Christy thank you for taking the time after your gig last night to meet people in Sligo, (I was the man who used to live in Clane and had our two boys with me), your concert was excellent and great to hear all the stories with the songs. Personal memories returned of the blue lagoon, ballyhaunis, brentwood, albert hall, ger fennelly, the point, finley park etc. You have a wonderful talent and thank you for taking the time to talk and listen after a busy night. When we got home the kids (10 and 13) were on the guitars and I went to sleep listening to 2012 renditions of ordinary man and ride on, Thank you Mark
Christy's reply
lovely to meet your two sons..what a grand pair of young men..to think of them going home from the gig and having a play is a lovely thought, thanks for sharing…at their age I was piano mad…always rattling out rock and roll and singing Elvis, Buddy, Tommy Steele, bits of blues and a few old ballads..then The Clancys came and turned my world up side down and I’ve been upside down ever since…you mention Brentwood, that was a hard time for those living in England..the night I played Brentwood something weird happened…I came out of my dressing room and bumped straight into George Harrison..he was there to collect one of his kids who was involved in an early show…I did not know what to say or do so I said and did nothing…just put my head down and did not intrude upon him..recently watched ( for the second time) Martin Scorsese’s wonderful biopic on George….hard to believe that The Beatles only existed as a band for 7 years. heartily recommend this film to anyone with an interest in The Fab Four. also caught a docu film on the band Squeeze last night on BBC4…was not overly familiar with their work but they sure did make some great songs..your mention of Ballyhaunis, was that of The Midas Club and legendary Paul Claffey ?
Hi All,,,, Yes a different kind of venue,,, a respectful even reserved audience , except for the flag waving crowd from the Hills,,,, but nice to see the Green and Gold all the same, some songs,,, Aonghus, Sonny,,,Matty,, Leitrim,,, Ronnie Reagan,,, Morecomb Bay,,, BBR,,,, and a few reels from a surprise guest,,,,,, afterwards a grand gaggle of 4711ers,,,, no song but certainly plenty of talk,,,,,,, the American visitors were charmed by the songs and stories,,,,, go raibh mile maith agat…. feels like more ! Beir bua. H
Christy's reply
I thought I detected a flag at the front, sometimes with lights and other preoccapations I dont notice things…aurals and vibes are more likely to be percieved ,and me with the auld glims fading and them closed most of the time anyway.a lot of youngsters about last night and many of them budding songsters too..it was lovely to have Shamie out..he is a true music man..great ear and heart and feeling for the pure stuff..he fairly laced into that set of reels, jasus I was nearly bet tryin to keep up with him…Decky was having none of the diddeley, that lad had the Trad By-Pass around the same time as his first holy communion….
Hi Christy, Thank You for the gig earlier in Sligo……I had a few tunes knocking about in my head on the way up the road this evening in the car, half hoping you might do one of them – you duly obliged with all three, Mattie, Morcombe Bay and Butterfly, the telepathy was working well tonight for sure …LOL ! On arrival I thought to myself this is an unusual venue and I wondered how it would turn out, but as usual it worked out well…Fair play as always to your gallant crew…. 4711er’s well represented tonight also (good to see everyone) thanks for doing the Hills for the bus load from Donegal.
Best of luck with the Cavan gig, hope it goes well too. We’re off to see Declan next weekend in Ballybofey and looking forward to that one. Love & Respect Always Martin Mac
Christy's reply
so you’re back up yonder…we just pulled into our billet in Cavan after a glorious moonlit ride through Sligo,Leitrim, Fermanagh and finally into The Land of Breffni….there was a wedding on in our digs earlier..its a right feckin madhouse at the minute..the corridoor outside my room is like Puck Fair..theres biddys cryin and paddys dyin or at least they will be in the mornin….fairplay for those telepathic requests, I was wonderin where they came from…easy does it
Just checking the sails and riggings before i set sail for Sligo. Hoping for a fair wind to carry me there safely. Looking forward to the gig and wishing you well. Now…is it right or left for Knocknarea, what tack do i take for Bulben’s head??
