Hello Christy and friends of.
It’s late in your Halloween day, but would anyone care to remember for us the tradition of your childhood – what were the words exchanged with the neighbors – did your kidgers do the same?
Christy's reply
go back to 60-70 years ago in Newridge Co Kildare and it was plain and simple….a bit of black polish and Mammy’s lipstick, any old discarded rags and we went singing for a “a penny for the Pooka”…..we ‘d get a Brack that would contain a few spot prizes ..one was a ring …we’d go around the houses knockin up the neighbours, maybe getting a few pennies or sweets or monkey nuts..one neighbour threw water over us from his upstairs window..he died roaring…our “kidgers” did something similar but slightly more sophisticated…for the “grand-kidgers” it has moved on into a different league altogether..I’ll say no more
Hi Christy! It’s Dara Clohissey, Brian’s daughter. I’m on a hunt for the Coolcullen house, and am wondering what the chances are you could contact me? I’ve sent a few emails to your management team, but no reply back. Thanks 🤞
Christy's reply
We bought the house from Brian in the mid 1970s and lived there for two years..
its over 40 years since we lived there
the address was Protestant Road ,Coolcullen, Co.Carlow..
Far as I know it now may be an out-lying property of the leading Horse Trainer Mr. Jim Bolger…he has developed a very successful Horse Training Facility over the past 30 years which is the dominant presence around the Townland of Coolcullen
Its a beautiful location, high upon the Castlecomer Plateau it looks down upon the Village of Coon..its about 15 miles from both Kilkenny City and Carlow Town
I managed to capture two short videos from the Armagh gig. The sound isn’t bad, the visual is kind of ok I guess. Best I could do with my mobile.
Here’s the first, complete with incomplete but enthusiastic vocal accompaniment from Steve. https://youtu.be/Z4QuWPDIWys
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Thank you for travelling to the concert.. for your ongoing interest in the work and for sharing these clips…hope the Harp and Pipes are resounding thru the Hills of Yorkshire
Hi Christy.
Another legend gone to the music station in the Sky. Gerry Lee leaves a brilliant legacy behind. Was in Sun Studios a few years back where himself, Elvis and the greats recorded….. stood on the X where the main Microphone was placed. I’m convinced their Music still reverberates from the walls.
Great reports from the Orchard city last night…. Well done.
Enjoy the long weekend.watch out for the Witches 🧙♀️.
Ride onn.
Christy's reply
wherever he lands, up,down, or across,
Gerry will shake rattle and roll them
he’ll soon get them Saints marchin
or them divvils howling
or them Limbo heads shook out their tedium
I did a duet with him once in The Auld Sheebeen
We got the lock-in of a Good Friday and did’nt leave ’til Easter Monday
nor did we have to put a hand in our pockets
dacent folk on the broad St
Dia sa teach, a Chriostóir..!
My brother Jarlath was telling me he had great craic with you last night. Unfortunately he’s such an annoying uncle normally that Míceál refused to believe it, and even when shown a photo, insisted that it was photoshopped! Míceál and Jarlath then did what they do best; had a jamming session consisting of your back catalogue.
I’m sorry to say that there’s another letter winging its way to you..I couldn’t hold him back any longer…
Christy's reply
I could talk all night with that brother of yours
I look forward to that letter
A group of us spoke to him one night, we chatted. He told us he wrote a song for Christy. It maybe have been me who said ‘what song?’ And he told the assembled group who appeared not to be familiar with this song at all. Reciteth I the said lines by me to him: “Hey Ronnie Reagan, I’m black and I’m pagan. I’m gay and I’m Left and I’m free….”
I think John was charmed someone knew the song.
Last heard he attending folk clubs in Cork city. Perhaps penning ballads/songs, I dont know.
So that’s John.
Christy's reply
“We’ll be wearin the Green down in Ballyporeen
in the town of the little potato
with you arm around Garret,you’ll dangle your carrott
but you’ll never get me to join NATO
We’ve watched you for years amid laughter and tears
act out your games of deception
despite what you see, theres no welcome from me
I firmly oppose your reception”
a verse from a great song by John Maguire
I sang it in Uncle Sam’s way back
an irate listener strode up to the stage, drunk as a skunk,uttered the unforgettable riposte…
“get outa my country ye goddamn pink motherfuckin cocksuckin leprachaun son of a hoor’s melt”
I was awestruck by such a spontaneous response and broke into Johnny Duhan’s “El Salvador” followed by Don Lange’s “Allende”
It turned into a night of dark covers
it was a gig somewhere in North Carolina…gotta hand it to some of them Yankee folk..they sure can swear whey they get going
I was happy to get home a few weeks later to the gentle pastures of Longford Westmeath & Roscommon
Leo Maguire and the Waltons programme. (“And do remember we’re open till six every weekday including Saturday.”) Hilary has mentioned the lines on the ‘Irish song’. His son, John Maguire, is the writer of ‘Hey Ronnie Reagan’. Living in Cork the last I heard of him.
