Gathering…I think that Donal Lunny, Mick Hanly, Johnny Moynihan,Jimmy Faulkner, Declan McNelis and Rick Epping may also have been on the bus that day…we had a band called “The Early Grave Band”..We did the anti-Nuclear tour in 1978, visited 20 towns to raise awareness and gather funds for the Carnsore Festival.We also recorded a 12” Single.
Hi All. I heard there were two encores last night ?? Was wee Daniel in the room or what ?..and whats more,,,,,,,6 gigs in the North West in 6 weeks,,, us poor marginalised people living in a disadvantaged area only get one gig a year and as you know we are poor travellers,,,Enjoy tonight,,,, while Andy is in Vicar St…….Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
the poor marginalised below in the kingdom…I thought it was Jackie Healy Ray there for a minute….Lyracrompane here we come….
Three Australians , two with Irish heritage, we will visit Ireland for the first time ever in mid September 2012. Would love to know if Christy is performing anywhere from Sept 16-21
Christy's reply
Morra Nipper…come on up and we’ll see what happens..there may be a few gigs at that time but nothing firmed up yet…if I’m not gigging you wont be short of things to do..Matchmaking in Lisdoonvarna, Gay Bachelor festival in Ballybunion, Bog Snorkelling in The Shortgrass County. you will be a week late for The Hurling Final and a week early for the Football Final but dont let that worry you, Sept is a good month…. with the hay saved, turf clamped, spuds pitted and the pig well salted we will be ready to party….get your copy of Old Moores Almanac before you leave NSW…you can then map your route…..Ride On Nipper and Co
Hi Christy, the gig was pure magic tonight well done to Declan and yourself.
Christy's reply
between the fresh air, the spring water, the Donegal catch,the new spuds chomped up with country butter and chopped scallions…sure a man would have to sing after that
Hi Christy, tremendous gig tonight in Dunlewey !!! Have to say the management team and the backroom boys got the tactics spot on right from the off….a good opener with Duffy’s Cut followed by some great interplay throughout…the strike force was well on target with Beeswing, Morecome Bay and Nancy Spain to name but a few….without question a winning formation tonight (great to see you both in such fine form). The Donegal fans played their part too….they were certainly up for the sing-song LOL !!! Great venue & great sound also. Looking forward to the second half tomorrow night. You asked about the poisoned glen and where the name came from so I checked it out….
“The name ‘the Poisoned Glen’ is probably a mistranslation of the Irish name. In earlier days locals would have only spoken Irish and they called this place ‘Gleann Nemhe’ ~ The Heavenly Glen. The name in Irish for heaven is Neamh and the word for poison in Irish is neimhe ~ just one letter difference so it is easy to see how the words may have been mixed up when translated to English. At any rate, the name Heavenly Glen so much better describes this beautiful place”.
Love & Respect Martin Mac
Christy's reply
Morra Martin..thanks for that…that is a great explanation of how the name evolved…I was always trying to link the old name of the glen with Uranium, I was barking up the wrong tree….Heavenly Glen makes more sense…strange that the people never thought to give the place its proper name…did you ever see Brian Friel’s play “Translations”..one of my favourite plays ever….Im also wondering about the anti Uranium mining concert…no one seems to remember it at all…Im beginning to doubt it ever happened at all…maybe i was blacked out and dreamt it…might it have been in Lettermacaward, is there a hall there ?? maybe talk later
What a gig that was ….from Duffys Cut and Bob Dylans Donegal period right through to Allende and the Cliffs of Dooneen and everything in between ,it was fantastic.
We will be back for more tomorrow night.
Hope the wind eases and the rain clears so ye can get your heads outside the door tomorrow.
Thanks for signing the songbook too.
Christy's reply
fair play you three loyal stalwarts…I’m just getting into the pajamas now
Loving the fact that the soccer is on and it means that RTE manage to give Joxer a spin (I hope you get the royalties!). Just want to say your music, character and wit is timeless and would love to see you back up these parts soon.
You are a national treasure, lets just hope that Angela Merkel doesnt try to cash you in.