Christy's reply
Johnny Boy….hope you met up with The Companeros and had a bit of crack and a few songs….take care
I can’t tell ya how much Froggy and wee Maggie from Andytown are looking forward to your gig tomorrow night (13th) in the Slieve Russell. They brought their four kids up listening to your music and for that we are very grateful, thank God they have good taste! I’m their daughter, myself and my wee brother’s have arranged for them to go to the gig as a wedding anniversary gift. On Sunday (14th) Oct they’ll have survived 40 years of marriage, whilst managing to create the most loving home for their family filled with music and an abundance of humour, with the occasional bit of bickering just to make it interesting! We have (all but one) flown the nest and my Father’s just retired, this is their time now and if it’s at all possible (and not too much to ask) it’d be a fitting tribute if you could play ‘The Voyage’ and dedicate it to them.
Hello dear Christy, I guess you are soon heading north-west to one of my favourite places. Reading about your Sligo gig and all the 4711ers anticipation makes me a bit wistful. I feel sorry that I’m so far away from Knocknarea and Benbulben and the Hazelwood.
It’s October again and I abandon myself to my thoughts, already another year has passed since your German tour.
Hope you’ll all have a great night. Best of luck!
Traudel
Christy's reply
all went well last night in Sligo…..a difficult venue in ways but a lovely audience…had me longing for a hot sweaty steamy gig in The Blue Lagoon or Coolera House or The Venue or Rakish Paddy’s or The Rustic Inn or The Kon-Tiki….but that was then and this is now and we gotta do what we gotta do….when was the last German Tour..was it the last or when will be the next..who knows what way the wind blows…happy Autumn Days to you both…greetings to all songsters in Deutchland
Christy: Down to the wire with only 23 days left as a Bachelor, we have settled on the 20 songs that our Musicians and DJ must play, I was able to slip in Shine On by yourself, something from your brudder Barry a little Thin Lizzy and they will sit in with the likes of Oingo Boingo, Beyonce, Jay Z, Usher, LMAFO. I have to say that might not be company that you normally float with.
Best and Ride on..Gary B
Christy's reply
just arrived into Cavan after a gig in Sligo last night…lots of memories were trawled up…meeting with Kevin and Mary Flynn had me remembering The Boys and Girls of Ballisodare..those great years of music and cameraderie…we were joined on stage by Shamie O’Dowd and we honoured his late Father-…Joe O’Dowd whom I first met in 1972 when Planxty first came to play in Sligo…great excitement in town with Rovers going for the title tomorrow and “Sligo Live” commencing next week. Ray McSharry Way is awash with red….wishing you both every happiness together….
when I was a lad there was a programme on Irish Radio every Sunday Lunchtime. It was called “Take the Floor”. It always commenced when the Master of Ceremonies, DinJoe, announced ” Lift the latch, Open the door, Walk right in and Take The Floor” then the music would commence…..your post reminded me of those distant times…Lisnaskea was also the home place of Frank Lunny Snr, Father of Dónal Lunny, the man of irish music…
More than welcome Christy! Jody has done a lot for people here in trad sessions, both young and old but he doesnt seem to realise how talented he is. He writes from the heart and with a lucky break – the future could could be bright for him. Maybe some day you will hear him do “The lakes of Ponchartrain.” A duet would be priceless!!
Christy's reply
duets that really work are rare enough….I’m hopeless at harmonising and accompanying others…its a great gift at which some people simply excel…Donal Lunny can accompany anything upon first hearing…it could take me a month to learn the chords of a simple song or tune….however I enjoy the wrestle, it keeps me in a safe place
Thanks for the reply Christy, we are having our Music NL awards conference this weekend so I’m sure I’ll see Ron at some point, and I’ll pass along your message. He is having some health issues these days, throat cancer, but he is going strong. There was a large benefit concert a few weeks back, a full house with the who’s who on the music scene here in NL, he even got up and managed to get a song out himself. Anyway you have a lot of fans over here that would love to see you some day, maybe I’ll get them all together and come over there… LOL…..If you get a chance someday pop onto youtube and check out my band Shanneyganock.
Cheers…
Mark..
CM 67
When was the last time you sang flickering light?
Be nice to John he don’t like leaving Doire.