Christy, what a wonderful gig we loved every moment of it. My friend Ann was bowled over when you dedicated Bright Blue Rose to her so GRMMA for that! When you got up to do your exercises, I was the one who guldered, ‘fine boy you are!’ We have listened to you in the Green Briar with Moving Hearts to Planxty at Queen’s Uni to many of your gigs in shebeens and leisure centres on the Falls and in Andytown and many since venues along the road, and last night in the orchard county you were sublime. We met an old friend that we haven’t seen in years, and at breakfast this morning he reminded me that he went to school with the boy from Tamlaghduff. It was so moving to hear you sing your song with such power and in sean-nós style. After checking out we walked around Armagh Gaol. Thank you for all the joy you bring.
Christy's reply
The Conway Mill (in its infancy)
The Marty Forsythe
The PeeDee (hardest feckin gig I ever Did)
The Murph
The old Felon’s
The Pound Loney
Cack was my agent, Bob my road manager,Guinness my petrol
Hi C. What an extraordinary gig ? there is some energy and magic and mystery around these Northern gigs, you and the listeners !! The woman who asked for Missing You was at the top of the Q at the top of the stairs from about 5.30 !! The man sitting beside had an interesting background, having spent time in the H Blocks singing your songs on his guitar. Your setlist was amazing, you covered all the bases of our shared history from Joxer to the Boy from Tamlaghduff to Burning Times for Lyra and a rousing finish with Boys from the County Armagh !! I think you had another verse but the loud cheering and applause burst in !!I’m sure you made their entire trip singing Fairytale for the two Americans, they will have fun telling that story back in the USA, but will they be believed ?? Not to forget 3 Jimmy Mac songs !! All this on the night when the politicans down the road could n”t agree and another election is called. Thanks so much for sharing your gifts so generously and in so many ways. Roll on the Rebel. Beir bua agus beannacht go deo. H
Christy's reply
you read it well H..I was all set for the 2nd verse of “The Boys” but the crowd showered applause and the verse was lost… and me after spending the feckin day learning it ..but learning verse is never wasted time, especially when listening to Bridie Gallagher..what a voice…she always wafts me back to boyhood..”The Waltons Programme” or “Take The Floor ” with Din Joe ( all before your time)
I spotted the “Missing You” lady as I made my way to and from the sound check.. and there she was again in the front row..its great to be in the presence of such song loving listeners..it raises the game…puts lead in the pencil of the gig..there was another lad over to my left singing his head off all night ..I could tell he was special and he made some beautiful sounds…singing Tamlaghtduff was very special..I dont get to do it often…it needs the love and respect it received last night…
roll on d’Opera House…. below in the real kapital….
Hello Christy,
Thank you for the beautiful concert. Too many highlights. Tyrone boys, you looked like you’d no idea how magical it was. And the boy from Tamlaghduff. I hope I’ve got some bootlegs on my phone. I’m a very happy girl.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Thank you for your feedback….happy to hear that you and Steve had a good night in Armagh….
your mention of “magical” caused me to pause and reflect…after a lifetime singing it remains a mystery to me, but a mystery that I deeply cherish, on the journey home last night I listened to John Reilly, Bob Dylan, Bridie Gallagher,Kathleen Largey, Tony Capstick and Nina Simone….still buzzing from the City Hotel I slowly came back down to reality, the heavy rain, the huge trucks, the lights of Newry,Dundalk,Drogheda, songs reverberating with memories from gigs long since played in every town we passed…Navan, Slane, Rathoath, Ashbourne..my own personal magical mystery tour….a journey that has rolled out without intent…following all the songs I’ve heard,written,covered…songs that mysteriously gather listeners who create an atmosphere like that we experienced last night ……
Hi Christy,
Last weekend I found myself in what used to be Teac Furbo.
Got talking to some old folks about gigs from back in the day.
Some good tales, some tall ones and one that was definitely libelous. The dead can’t sue but they sure can haunt you and that’s worse.
