Hi Christy. I saw you at the Marquee in Cork last night and you were fantastic as always. You sing with such conviction, energy and passion – you leave younger musicians in a cloud of feckin’ dust. Although it’s hard to pinpoint highlights – there were so many – you sang ‘Black Is The Colour’, ‘Back Home In Derry’ and ‘Missing You’ beautifully. They were very moving. ‘Lisdoonvarna’, ‘Joxer’ and ‘My Little Honda 50′ were so much fun. I loved your little story about you and Declan in the caravan opposite Bob Dylan! Ha, ha. My only complaint about last night’s show was that nobody introduced you and Declan formally as ye came out onstage. Maybe you don’t like that kind of fanfare, but I think musicians of your calibre have earned a loud and dignified introduction by now. 🙂 I laughed at how you said last night that you weren’t saying much between the songs because you couldn’t think of anything to say. Ha, ha. I loved the honesty of that. You’re a gas case! Keep on rockin’ Christy (and Declan – very sweet work on the guitar last night), and thanks so much for giving us a great night. God bless. x
Christy's reply
Morra Sparky….sometimes intorductions can be a bit embarrassing, I find it easier to go out and get stuck into to the gig and let the first song be the introduction…I did a gig recently and was introduced by a comedian/mc…both myself and the audience were embarrassed by the shite he came out with…glad you had a good night last night down by The Lee..myself and Declan had a great 2 hours
Loved the chat, as always. Thrilled that more dates have been added. You mentioned in the guestbook here, the opening lyrics to the West Coast of Clare. That song resonates with me too as I lived in Clare for awhile and of course there’s more to that story. However, I wrote Andy about it and he sent me a gracious reply. It causes a catch in the heart when I hear it. Hope to see you and Declan this autumn – this thought gives me a happy catch in the heart. Thanks for sharing the gift so generously.
Christy's reply
Andy has written some wonderful songs….my daughter was at his 70th Birthday celebration gig in Dublin last week. I hear that it was a great night of song and music and that ” The West Coast of Clare” stilled the night once more. I always loved this song in the Planxty days. After I left the band I spent some time trying to cover it but could never do it justice.
Thanks for the chat… always nice to get your side of the coin from the gigs . Good to know that the hall and the crowd in Dun Luiche were up to the mark. We met so many people those two nights that had been to see you down the years and had come back to catch the cabaret again . I know the coffee shop on Bunbeg Pier… there used to be a lonely swan on the water down there too that always reminded me of the Last Cold Kiss.
Plenty of gigs on the Horizon too …Sligo could tip the Balance again !!
Hope the Marquee was full of curious combinations.
Christy's reply
The Marquee was a great Saturday night outing. They assembled from all sides,I met listeners from Melbourne, Ballymountain, Moorefield, Dublin, Red House, Belfast,Georgia,West Cork, Ballyshannon and that was only backstage. It was looking bad in the afternoon, the Marquee was waving in the wind, the rain was cascading down, we were all on tenterhooks but, come 7, it calmed down, the rain stopped, de ball was in and the game was on.
I know this is a bit of a long shot but I’m doing my MA thesis on Eamon Casey, basically looking at the scandal and how he was remembered. Any hope I could grab a quick interview with you about the song? I know you didn’t write it but it would be absolutely fantastic to get your voice in the doc, and just an explanation about what it means. Any time/place that suits you!
All the best,
Rhona
Christy's reply
good luck Rhona, I wish you well with your Thesis…Martin Egan’s fine song encompasses everyything I know about the man of cloth
Hi. At the risk of being parochial…. or even more parochial than usual…what Ventry gig ? are you coming to Paudies ?? I didnt count your guest appearance at the Feothanach gig wonderful and all as it was…. anyway enough,,,,,, Let her rip tonight,,,,, Slan tamall.H
Christy's reply
thanks for all your support Hilary, greetings from the Far East
Best of luck for your midsummer gig at the banks of the Lee tonight! Wish I was there.
Great chat as always, thank you. I’m delighted to read about the Dingle date Aug 24th. Just one day before we are leaving the island. So, if all goes well, we’ll see you in August.