Philip
Christy's reply
myself and Angela go way back, we first met in Hamburg’s Musikhalle when Planxty made their German debut in 1972. Ms Merkel was boppin away to The Shaskeen Reel and appeared to be mesmerised by Liam O’Flynn’s chanter….then when he brought the regulators into The Bucks of Oranmore the poor girl fainted with excitement…Andy Irvine leapt to assist her with smelling salts ( he always has medications at hand for such emergencies), Donal Lunny was soon taking her temperature while I rang for the priest. As luck would have it there were two doctors at the gig over on holidays from Nigeria..they carried the music striken lady to the dressing room and attended to her needs. From what I hear she has never looked back since but can still become weak at the knees if Uileann Pipes or Nigerian Doctors enter her air space. Every time Joxer gets a spin on the wireless I get 9 cent less commissions, vat, dirt, prsi, mcpsa,gaa and fca so never be short. I hope to be back up the Lagan fields before too long if all goes well in The Senior Championship. We’re going all out for the One-in-a-row this year and we commence our campaign in Tullamore this coming Sunday.
Christy I hope you are well and I can see your gigs are just making people so happy. I am watching the football and I feel a bit sad about England. I don’t know Christy it all just seems so pointless. Also a bit irritated by Roy Keane. But I guess we all have our own fish to fry. Best wishes for Gweedore. “Oh then Mary you’re my hearts delight…..”xx
Christy's reply
I seem to have missed whatever it was Roy said…a great night in Gweedore tonight…back from the gig now and chilling out with a draught of Camomille and a wee natter with the songsters…you are barely over the Jubilee and now you have the Olympics looming, God bless ye all and keep ye safe…..we had the Eucharistic Congress here during the week….quite a gaggle of the pious but nothing like the previous incantation which took place here back in the 20th century…some great costumes mind you…those lads sure do know how to dress up..they could show Grace Jones a thing or two
It’s been some time ago, but I don’t want to miss mentioning that the main reason why my girlfriend and I went to London over Easter was Christy’s concert on 4th April at the Royal Festival Hall. So, Christy, as you play too few concerts in Germany we have to cross the pond. And as we extra came from Stuttgart we loved Christy you giving us “Joxter goes to Stuttgart” about the Irish’s first footbal victory over England, a highlight in our town back in 1988 that I still remember. Sorry for the Irish team’s performance at the Euro.
Christy's reply
Hey Thomas…hope all is good with you over there in Rhineland, I think you are on the great river…thanks for your commiserations but we manage to enjoy ourselves when we travel abroad….win lose or draw us Paddies and Bridies will party til dawn…I fancy our chances in The World Cup
Hi Christy, the fans last night were wonderful (never mind what Roy Keane thinks) brought the memories flooding back for sure !! The Charlton era was somethimg else….we drank and sang for Ireland……even though that was at lifetime ago for me I still felt very proud last night and anyone who was lucky enough to have been there will remember it forever I’m sure. It’s not very often you get the chance to see the World Champions in action….breathtaking, a little bit like Decky and Yourself !!! Cya later Love & Respect Martin Mac
Christy's reply
if it was’nt for those 4 lucky goals it would have been a draw
Best wishes to you and Decky for the Donegal gigs. Sadly i won’t be there myself but I’m sure they will be two very special nights. I’m sure there’ll be a warm welcome for you in the Hills.
Christy's reply
Johnny Boy…Decky and I dont do warm….only hot …..so far its hot up here in The Hills…the wind is leppin , the rain is hoppin, Black Jack Adair is burning and Crookshank along with him
Hi Christy, A little flat after last night but cheered myself up this morning when I managed to pick up a couple of tickets for tonight, brining along a friend Shay who has never been to one of your gigs before (he’s in for a treat). He’s getting married in a few weeks times as well (God love him) so he had better make the most of it….LOL ! See ya later Love & Respect Martin Mac..
Christy's reply
I wish Shay and his partner every happiness…were’nt the Irish fans something else last night….