Enjoy this evenings cabaret
Bourkey
Christy's reply
in 1973 Planxty and The Dubliners played two gigs together in Teac Furbo….they were two nights to remember …if only I could remember them…
the following day I travelled back to Dublin by train with Cíarán Bourke…
Hi Christy, enjoy the concert in Armagh tonight..back to the scene of the crime! My brother is going tonight and I’m mad jealous of him but Míceál bought tickets to your Carrickdale concert on 11th November with his birthday money so obviously we have to go with him! Looking forward to seeing you again then.
All the road signs and road markings in Northern Ireland look like they do in Britain. I knew this before, but seeing it for the first time is still weird. I’ve never seen so many union Jack’s before, either.
Anyway, Armagh City Hotel is lovely and the staff are really friendly.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
there are pockets of Union Jacks along that road…I try and close my eyes…if I’m driving I tend to put the boot down
Hi Christy,
I write in celebration of Sonnet 9,Mick Blake’s fine and poignant new serving.
I know you enjoy his work, oblivious and more, but his sonnets are a beacon of truth, light and genius.
Ooh aah indeed.
Rory
Can’t wait to see you in Cork Opera House for the Don o Leary gig. What a guy he is. A special night for me , I’m taking my 8 year old daughter Hannah to see you, as my father did with me to see you many many years ago. Let the music keep her spirits high .
Hello Christy,
Woke up in Anglesey this morning. Great to be here. A lovely lady is about to make us breakfast. Then onto the boat and across the big blue. Armagh’s the day. I feel much more human to get away for a few days. So excited for this evening.
Strange experience last night. Two girls came into the pub with their trousers round their ankles and caused chaos with their dancing. No idea what they were on but it was pretty effective.
Rebecca
Jerry Lee Lewis R.I.P
Apart from all his classics,
His version of Twilight by The Band nails me every time.
Ha! Unless you’re 29 hours ahead, you haven’t yet woken up to 31/10.
I’m not even sure what year it is
Hello Christy and friends of.
It’s late in your Halloween day, but would anyone care to remember for us the tradition of your childhood – what were the words exchanged with the neighbors – did your kidgers do the same?
go back to 60-70 years ago in Newridge Co Kildare and it was plain and simple….a bit of black polish and Mammy’s lipstick, any old discarded rags and we went singing for a “a penny for the Pooka”…..we ‘d get a Brack that would contain a few spot prizes ..one was a ring …we’d go around the houses knockin up the neighbours, maybe getting a few pennies or sweets or monkey nuts..one neighbour threw water over us from his upstairs window..he died roaring…our “kidgers” did something similar but slightly more sophisticated…for the “grand-kidgers” it has moved on into a different league altogether..I’ll say no more
Hi Christy! It’s Dara Clohissey, Brian’s daughter. I’m on a hunt for the Coolcullen house, and am wondering what the chances are you could contact me? I’ve sent a few emails to your management team, but no reply back. Thanks 🤞
We bought the house from Brian in the mid 1970s and lived there for two years..
its over 40 years since we lived there
the address was Protestant Road ,Coolcullen, Co.Carlow..
Far as I know it now may be an out-lying property of the leading Horse Trainer Mr. Jim Bolger…he has developed a very successful Horse Training Facility over the past 30 years which is the dominant presence around the Townland of Coolcullen
Its a beautiful location, high upon the Castlecomer Plateau it looks down upon the Village of Coon..its about 15 miles from both Kilkenny City and Carlow Town
Here is the, second, we were damn fine listeners.
https://youtu.be/CV1v85VyFIA
Please can I ask, when did you decide to open with Ordinary Man? It jumped into my head around 5 minutes before the start of the gig.
Rebecca
Hello Christy,
The witches are already here.
I managed to capture two short videos from the Armagh gig. The sound isn’t bad, the visual is kind of ok I guess. Best I could do with my mobile.
Here’s the first, complete with incomplete but enthusiastic vocal accompaniment from Steve.
https://youtu.be/Z4QuWPDIWys
Rebecca
Thank you for travelling to the concert.. for your ongoing interest in the work and for sharing these clips…hope the Harp and Pipes are resounding thru the Hills of Yorkshire
Hi Christy.
Another legend gone to the music station in the Sky. Gerry Lee leaves a brilliant legacy behind. Was in Sun Studios a few years back where himself, Elvis and the greats recorded….. stood on the X where the main Microphone was placed. I’m convinced their Music still reverberates from the walls.