Hi All. Score still stands ,, N.W. 0.6 & D.A 0.1 ach beidh fior failte romhat,,,, beidh Fungi ar an ce agus 4711ers i Daingean Ui Chuis ,,,, but first the Rebels. Beir bua. H
Christy's reply
this score is valid provided one considers Kerry to be the only county in the S.W., ( a common belief in certain quarters)…using the same compass and measuring tape as applied to the N.W. your beloved Kerry would be joined by (parts of) Cork, Limerick, Clare and even Tipperary in the S.W. …..looking forward to Dingle and further on to possible events in Lyracrompane, Camp, Annascaul, Listowel, Lixnaw,Caetlegregory, Ballybunion,… ( I note that Ventry does not count)
Nice chat again Christy. Sickening about that journalist. Noticed a few of your replies on this site being quoted as stories too – lazy journalism at the best. Lucky you’re not up this neck of the woods tonight – flooding all over the place. Great to see a few new gigs being lined up. Hopefully will make it to some of them. Will be strange without Declan for a while but really looking forward to his CD. Hope he makes a few trips to the North West.
Christy's reply
thankfully we still have many good journalists working here..many of them struggling too and many more out of work…some silenced by those whom they dared to criticise….best wishes to all our listeners up yonder
Hi Christy, Thanks for the latest chat, great as always to get your thoughts and insights. I have to say I’m still on a “heavenly” high from the Dunlewey gigs….mighty stuff !!! It;s a pity the weather was poor though, I’m sure you would have enjoyed a bit of sunshine while you were up here. Had a wee laugh reading about your former tour manager John “half shaft” Mc Fadden….that was my Dads name (God Rest Him) minus the “half shalf” that his. He was a weaver by profession and a true gentleman as well….. It sounds like you had a great day at “The Celebration Of Recovery”….I reckon I would have enjoyed that one myself, fair play to all concerned…..Just booked flights this morning for Scotland in November…hoping to catch the Edinburgh gig and also I have to experience The Barrowlands….Might even manage to squueze in a trip to Parkhead if the Bhoys are at home that weekend……Hope to catch a gig or two before November though if I can. Love & Respect Martin Mac
Christy's reply
Our John McFadden was a great transport manager…he drove Clannad in their halcyon days when along with Leon Brennan and Nicky Ryan, Clannad ruled European Folk festivals with their great sounds and revolutionary Bose PA System (with Nicky at the dials)….Nicky was Planxty’s first sound engineer..he went on to develop the Clannad sound and for the past two decades has been producing Enya’s soundscape…but McFadden was the man to drive the van
hi Christy, havent seen you since kilkenny must be well over a year ago now. must arrange another date soon but find it hard to listen to your music these days… makes me sad as it makes me remember happier times with someone, we are no longer together. You are a thread that has connected us since day one (our very first conversation was about you!)… and i suppose will always connect us as he feels the same about your music at the minute… (he has even taken most of your songs out of his setlist!!)
I’m sure with time it will get easier and we will remember fondly without the sadness! Anyway, would just like to say thanks for coming on the journey with us!!
Ill be back some day soon when every song has a new story for me!
Much Love!
Christy's reply
Sorrow and Sadness, Bitterness and Grief….from such lonesome beginnings manys the beautiful song has been crafted…then come some better times, new beginnings …often hard to comprehend in the dark days but, nevertheless, we must have hope,
Hi Christy and Declan,
Looking forward to the Marquee on Saturday 23rd.My wife Yvonne’s birthday is on the 24th.Could you sing ‘The Voyage’ for her fromGer and the crew(Liam and Ana?
Thanks(in anticipation!)
Ger
Hi Christy,
I hope you are well!
McDermotts Ltd are sponsoring the Mick Hipkiss Concert at the Town Hall, Birmingham on 6th February 2013. We understand that you know Mick very well and would like to enquire whether you would like to perform at the concert too? Im sure you will agree that Mick is a living legend and unfortunately is suffering from ill health at the moment.