Even on a windswept rainfilled day, the “Glen” has its magic. If you get the chance , listen to the Goats Don’t Shave and their song “the Evictions Of Derryveigh”
Christy's reply
what a great song …thanks for that…I am learning it already ! a great way to put in a damp and dirty day
your welcome to Gweedore Christy hope the wind stops howling before u leave so u can enjoy her beauty..u can drop up for the cuppa anytime just look for the highest house and ur sorted looking forward so much to friday night and if u could sing Billy Grey for me it would make me one happy person but christy if u cant i will still be happy just to hear you sing what pleasrs urself.. enjoy ur stay. enjoy Patsy Ferry
Christy's reply
A grand fresh breeze in Gweedore……Gantry here we come
I see you’re playing Gweedore on saturday… be a bit of a drive to Dublin for Andy’s gig! ah shame! gonna be epic…. saw himself, donal and liam there few months back. Beautiful stuff
Hi Christy week 3 of soberiaty going to sunderland to see Bruce Sptingsteen next week first sober gig will let you know how i get on still aiming for sober gig @the barras
Christy's reply
well done Mick…..I mind the time I could get make it to the afternoon without lifting a glass…I wish you well…one day at a time
Hi Christy, hope this finds you well… and I hope your enjoying the Euro’s… I’m settling in for the evening’s football as we speak, my expectations would be limited I’m afraid (but you never know), Joxer could be packing up the wagon for home before the sun sets in Gdansk…..nevertheless it’s been a good tournament so far. Wishing you safe travel up the road tomorrow and hope to see you on Saturday night at the foot of Errigal. Looking forward to getting in to Dunlewey early to soak up the scenery and beauty of this part of Donegal. My last time there was a few years back to see your younger brother in action…Luka had climbed Errigal earlier that day and was in fine form for the gig if memory serves me….Ger H will be on tour with me as well and we are hoping to link up Marty, Ger, Conor and any other travelling 11’ers…CYA there.. Love & Respect Martin Mac
Christy's reply
its good to be back up here….its been a long time…..came to Gortahork in 1957 as a 12 year old lad and attended a Gaeltacht Summer School….I remember a sports day in Falcarragh that year when the lads home frae Glasgow made their presence felt that grand summer’s afternoon…..Came back circa 1980 to play a concert in The Poisened Glen…it was organised by those who were opposed to the proposal that Uranium be mined in the locality..the gig was in a country hall
Just bought tickets for the York Barbican gig November 5th and bringing my sister along for the first time. She really loves Christy singing “Little Musgrave”. It would be great if the song could be on the playlist. If not it’ll be great anyway!!
“I’d gladly give a hundred pounds to be on yonder plain”
There is indeed a parish hall in Leitirmacaward – St Bridgets Hall. And there was an Anti- Uranium protest group Active in the area of Leitir and Fintown in the late seventies/early eighties which was an area where mining was proposed to take place. Can’t track down any info on a concert there yet though. It would’ve been a solo gig at that time ??
A bus load of us travelled up to Leitirmacaward…we were all involved in the anti-nuclear collective that emerged from the Carnsore Point Gathering…I think that Donal Lunny, Mick Hanly, Johnny Moynihan,Jimmy Faulkner, Declan McNelis and Rick Epping may also have been on the bus that day…we had a band called “The Early Grave Band”..We did the anti-Nuclear tour in 1978, visited 20 towns to raise awareness and gather funds for the Carnsore Festival.We also recorded a 12” Single.
Hi All. I heard there were two encores last night ?? Was wee Daniel in the room or what ?..and whats more,,,,,,,6 gigs in the North West in 6 weeks,,, us poor marginalised people living in a disadvantaged area only get one gig a year and as you know we are poor travellers,,,Enjoy tonight,,,, while Andy is in Vicar St…….Beir bua agus beannacht. H
the poor marginalised below in the kingdom…I thought it was Jackie Healy Ray there for a minute….Lyracrompane here we come….
Three Australians , two with Irish heritage, we will visit Ireland for the first time ever in mid September 2012. Would love to know if Christy is performing anywhere from Sept 16-21
Morra Nipper…come on up and we’ll see what happens..there may be a few gigs at that time but nothing firmed up yet…if I’m not gigging you wont be short of things to do..Matchmaking in Lisdoonvarna, Gay Bachelor festival in Ballybunion, Bog Snorkelling in The Shortgrass County. you will be a week late for The Hurling Final and a week early for the Football Final but dont let that worry you, Sept is a good month…. with the hay saved, turf clamped, spuds pitted and the pig well salted we will be ready to party….get your copy of Old Moores Almanac before you leave NSW…you can then map your route…..Ride On Nipper and Co
thanks for a lovely concert and billy gray lovely mix of songs. wish i could be there tonight but enjoy
shine on Patsy
Hi Christy, the gig was pure magic tonight well done to Declan and yourself.
between the fresh air, the spring water, the Donegal catch,the new spuds chomped up with country butter and chopped scallions…sure a man would have to sing after that
Hi Christy, tremendous gig tonight in Dunlewey !!! Have to say the management team and the backroom boys got the tactics spot on right from the off….a good opener with Duffy’s Cut followed by some great interplay throughout…the strike force was well on target with Beeswing, Morecome Bay and Nancy Spain to name but a few….without question a winning formation tonight (great to see you both in such fine form). The Donegal fans played their part too….they were certainly up for the sing-song LOL !!! Great venue & great sound also. Looking forward to the second half tomorrow night. You asked about the poisoned glen and where the name came from so I checked it out….