Christy's reply
Dia is Muire dhuit CS(8)….without going through all the years setlists I can only hazard a guess and say that Flicker has only been performed once this past year…this happens along the way….each time I bring a new song into the set an old one has to make way…. when an album comes out with 10 songs…not all of them will survive into the regular repertoire…take the last album, 5 songs have become regulars in the set,3 occasional, 1 seldom and 2 never…the album before has yielded 4 which are ever present….I have never used gigs to promote albums…I see this as a flawed exercise…When I go to a gig I go to listen, to watch and to absorb the performance of the night…it perturbs me, betimes, when the performer constantly promotes product from the stage….of course, me being a grumpy old man I need to have a good moan at least 10 times a day to keep my heart going…my apologies that your simple question should get such a long winded answer…best wishes to all ..especially bróg dearg…CM(67)
Hello Christy, from the other side of the Atlantic, there is a large following of your fans over here in Newfoundland, and a very strong Irish music scene, just wondering if we will ever have the chance of seeing you perform over here in the future…
Christy's reply
Whallup Mark…my very best wishes to all Newfoundland songsters…its not looking likely that I’ll make it over the Atlantic Foam….I have a few bases to cover here before I go gallivanting off to Foreign Parts….Errill, Emo,Edgeworthstown and Enniscorthy spring to mind..there are so many towns here that I have yet to play….what will they say in Naas, Newry, Nobber and Newtownmountkennedy if I go gadding off to Newfoundland before playing their venue…First Thing First is the motto…soon as I have this Island serviced I’ll be on the first boat to St Johns, please send my love and best wishes to Ron Hynes…my lovely new Grandson is called Sonny and ,thanks to Ron, I have a beautiful song to sing for him….
Christy, Last year I was delighted to hear on radio your mention and tribute to the late Conor Brennan who lived just up the road from me – a truly remarkable man by any standard of measurement. I used to hear his Honda 50 coming over the hump back bridge and I would come out just to give him a wave. No flashy helmet for him – just the cap ! If you’re knocking round this part of the country the kettle is only an arm’s lenght away.
Christy's reply
Thanks Fergus….a true one off was Conor…knowing him was one of life’s gifts
Howya Christy, hope all is well. The folks wedding anniversary is nearing the 30year mark and a song my mother and I both love The Voyage has a special part in our hearts. I got this done today, I hope you like it 🙂
Hi, you don’t know me but I’m afraid I have some sad news for you. Our mutual friend Eamonn Clinch has passed away. He spoke proudly and fondly of his friendship with you and I just felt he’d like you to know. I know this might not be the most appropriate way to pass on this news but I wasn’t sure how else to get in touch.
Rhodri
Christy's reply
heard from Eamonn’s nephew last week when news of Eamonn’s passing was shared here. Sad news which revived many great times shared in the late 60s when we were all in our hayday. thanks for sharing..
Saw your last two gigs in this fine city and looking forward to seeing you and Declan in Manchester on Nov 6th. Any chance of squeezing “Burning Times” into the set?
Christy's reply
on the back of your request it may be done…a great song from Charlie Murphy
I love coming to see you in concert but I’d love the opportunity to see you in a smaller more intimate venue such as a pub. I was wondering if you could let me know if you’ll be playing in any such locations in Dublin in the near future?
All the best,
Thady
Christy's reply
nothing planned at this time Thady…it took me 25 years to achieve gigs outside pubs, I’m in no hurry back.. but who knows what waits us all down the road
Really looking forward to Sligo on Friday night – the perfect antidote to a stressful old month.Still, a chink of light in the tunnel now – let’s hope it’s not the train 🙂 Be great to see some of the gang – i cannot thank you enough for the friendships and the craic that’s come from your gigs. Safe travels and see you under Ben Bulben.