Other bands featuring are; Drowsy Maggie. Featuring Drowsy Maggie (past and present), The Father Teds, The Hurling Boys, and The Reel Note. Special guest appearances from The Canons (Sean Canon of the Dubliners), The Birmingham Ceili Band and The Academy of Irish Dance Music and Song.
I know you are busy touring but it really would be a great honour if you could make it and we would really appreciate your support as tickets are due to go on sale soon! So we will need to know either way whether you can or can’t as soon as possible if you could please.
We know that Mick will be so touched by this concert and from the support of everyone involved.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Niamh
Christy's reply
we spoke to the organisers of the concert some months ago
Christy you have to come to the all ireland fleadh in Cavan this year..
You’d draw a massive crowd full of traditional music lovers!
I’m only 17 but still one of your biggest fans. Would love to see you!
Christy's reply
I was 17 when I went to my first Fleadh…11 of us went in a van…we slept in a hay shed for 3 nights and the music was ringing in my ears for a week after…I only go to real Fleadhs in my dreams now but that suits me..I go to the odd Flee Ad across the water but that, sadly, has become a trad free zone…be heading up to Doonaree, where the rhodedenroms grow, before the year is out
The countdown is on to Saturday Christy! It’s been two years since we saw you last play…cannot wait!
Christy's reply
we have not played since last Saturday in Dun Lewey Co.Donegal….I can hardly wait myself…when I get over excited I do go for a swim in the sea…Shine On leary
Hey Christy 🙂
How are you doing?
I just want to say a GIANT thankyoooou for signing my Jacket in Derry and for the beautiful message on the postcard! 🙂
Dream come true!
I thought my dad was going to cry or something! He was soooo happy and amazed! He couldn’t believe it and I still can’t!
I’ve got them both safe and sound waiting until I can take them home and get them framed and put on my wall where theyll be safe forever!
Thank you Christy! 🙂
Much love from Christy.
xXx
ps.. There was 3 Christy’s that night at the concert! I met a man the next day called Christy and we had a jam and he said he was there the same night.. You, Christy and me .. now its weird saying that! 🙂 xXx
Christy's reply
keep singing, keep playing, enjoy your jorney and your music…best of luck to you DD
Hi there Christy, can you answer a question.. I was told that early days of your singing you and other, now famous folk singers would sing in a pub at cutbush. People would be queued out the door. Would this be true? Any other info about your experience there if you did play? I recently moved to the area and locals were telling me this.
Christy's reply
early days of my singing took me to many sheebeens around Kildare…my memory 50years on would be fairly selective…I recall singing in Neesons,McCabes,Curragh Inn, McTiernan’s,John Johnsons, Floods, The Arch Bar and Joe O’Rourke’s in newbridge. There used to be a queue to get out. Travelled further afield to Dowlings of Prosperous ( ONLY when Pat himself ran it) The Rising Sun in Brownstown ( where tempers often rose) Brennans of Old Kilcullen, Berneys of Kilcullen, Mulrennans in Kilmeague. Frank Kellys at Milltown Lock….Leahys of The Standhouse ( great place for a morning session)….these are but a few of the many gazebos where I strut me stuff in the 60s…I may have been to Cutbush, Suncroft,Narraghmore,Coill Dubh,Clogherinkoe,Rathcoffey, God-Knows-Where and I am not going to argue with anyone who saw me but keep the grain of salt handy…played in the Sgts Mess on the Curragh circab1963 (and the NCOs too) but never made it into an Officers’s mess altho I did go to a party in The C/O’s house in 1961
Howya Christy, been ages since I was on here, life being life, the usual comings and goings!
Looking forward to the Big tent on Saturday, and as it was was a few years ago, you’re playing on Spancil Hill Day – “It was on the 23rd of June, the day before the fair…” Will you grace us with a rendition again?
If you do, I wonder could you sing it for Leigh, who’s coming to see you for the first time, and is really looking forward to it. As always, a chara, it’s going to be a thrill listening yourself and the good Doctor batin’ into the tunes in the tent!
Marcaigh ar aghaidh agus míle buíochas!