Great reports from the Orchard city last night…. Well done.
Enjoy the long weekend.watch out for the Witches 🧙♀️.
Ride onn.
wherever he lands, up,down, or across,
Gerry will shake rattle and roll them
he’ll soon get them Saints marchin
or them divvils howling
or them Limbo heads shook out their tedium
I did a duet with him once in The Auld Sheebeen
We got the lock-in of a Good Friday and did’nt leave ’til Easter Monday
nor did we have to put a hand in our pockets
dacent folk on the broad St
Ride Ohmmm
Dia sa teach, a Chriostóir..!
My brother Jarlath was telling me he had great craic with you last night. Unfortunately he’s such an annoying uncle normally that Míceál refused to believe it, and even when shown a photo, insisted that it was photoshopped! Míceál and Jarlath then did what they do best; had a jamming session consisting of your back catalogue.
I’m sorry to say that there’s another letter winging its way to you..I couldn’t hold him back any longer…
I could talk all night with that brother of yours
I look forward to that letter
A group of us spoke to him one night, we chatted. He told us he wrote a song for Christy. It maybe have been me who said ‘what song?’ And he told the assembled group who appeared not to be familiar with this song at all. Reciteth I the said lines by me to him: “Hey Ronnie Reagan, I’m black and I’m pagan. I’m gay and I’m Left and I’m free….”
I think John was charmed someone knew the song.
Last heard he attending folk clubs in Cork city. Perhaps penning ballads/songs, I dont know.
So that’s John.
“We’ll be wearin the Green down in Ballyporeen
in the town of the little potato
with you arm around Garret,you’ll dangle your carrott
but you’ll never get me to join NATO
We’ve watched you for years amid laughter and tears
act out your games of deception
despite what you see, theres no welcome from me
I firmly oppose your reception”
a verse from a great song by John Maguire
I sang it in Uncle Sam’s way back
an irate listener strode up to the stage, drunk as a skunk,uttered the unforgettable riposte…
“get outa my country ye goddamn pink motherfuckin cocksuckin leprachaun son of a hoor’s melt”
I was awestruck by such a spontaneous response and broke into Johnny Duhan’s “El Salvador” followed by Don Lange’s “Allende”
It turned into a night of dark covers
it was a gig somewhere in North Carolina…gotta hand it to some of them Yankee folk..they sure can swear whey they get going
I was happy to get home a few weeks later to the gentle pastures of Longford Westmeath & Roscommon
Leo Maguire and the Waltons programme. (“And do remember we’re open till six every weekday including Saturday.”) Hilary has mentioned the lines on the ‘Irish song’. His son, John Maguire, is the writer of ‘Hey Ronnie Reagan’. Living in Cork the last I heard of him.
Ahh C ” If you feel like singing , do sing an Irish song ” !!..H
“Lift The Latch,
Open The Door,
Walk in
and Take The Floor”
not on your Nanny
Din-Jo was mega in the 50s
every Sunday after the dinner
before we’d head down to the pitch
no matter who was playin
if nothin else, ye might get a pull of a Woodbine
Christy, what a wonderful gig we loved every moment of it. My friend Ann was bowled over when you dedicated Bright Blue Rose to her so GRMMA for that! When you got up to do your exercises, I was the one who guldered, ‘fine boy you are!’ We have listened to you in the Green Briar with Moving Hearts to Planxty at Queen’s Uni to many of your gigs in shebeens and leisure centres on the Falls and in Andytown and many since venues along the road, and last night in the orchard county you were sublime. We met an old friend that we haven’t seen in years, and at breakfast this morning he reminded me that he went to school with the boy from Tamlaghduff. It was so moving to hear you sing your song with such power and in sean-nós style. After checking out we walked around Armagh Gaol. Thank you for all the joy you bring.