Christy's reply
Hope your stress is abating…its an awful yoke to bear…shoulders and neck locked with tension, heart pumping and body in knots of angst… its a hoor of a dose…hopefully the Sligo air will help you relax…its always good to see you
Christy thank you for taking the time after your gig last night to meet people in Sligo, (I was the man who used to live in Clane and had our two boys with me), your concert was excellent and great to hear all the stories with the songs. Personal memories returned of the blue lagoon, ballyhaunis, brentwood, albert hall, ger fennelly, the point, finley park etc. You have a wonderful talent and thank you for taking the time to talk and listen after a busy night. When we got home the kids (10 and 13) were on the guitars and I went to sleep listening to 2012 renditions of ordinary man and ride on, Thank you Mark
lovely to meet your two sons..what a grand pair of young men..to think of them going home from the gig and having a play is a lovely thought, thanks for sharing…at their age I was piano mad…always rattling out rock and roll and singing Elvis, Buddy, Tommy Steele, bits of blues and a few old ballads..then The Clancys came and turned my world up side down and I’ve been upside down ever since…you mention Brentwood, that was a hard time for those living in England..the night I played Brentwood something weird happened…I came out of my dressing room and bumped straight into George Harrison..he was there to collect one of his kids who was involved in an early show…I did not know what to say or do so I said and did nothing…just put my head down and did not intrude upon him..recently watched ( for the second time) Martin Scorsese’s wonderful biopic on George….hard to believe that The Beatles only existed as a band for 7 years. heartily recommend this film to anyone with an interest in The Fab Four. also caught a docu film on the band Squeeze last night on BBC4…was not overly familiar with their work but they sure did make some great songs..your mention of Ballyhaunis, was that of The Midas Club and legendary Paul Claffey ?
Hi All,,,, Yes a different kind of venue,,, a respectful even reserved audience , except for the flag waving crowd from the Hills,,,, but nice to see the Green and Gold all the same, some songs,,, Aonghus, Sonny,,,Matty,, Leitrim,,, Ronnie Reagan,,, Morecomb Bay,,, BBR,,,, and a few reels from a surprise guest,,,,,, afterwards a grand gaggle of 4711ers,,,, no song but certainly plenty of talk,,,,,,, the American visitors were charmed by the songs and stories,,,,, go raibh mile maith agat…. feels like more ! Beir bua. H
I thought I detected a flag at the front, sometimes with lights and other preoccapations I dont notice things…aurals and vibes are more likely to be percieved ,and me with the auld glims fading and them closed most of the time anyway.a lot of youngsters about last night and many of them budding songsters too..it was lovely to have Shamie out..he is a true music man..great ear and heart and feeling for the pure stuff..he fairly laced into that set of reels, jasus I was nearly bet tryin to keep up with him…Decky was having none of the diddeley, that lad had the Trad By-Pass around the same time as his first holy communion….
Hi Christy, Thank You for the gig earlier in Sligo……I had a few tunes knocking about in my head on the way up the road this evening in the car, half hoping you might do one of them – you duly obliged with all three, Mattie, Morcombe Bay and Butterfly, the telepathy was working well tonight for sure …LOL ! On arrival I thought to myself this is an unusual venue and I wondered how it would turn out, but as usual it worked out well…Fair play as always to your gallant crew…. 4711er’s well represented tonight also (good to see everyone) thanks for doing the Hills for the bus load from Donegal.
Best of luck with the Cavan gig, hope it goes well too. We’re off to see Declan next weekend in Ballybofey and looking forward to that one. Love & Respect Always Martin Mac
so you’re back up yonder…we just pulled into our billet in Cavan after a glorious moonlit ride through Sligo,Leitrim, Fermanagh and finally into The Land of Breffni….there was a wedding on in our digs earlier..its a right feckin madhouse at the minute..the corridoor outside my room is like Puck Fair..theres biddys cryin and paddys dyin or at least they will be in the mornin….fairplay for those telepathic requests, I was wonderin where they came from…easy does it
Just checking the sails and riggings before i set sail for Sligo. Hoping for a fair wind to carry me there safely. Looking forward to the gig and wishing you well. Now…is it right or left for Knocknarea, what tack do i take for Bulben’s head??
Johnny Boy….hope you met up with The Companeros and had a bit of crack and a few songs….take care
Hi Christy
I can’t tell ya how much Froggy and wee Maggie from Andytown are looking forward to your gig tomorrow night (13th) in the Slieve Russell. They brought their four kids up listening to your music and for that we are very grateful, thank God they have good taste! I’m their daughter, myself and my wee brother’s have arranged for them to go to the gig as a wedding anniversary gift. On Sunday (14th) Oct they’ll have survived 40 years of marriage, whilst managing to create the most loving home for their family filled with music and an abundance of humour, with the occasional bit of bickering just to make it interesting! We have (all but one) flown the nest and my Father’s just retired, this is their time now and if it’s at all possible (and not too much to ask) it’d be a fitting tribute if you could play ‘The Voyage’ and dedicate it to them.