Hi Christy. I saw you at the Marquee in Cork last night and you were fantastic as always. You sing with such conviction, energy and passion – you leave younger musicians in a cloud of feckin’ dust. Although it’s hard to pinpoint highlights – there were so many – you sang ‘Black Is The Colour’, ‘Back Home In Derry’ and ‘Missing You’ beautifully. They were very moving. ‘Lisdoonvarna’, ‘Joxer’ and ‘My Little Honda 50′ were so much fun. I loved your little story about you and Declan in the caravan opposite Bob Dylan! Ha, ha. My only complaint about last night’s show was that nobody introduced you and Declan formally as ye came out onstage. Maybe you don’t like that kind of fanfare, but I think musicians of your calibre have earned a loud and dignified introduction by now. 🙂 I laughed at how you said last night that you weren’t saying much between the songs because you couldn’t think of anything to say. Ha, ha. I loved the honesty of that. You’re a gas case! Keep on rockin’ Christy (and Declan – very sweet work on the guitar last night), and thanks so much for giving us a great night. God bless. x
Morra Sparky….sometimes intorductions can be a bit embarrassing, I find it easier to go out and get stuck into to the gig and let the first song be the introduction…I did a gig recently and was introduced by a comedian/mc…both myself and the audience were embarrassed by the shite he came out with…glad you had a good night last night down by The Lee..myself and Declan had a great 2 hours
great gig at the marquee last night christy, you were brillant .and needless to say declan was excellent .
gerard
Thanks Gerard
Loved the chat, as always. Thrilled that more dates have been added. You mentioned in the guestbook here, the opening lyrics to the West Coast of Clare. That song resonates with me too as I lived in Clare for awhile and of course there’s more to that story. However, I wrote Andy about it and he sent me a gracious reply. It causes a catch in the heart when I hear it. Hope to see you and Declan this autumn – this thought gives me a happy catch in the heart. Thanks for sharing the gift so generously.
Andy has written some wonderful songs….my daughter was at his 70th Birthday celebration gig in Dublin last week. I hear that it was a great night of song and music and that ” The West Coast of Clare” stilled the night once more. I always loved this song in the Planxty days. After I left the band I spent some time trying to cover it but could never do it justice.
Thanks for the chat… always nice to get your side of the coin from the gigs . Good to know that the hall and the crowd in Dun Luiche were up to the mark. We met so many people those two nights that had been to see you down the years and had come back to catch the cabaret again . I know the coffee shop on Bunbeg Pier… there used to be a lonely swan on the water down there too that always reminded me of the Last Cold Kiss.
Plenty of gigs on the Horizon too …Sligo could tip the Balance again !!
Hope the Marquee was full of curious combinations.
The Marquee was a great Saturday night outing. They assembled from all sides,I met listeners from Melbourne, Ballymountain, Moorefield, Dublin, Red House, Belfast,Georgia,West Cork, Ballyshannon and that was only backstage. It was looking bad in the afternoon, the Marquee was waving in the wind, the rain was cascading down, we were all on tenterhooks but, come 7, it calmed down, the rain stopped, de ball was in and the game was on.
Hi Christy,
I know this is a bit of a long shot but I’m doing my MA thesis on Eamon Casey, basically looking at the scandal and how he was remembered. Any hope I could grab a quick interview with you about the song? I know you didn’t write it but it would be absolutely fantastic to get your voice in the doc, and just an explanation about what it means. Any time/place that suits you!
All the best,
Rhona
good luck Rhona, I wish you well with your Thesis…Martin Egan’s fine song encompasses everyything I know about the man of cloth
Hi. At the risk of being parochial…. or even more parochial than usual…what Ventry gig ? are you coming to Paudies ?? I didnt count your guest appearance at the Feothanach gig wonderful and all as it was…. anyway enough,,,,,, Let her rip tonight,,,,, Slan tamall.H
thanks for all your support Hilary, greetings from the Far East
Thank you x
Hi Christy,
… as the summer comes around each year …
Best of luck for your midsummer gig at the banks of the Lee tonight! Wish I was there.