“The name ‘the Poisoned Glen’ is probably a mistranslation of the Irish name. In earlier days locals would have only spoken Irish and they called this place ‘Gleann Nemhe’ ~ The Heavenly Glen. The name in Irish for heaven is Neamh and the word for poison in Irish is neimhe ~ just one letter difference so it is easy to see how the words may have been mixed up when translated to English. At any rate, the name Heavenly Glen so much better describes this beautiful place”.
Love & Respect Martin Mac
Morra Martin..thanks for that…that is a great explanation of how the name evolved…I was always trying to link the old name of the glen with Uranium, I was barking up the wrong tree….Heavenly Glen makes more sense…strange that the people never thought to give the place its proper name…did you ever see Brian Friel’s play “Translations”..one of my favourite plays ever….Im also wondering about the anti Uranium mining concert…no one seems to remember it at all…Im beginning to doubt it ever happened at all…maybe i was blacked out and dreamt it…might it have been in Lettermacaward, is there a hall there ?? maybe talk later
What a gig that was ….from Duffys Cut and Bob Dylans Donegal period right through to Allende and the Cliffs of Dooneen and everything in between ,it was fantastic.
We will be back for more tomorrow night.
Hope the wind eases and the rain clears so ye can get your heads outside the door tomorrow.
Thanks for signing the songbook too.
fair play you three loyal stalwarts…I’m just getting into the pajamas now
Loving the fact that the soccer is on and it means that RTE manage to give Joxer a spin (I hope you get the royalties!). Just want to say your music, character and wit is timeless and would love to see you back up these parts soon.
You are a national treasure, lets just hope that Angela Merkel doesnt try to cash you in.
Philip
myself and Angela go way back, we first met in Hamburg’s Musikhalle when Planxty made their German debut in 1972. Ms Merkel was boppin away to The Shaskeen Reel and appeared to be mesmerised by Liam O’Flynn’s chanter….then when he brought the regulators into The Bucks of Oranmore the poor girl fainted with excitement…Andy Irvine leapt to assist her with smelling salts ( he always has medications at hand for such emergencies), Donal Lunny was soon taking her temperature while I rang for the priest. As luck would have it there were two doctors at the gig over on holidays from Nigeria..they carried the music striken lady to the dressing room and attended to her needs. From what I hear she has never looked back since but can still become weak at the knees if Uileann Pipes or Nigerian Doctors enter her air space. Every time Joxer gets a spin on the wireless I get 9 cent less commissions, vat, dirt, prsi, mcpsa,gaa and fca so never be short. I hope to be back up the Lagan fields before too long if all goes well in The Senior Championship. We’re going all out for the One-in-a-row this year and we commence our campaign in Tullamore this coming Sunday.
Christy I hope you are well and I can see your gigs are just making people so happy. I am watching the football and I feel a bit sad about England. I don’t know Christy it all just seems so pointless. Also a bit irritated by Roy Keane. But I guess we all have our own fish to fry. Best wishes for Gweedore. “Oh then Mary you’re my hearts delight…..”xx
I seem to have missed whatever it was Roy said…a great night in Gweedore tonight…back from the gig now and chilling out with a draught of Camomille and a wee natter with the songsters…you are barely over the Jubilee and now you have the Olympics looming, God bless ye all and keep ye safe…..we had the Eucharistic Congress here during the week….quite a gaggle of the pious but nothing like the previous incantation which took place here back in the 20th century…some great costumes mind you…those lads sure do know how to dress up..they could show Grace Jones a thing or two
It’s been some time ago, but I don’t want to miss mentioning that the main reason why my girlfriend and I went to London over Easter was Christy’s concert on 4th April at the Royal Festival Hall. So, Christy, as you play too few concerts in Germany we have to cross the pond. And as we extra came from Stuttgart we loved Christy you giving us “Joxter goes to Stuttgart” about the Irish’s first footbal victory over England, a highlight in our town back in 1988 that I still remember. Sorry for the Irish team’s performance at the Euro.