Here’s hoping!
Good man Arty…what a lovely and loving post
Hello dear Christy, I guess you are soon heading north-west to one of my favourite places. Reading about your Sligo gig and all the 4711ers anticipation makes me a bit wistful. I feel sorry that I’m so far away from Knocknarea and Benbulben and the Hazelwood.
It’s October again and I abandon myself to my thoughts, already another year has passed since your German tour.
Hope you’ll all have a great night. Best of luck!
Traudel
all went well last night in Sligo…..a difficult venue in ways but a lovely audience…had me longing for a hot sweaty steamy gig in The Blue Lagoon or Coolera House or The Venue or Rakish Paddy’s or The Rustic Inn or The Kon-Tiki….but that was then and this is now and we gotta do what we gotta do….when was the last German Tour..was it the last or when will be the next..who knows what way the wind blows…happy Autumn Days to you both…greetings to all songsters in Deutchland
Christy: Down to the wire with only 23 days left as a Bachelor, we have settled on the 20 songs that our Musicians and DJ must play, I was able to slip in Shine On by yourself, something from your brudder Barry a little Thin Lizzy and they will sit in with the likes of Oingo Boingo, Beyonce, Jay Z, Usher, LMAFO. I have to say that might not be company that you normally float with.
Best and Ride on..Gary B
just arrived into Cavan after a gig in Sligo last night…lots of memories were trawled up…meeting with Kevin and Mary Flynn had me remembering The Boys and Girls of Ballisodare..those great years of music and cameraderie…we were joined on stage by Shamie O’Dowd and we honoured his late Father-…Joe O’Dowd whom I first met in 1972 when Planxty first came to play in Sligo…great excitement in town with Rovers going for the title tomorrow and “Sligo Live” commencing next week. Ray McSharry Way is awash with red….wishing you both every happiness together….
Cristie, I was born in Toronto, Canada. My Grandfather is from Lisnaskea of the county of Fermanagh. Back at Ya!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daq8YZsls_0&list=FLnsUaXejSLQrfjyszAaOGcA&index=1&feature=plpp_video
when I was a lad there was a programme on Irish Radio every Sunday Lunchtime. It was called “Take the Floor”. It always commenced when the Master of Ceremonies, DinJoe, announced ” Lift the latch, Open the door, Walk right in and Take The Floor” then the music would commence…..your post reminded me of those distant times…Lisnaskea was also the home place of Frank Lunny Snr, Father of Dónal Lunny, the man of irish music…
More than welcome Christy! Jody has done a lot for people here in trad sessions, both young and old but he doesnt seem to realise how talented he is. He writes from the heart and with a lucky break – the future could could be bright for him. Maybe some day you will hear him do “The lakes of Ponchartrain.” A duet would be priceless!!
duets that really work are rare enough….I’m hopeless at harmonising and accompanying others…its a great gift at which some people simply excel…Donal Lunny can accompany anything upon first hearing…it could take me a month to learn the chords of a simple song or tune….however I enjoy the wrestle, it keeps me in a safe place
Thanks for the reply Christy, we are having our Music NL awards conference this weekend so I’m sure I’ll see Ron at some point, and I’ll pass along your message. He is having some health issues these days, throat cancer, but he is going strong. There was a large benefit concert a few weeks back, a full house with the who’s who on the music scene here in NL, he even got up and managed to get a song out himself. Anyway you have a lot of fans over here that would love to see you some day, maybe I’ll get them all together and come over there… LOL…..If you get a chance someday pop onto youtube and check out my band Shanneyganock.
Cheers…
Mark..
cookin up a storm there Mark…..whallup
forgot to say CS(8)
CM 67
When was the last time you sang flickering light?
Be nice to John he don’t like leaving Doire.