Great chat as always, thank you. I’m delighted to read about the Dingle date Aug 24th. Just one day before we are leaving the island. So, if all goes well, we’ll see you in August.
Love, Traudel
Shine On Traudel
Hi All. Score still stands ,, N.W. 0.6 & D.A 0.1 ach beidh fior failte romhat,,,, beidh Fungi ar an ce agus 4711ers i Daingean Ui Chuis ,,,, but first the Rebels. Beir bua. H
this score is valid provided one considers Kerry to be the only county in the S.W., ( a common belief in certain quarters)…using the same compass and measuring tape as applied to the N.W. your beloved Kerry would be joined by (parts of) Cork, Limerick, Clare and even Tipperary in the S.W. …..looking forward to Dingle and further on to possible events in Lyracrompane, Camp, Annascaul, Listowel, Lixnaw,Caetlegregory, Ballybunion,… ( I note that Ventry does not count)
Nice chat again Christy. Sickening about that journalist. Noticed a few of your replies on this site being quoted as stories too – lazy journalism at the best. Lucky you’re not up this neck of the woods tonight – flooding all over the place. Great to see a few new gigs being lined up. Hopefully will make it to some of them. Will be strange without Declan for a while but really looking forward to his CD. Hope he makes a few trips to the North West.
thankfully we still have many good journalists working here..many of them struggling too and many more out of work…some silenced by those whom they dared to criticise….best wishes to all our listeners up yonder
Hi Christy, Thanks for the latest chat, great as always to get your thoughts and insights. I have to say I’m still on a “heavenly” high from the Dunlewey gigs….mighty stuff !!! It;s a pity the weather was poor though, I’m sure you would have enjoyed a bit of sunshine while you were up here. Had a wee laugh reading about your former tour manager John “half shaft” Mc Fadden….that was my Dads name (God Rest Him) minus the “half shalf” that his. He was a weaver by profession and a true gentleman as well….. It sounds like you had a great day at “The Celebration Of Recovery”….I reckon I would have enjoyed that one myself, fair play to all concerned…..Just booked flights this morning for Scotland in November…hoping to catch the Edinburgh gig and also I have to experience The Barrowlands….Might even manage to squueze in a trip to Parkhead if the Bhoys are at home that weekend……Hope to catch a gig or two before November though if I can. Love & Respect Martin Mac
Our John McFadden was a great transport manager…he drove Clannad in their halcyon days when along with Leon Brennan and Nicky Ryan, Clannad ruled European Folk festivals with their great sounds and revolutionary Bose PA System (with Nicky at the dials)….Nicky was Planxty’s first sound engineer..he went on to develop the Clannad sound and for the past two decades has been producing Enya’s soundscape…but McFadden was the man to drive the van
hi Christy, havent seen you since kilkenny must be well over a year ago now. must arrange another date soon but find it hard to listen to your music these days… makes me sad as it makes me remember happier times with someone, we are no longer together. You are a thread that has connected us since day one (our very first conversation was about you!)… and i suppose will always connect us as he feels the same about your music at the minute… (he has even taken most of your songs out of his setlist!!)
I’m sure with time it will get easier and we will remember fondly without the sadness! Anyway, would just like to say thanks for coming on the journey with us!!
Ill be back some day soon when every song has a new story for me!
Much Love!
Sorrow and Sadness, Bitterness and Grief….from such lonesome beginnings manys the beautiful song has been crafted…then come some better times, new beginnings …often hard to comprehend in the dark days but, nevertheless, we must have hope,
Hi Christy and Declan,
Looking forward to the Marquee on Saturday 23rd.My wife Yvonne’s birthday is on the 24th.Could you sing ‘The Voyage’ for her fromGer and the crew(Liam and Ana?
Thanks(in anticipation!)
Ger
Hi Christy,
I hope you are well!
McDermotts Ltd are sponsoring the Mick Hipkiss Concert at the Town Hall, Birmingham on 6th February 2013. We understand that you know Mick very well and would like to enquire whether you would like to perform at the concert too? Im sure you will agree that Mick is a living legend and unfortunately is suffering from ill health at the moment.