The Conway Mill (in its infancy)
The Marty Forsythe
The PeeDee (hardest feckin gig I ever Did)
The Murph
The old Felon’s
The Pound Loney
Cack was my agent, Bob my road manager,Guinness my petrol
Hi C. What an extraordinary gig ? there is some energy and magic and mystery around these Northern gigs, you and the listeners !! The woman who asked for Missing You was at the top of the Q at the top of the stairs from about 5.30 !! The man sitting beside had an interesting background, having spent time in the H Blocks singing your songs on his guitar. Your setlist was amazing, you covered all the bases of our shared history from Joxer to the Boy from Tamlaghduff to Burning Times for Lyra and a rousing finish with Boys from the County Armagh !! I think you had another verse but the loud cheering and applause burst in !!I’m sure you made their entire trip singing Fairytale for the two Americans, they will have fun telling that story back in the USA, but will they be believed ?? Not to forget 3 Jimmy Mac songs !! All this on the night when the politicans down the road could n”t agree and another election is called. Thanks so much for sharing your gifts so generously and in so many ways. Roll on the Rebel. Beir bua agus beannacht go deo. H
you read it well H..I was all set for the 2nd verse of “The Boys” but the crowd showered applause and the verse was lost… and me after spending the feckin day learning it ..but learning verse is never wasted time, especially when listening to Bridie Gallagher..what a voice…she always wafts me back to boyhood..”The Waltons Programme” or “Take The Floor ” with Din Joe ( all before your time)
I spotted the “Missing You” lady as I made my way to and from the sound check.. and there she was again in the front row..its great to be in the presence of such song loving listeners..it raises the game…puts lead in the pencil of the gig..there was another lad over to my left singing his head off all night ..I could tell he was special and he made some beautiful sounds…singing Tamlaghtduff was very special..I dont get to do it often…it needs the love and respect it received last night…
roll on d’Opera House…. below in the real kapital….
Hello Christy,
Thank you for the beautiful concert. Too many highlights. Tyrone boys, you looked like you’d no idea how magical it was. And the boy from Tamlaghduff. I hope I’ve got some bootlegs on my phone. I’m a very happy girl.
Rebecca
Thank you for your feedback….happy to hear that you and Steve had a good night in Armagh….
your mention of “magical” caused me to pause and reflect…after a lifetime singing it remains a mystery to me, but a mystery that I deeply cherish, on the journey home last night I listened to John Reilly, Bob Dylan, Bridie Gallagher,Kathleen Largey, Tony Capstick and Nina Simone….still buzzing from the City Hotel I slowly came back down to reality, the heavy rain, the huge trucks, the lights of Newry,Dundalk,Drogheda, songs reverberating with memories from gigs long since played in every town we passed…Navan, Slane, Rathoath, Ashbourne..my own personal magical mystery tour….a journey that has rolled out without intent…following all the songs I’ve heard,written,covered…songs that mysteriously gather listeners who create an atmosphere like that we experienced last night ……
Hi Christy,
Last weekend I found myself in what used to be Teac Furbo.
Got talking to some old folks about gigs from back in the day.
Some good tales, some tall ones and one that was definitely libelous. The dead can’t sue but they sure can haunt you and that’s worse.
Enjoy this evenings cabaret
Bourkey
in 1973 Planxty and The Dubliners played two gigs together in Teac Furbo….they were two nights to remember …if only I could remember them…
the following day I travelled back to Dublin by train with Cíarán Bourke…
Hi Christy, enjoy the concert in Armagh tonight..back to the scene of the crime! My brother is going tonight and I’m mad jealous of him but Míceál bought tickets to your Carrickdale concert on 11th November with his birthday money so obviously we have to go with him! Looking forward to seeing you again then.
all good..getting ready to do it one more time…
Sonnet 9
https://youtu.be/UeNKGZVPX8Y
All the road signs and road markings in Northern Ireland look like they do in Britain. I knew this before, but seeing it for the first time is still weird. I’ve never seen so many union Jack’s before, either.
Anyway, Armagh City Hotel is lovely and the staff are really friendly.
Rebecca
there are pockets of Union Jacks along that road…I try and close my eyes…if I’m driving I tend to put the boot down
Hi Christy,
I write in celebration of Sonnet 9,Mick Blake’s fine and poignant new serving.
I know you enjoy his work, oblivious and more, but his sonnets are a beacon of truth, light and genius.
Ooh aah indeed.
Rory
https://youtu.be/UeNKGZVPX8Y
Hey Sham
Can’t wait to see you in Cork Opera House for the Don o Leary gig. What a guy he is. A special night for me , I’m taking my 8 year old daughter Hannah to see you, as my father did with me to see you many many years ago. Let the music keep her spirits high .
Stay well chief
lovely hurlin Tim
Hello Christy,
Woke up in Anglesey this morning. Great to be here. A lovely lady is about to make us breakfast. Then onto the boat and across the big blue. Armagh’s the day. I feel much more human to get away for a few days. So excited for this evening.
Strange experience last night. Two girls came into the pub with their trousers round their ankles and caused chaos with their dancing. No idea what they were on but it was pretty effective.
Rebecca