Hey Thomas…hope all is good with you over there in Rhineland, I think you are on the great river…thanks for your commiserations but we manage to enjoy ourselves when we travel abroad….win lose or draw us Paddies and Bridies will party til dawn…I fancy our chances in The World Cup
Hi Christy, the fans last night were wonderful (never mind what Roy Keane thinks) brought the memories flooding back for sure !! The Charlton era was somethimg else….we drank and sang for Ireland……even though that was at lifetime ago for me I still felt very proud last night and anyone who was lucky enough to have been there will remember it forever I’m sure. It’s not very often you get the chance to see the World Champions in action….breathtaking, a little bit like Decky and Yourself !!! Cya later Love & Respect Martin Mac
if it was’nt for those 4 lucky goals it would have been a draw
Best wishes to you and Decky for the Donegal gigs. Sadly i won’t be there myself but I’m sure they will be two very special nights. I’m sure there’ll be a warm welcome for you in the Hills.
Johnny Boy…Decky and I dont do warm….only hot …..so far its hot up here in The Hills…the wind is leppin , the rain is hoppin, Black Jack Adair is burning and Crookshank along with him
Hi Christy,
Have a good one in Daniel country; unfortunately i cannot be there ————-Work calls.
Enjoy.
Patsy
someone has to keep home fires burning….we will sing a song for you here in Clannad/Altan/Skara Brae/Lunny/O Domhnaill/ Margo and Daniel country
Hi Christy, A little flat after last night but cheered myself up this morning when I managed to pick up a couple of tickets for tonight, brining along a friend Shay who has never been to one of your gigs before (he’s in for a treat). He’s getting married in a few weeks times as well (God love him) so he had better make the most of it….LOL ! See ya later Love & Respect Martin Mac..
I wish Shay and his partner every happiness…were’nt the Irish fans something else last night….
Even on a windswept rainfilled day, the “Glen” has its magic. If you get the chance , listen to the Goats Don’t Shave and their song “the Evictions Of Derryveigh”
what a great song …thanks for that…I am learning it already ! a great way to put in a damp and dirty day
your welcome to Gweedore Christy hope the wind stops howling before u leave so u can enjoy her beauty..u can drop up for the cuppa anytime just look for the highest house and ur sorted looking forward so much to friday night and if u could sing Billy Grey for me it would make me one happy person but christy if u cant i will still be happy just to hear you sing what pleasrs urself.. enjoy ur stay. enjoy Patsy Ferry
A grand fresh breeze in Gweedore……Gantry here we come
I see you’re playing Gweedore on saturday… be a bit of a drive to Dublin for Andy’s gig! ah shame! gonna be epic…. saw himself, donal and liam there few months back. Beautiful stuff
it surely will be a great gathering
Hi Christy week 3 of soberiaty going to sunderland to see Bruce Sptingsteen next week first sober gig will let you know how i get on still aiming for sober gig @the barras
well done Mick…..I mind the time I could get make it to the afternoon without lifting a glass…I wish you well…one day at a time
Hi Christy, hope this finds you well… and I hope your enjoying the Euro’s… I’m settling in for the evening’s football as we speak, my expectations would be limited I’m afraid (but you never know), Joxer could be packing up the wagon for home before the sun sets in Gdansk…..nevertheless it’s been a good tournament so far. Wishing you safe travel up the road tomorrow and hope to see you on Saturday night at the foot of Errigal. Looking forward to getting in to Dunlewey early to soak up the scenery and beauty of this part of Donegal. My last time there was a few years back to see your younger brother in action…Luka had climbed Errigal earlier that day and was in fine form for the gig if memory serves me….Ger H will be on tour with me as well and we are hoping to link up Marty, Ger, Conor and any other travelling 11’ers…CYA there.. Love & Respect Martin Mac
its good to be back up here….its been a long time…..came to Gortahork in 1957 as a 12 year old lad and attended a Gaeltacht Summer School….I remember a sports day in Falcarragh that year when the lads home frae Glasgow made their presence felt that grand summer’s afternoon…..Came back circa 1980 to play a concert in The Poisened Glen…it was organised by those who were opposed to the proposal that Uranium be mined in the locality..the gig was in a country hall