Other bands featuring are; Drowsy Maggie. Featuring Drowsy Maggie (past and present), The Father Teds, The Hurling Boys, and The Reel Note. Special guest appearances from The Canons (Sean Canon of the Dubliners), The Birmingham Ceili Band and The Academy of Irish Dance Music and Song.
I know you are busy touring but it really would be a great honour if you could make it and we would really appreciate your support as tickets are due to go on sale soon! So we will need to know either way whether you can or can’t as soon as possible if you could please.
We know that Mick will be so touched by this concert and from the support of everyone involved.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Niamh
we spoke to the organisers of the concert some months ago
Christy you have to come to the all ireland fleadh in Cavan this year..
You’d draw a massive crowd full of traditional music lovers!
I’m only 17 but still one of your biggest fans. Would love to see you!
I was 17 when I went to my first Fleadh…11 of us went in a van…we slept in a hay shed for 3 nights and the music was ringing in my ears for a week after…I only go to real Fleadhs in my dreams now but that suits me..I go to the odd Flee Ad across the water but that, sadly, has become a trad free zone…be heading up to Doonaree, where the rhodedenroms grow, before the year is out
The countdown is on to Saturday Christy! It’s been two years since we saw you last play…cannot wait!
we have not played since last Saturday in Dun Lewey Co.Donegal….I can hardly wait myself…when I get over excited I do go for a swim in the sea…Shine On leary
Christy are you planning any dates in England down south
we played South earlier this year…hopefull next year we will return but nothing in the pipeline at this time
Hey Christy 🙂
How are you doing?
I just want to say a GIANT thankyoooou for signing my Jacket in Derry and for the beautiful message on the postcard! 🙂
Dream come true!
I thought my dad was going to cry or something! He was soooo happy and amazed! He couldn’t believe it and I still can’t!
I’ve got them both safe and sound waiting until I can take them home and get them framed and put on my wall where theyll be safe forever!
Thank you Christy! 🙂
Much love from Christy.
xXx
ps.. There was 3 Christy’s that night at the concert! I met a man the next day called Christy and we had a jam and he said he was there the same night.. You, Christy and me .. now its weird saying that! 🙂 xXx
keep singing, keep playing, enjoy your jorney and your music…best of luck to you DD
Hi there Christy, can you answer a question.. I was told that early days of your singing you and other, now famous folk singers would sing in a pub at cutbush. People would be queued out the door. Would this be true? Any other info about your experience there if you did play? I recently moved to the area and locals were telling me this.
early days of my singing took me to many sheebeens around Kildare…my memory 50years on would be fairly selective…I recall singing in Neesons,McCabes,Curragh Inn, McTiernan’s,John Johnsons, Floods, The Arch Bar and Joe O’Rourke’s in newbridge. There used to be a queue to get out. Travelled further afield to Dowlings of Prosperous ( ONLY when Pat himself ran it) The Rising Sun in Brownstown ( where tempers often rose) Brennans of Old Kilcullen, Berneys of Kilcullen, Mulrennans in Kilmeague. Frank Kellys at Milltown Lock….Leahys of The Standhouse ( great place for a morning session)….these are but a few of the many gazebos where I strut me stuff in the 60s…I may have been to Cutbush, Suncroft,Narraghmore,Coill Dubh,Clogherinkoe,Rathcoffey, God-Knows-Where and I am not going to argue with anyone who saw me but keep the grain of salt handy…played in the Sgts Mess on the Curragh circab1963 (and the NCOs too) but never made it into an Officers’s mess altho I did go to a party in The C/O’s house in 1961
Howya Christy, been ages since I was on here, life being life, the usual comings and goings!
Looking forward to the Big tent on Saturday, and as it was was a few years ago, you’re playing on Spancil Hill Day – “It was on the 23rd of June, the day before the fair…” Will you grace us with a rendition again?
If you do, I wonder could you sing it for Leigh, who’s coming to see you for the first time, and is really looking forward to it. As always, a chara, it’s going to be a thrill listening yourself and the good Doctor batin’ into the tunes in the tent!
Marcaigh ar aghaidh agus míle buíochas!
curious combinations