Dia is Muire dhuit CS(8)….without going through all the years setlists I can only hazard a guess and say that Flicker has only been performed once this past year…this happens along the way….each time I bring a new song into the set an old one has to make way…. when an album comes out with 10 songs…not all of them will survive into the regular repertoire…take the last album, 5 songs have become regulars in the set,3 occasional, 1 seldom and 2 never…the album before has yielded 4 which are ever present….I have never used gigs to promote albums…I see this as a flawed exercise…When I go to a gig I go to listen, to watch and to absorb the performance of the night…it perturbs me, betimes, when the performer constantly promotes product from the stage….of course, me being a grumpy old man I need to have a good moan at least 10 times a day to keep my heart going…my apologies that your simple question should get such a long winded answer…best wishes to all ..especially bróg dearg…CM(67)
Hello Christy, from the other side of the Atlantic, there is a large following of your fans over here in Newfoundland, and a very strong Irish music scene, just wondering if we will ever have the chance of seeing you perform over here in the future…
Whallup Mark…my very best wishes to all Newfoundland songsters…its not looking likely that I’ll make it over the Atlantic Foam….I have a few bases to cover here before I go gallivanting off to Foreign Parts….Errill, Emo,Edgeworthstown and Enniscorthy spring to mind..there are so many towns here that I have yet to play….what will they say in Naas, Newry, Nobber and Newtownmountkennedy if I go gadding off to Newfoundland before playing their venue…First Thing First is the motto…soon as I have this Island serviced I’ll be on the first boat to St Johns, please send my love and best wishes to Ron Hynes…my lovely new Grandson is called Sonny and ,thanks to Ron, I have a beautiful song to sing for him….
Christy, Last year I was delighted to hear on radio your mention and tribute to the late Conor Brennan who lived just up the road from me – a truly remarkable man by any standard of measurement. I used to hear his Honda 50 coming over the hump back bridge and I would come out just to give him a wave. No flashy helmet for him – just the cap ! If you’re knocking round this part of the country the kettle is only an arm’s lenght away.
Thanks Fergus….a true one off was Conor…knowing him was one of life’s gifts
If you want to see Jody himself – he is now on Youtube. Both songs are up under “Monaghan Rose” – Jody Cahill and “Man in the sky” – Jody Cahill.
fair play to you Bunker, you are keeping Jody’s songs to the fore…just watched him sing 4 on youtube….thanks for telling us about Jody Cahill
Howya Christy, hope all is well. The folks wedding anniversary is nearing the 30year mark and a song my mother and I both love The Voyage has a special part in our hearts. I got this done today, I hope you like it 🙂
http://i49.tinypic.com/2lc4htw.jpg
lovely job Colm, what a muscular arm, hope your mother likes it! what will you do for their 50th? ..
Hi, you don’t know me but I’m afraid I have some sad news for you. Our mutual friend Eamonn Clinch has passed away. He spoke proudly and fondly of his friendship with you and I just felt he’d like you to know. I know this might not be the most appropriate way to pass on this news but I wasn’t sure how else to get in touch.
Rhodri
heard from Eamonn’s nephew last week when news of Eamonn’s passing was shared here. Sad news which revived many great times shared in the late 60s when we were all in our hayday. thanks for sharing..
Saw your last two gigs in this fine city and looking forward to seeing you and Declan in Manchester on Nov 6th. Any chance of squeezing “Burning Times” into the set?
on the back of your request it may be done…a great song from Charlie Murphy
Hi Christy,
I love coming to see you in concert but I’d love the opportunity to see you in a smaller more intimate venue such as a pub. I was wondering if you could let me know if you’ll be playing in any such locations in Dublin in the near future?
All the best,
Thady
nothing planned at this time Thady…it took me 25 years to achieve gigs outside pubs, I’m in no hurry back.. but who knows what waits us all down the road
Really looking forward to Sligo on Friday night – the perfect antidote to a stressful old month.Still, a chink of light in the tunnel now – let’s hope it’s not the train 🙂 Be great to see some of the gang – i cannot thank you enough for the friendships and the craic that’s come from your gigs. Safe travels and see you under Ben Bulben.
Hope your stress is abating…its an awful yoke to bear…shoulders and neck locked with tension, heart pumping and body in knots of angst… its a hoor of a dose…hopefully the Sligo air will help you relax…its always good to see you