Hi Christy,
Just coming back from a fantastic concert here in Germany with a beautiful rendition of The Contender. I think it was the first time I’ve heard it sung by someone other than you, but it’s always good to see that your songs are sung here as well :-).
It’s about a month to go till I have the pleasure of seeing you in Cavan and I’m so much looking forward to it.
But first I wish you a Happy Birthday! I hope you have a good time on and off stage, stay healthy, find some time to relax, enjoy the time with family and friends and let the music keep your spirit high!
All the best to you
Birgit
Best wishes on having completed another journey around the sun as John Spillane would say. Sharing your birthday with my granny who would have been 127 – thank God she was gone before they started completing questionnaires on the trolley. Missed the coronation ballyhoo but thinking that was no bad thing. Never been too sure of that camilla one since I heard you saying about her and Declan upstairs in the acoustic tent in Glastonbury. Wonder if she was a planxty groupie back in the day lol. Have a good birthday anyway Christy and wishing you many years of good health and music.
Hi Christy,
Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it for Vicar St. this January, but we’re going to see you again now the 5th of July… Is it right or left for Drogheda 🎶?
Thank you, for your songs and inspiration. Always worth the long trip to the Green Isle…
Wishing you a great day tomorrow, and a happy new year! May your energy flow like a river, and on and on.
Best regards from sunny Cologne!
Dietmar
Very many happy returns Christy for tomorrow. I hope you have a lovely day and all the best for the future! I’ll carry on hiding from anything coronation related now! Take good care. Sue
Hello Christy,
That Alastair Cameron had a fine way with words.
Do you know this one?
THE BATTLE OF SOWERBY BRIDGE
The Battle of Sowerby Bridge were fought on the forty-fourth of March.
The King’s Cross Fusiliers turned out. They marched as stiff as starch.
They marched as far as Bolton Brow and the enemy hove in sight,
And they called us generals nasty names and they challenged us to fight.
CHORUS: We were amongst them. We were amongst them.
We stitched and we slashed and we slaughtered and we slew
‘Till the air for miles around were blue.
For an hour and a quarter, we held the foe at bay.
There were only two were left that day, and we were amongst them.
At break of day, down Copley way, we went to fight the foe.
Our good scout Billy Higgins come to tell the tale of woe.
He said the enemy had advanced, so we retired pell-mell.
They shouted to surrender but we shouted, “Go to hell.”
The enemy then retired into the wilds of Shibden Glen.
The switchback were invaded by an hundred thousand men.
They hung their wounded out to dry across the aerial flight,
And they stuffed their guts wi’ monkey-nuts and challenged us to fight.
We chased the enemy round the town till their stockings all fell down,
From Cavering Slacks to Boulder Clough and to Norland Town.
We came across a public house and there we raised a cheer,
For in that cellar we did find an hundred casks of beer.
FINAL CHORUS: We were amongst them. we were amongst them.
We supped and we drank and we drained and we drew
‘Till the air for miles around were phew!
For an hour and a quarter, we put that beer away.
There were only two were carried on that day, and we were amongst them.
Hey did you get the t-shirt I left for you last night at the limerick show?
Christy's reply
I’m wearing it here in the bed….very comfy ,and the right size too, dbl xl….I did not get your note til after the gig in Limerick…I would have given you a call-out…respect to you and all your comrades….to FDNY Ladder119
Weekend that’s in it, from The ragged trousered philanthropists
“I think we should try to cultivate a little more respect of our own families and to concern ourselves a little less about royal families. I fail to see any reason why we should worry about those people; they’re all right – they have all they need, and as far as I am aware, nobody wishes to harm them and they are well able to look after themselves. They will fare the same as the other rich people.”
Happy Birthday Christy Man
Christy's reply
“Shite said The King
and a thousand arseholes strained
for in them days
The King’s word was law” (Alastair Cameron, Bradshaw Tavern Folk Club, nr Causeway Foot 1968)
I’m going to join in with ‘Chris’ and wish you “Happy birthday”. Begob the miles are running up on the ‘oul mileage gauge C. Car salesmen or garages could ‘clock’ the mileage on the car. (Could it be done for us?! To reel in the years) Anyways, to be going as well as you are, ‘fair play’, as you’d say yourself.
That Tressel book got mentioned here before, I think you said you have a copy. Got mentioned on Newstalk on a programme a few days ago. Wexford Street, Dublin, he was born. A plaque is visible on a building up on a second floor according to that Newstalk programme.
Hello Christy
Hope al is well? It has been a while since I was on the guestbook but 2 little granddaughters are keeping me very busy. Don’t now how things are settled in Ireland but in Belgium we most work for 42years before we can retire and I most admit it’s getting tougher every year. I’m 60+ now and a nurse and taking care of people is sometimes very exhausting. But no complains I love my job and if you can entertain hundred’s of people at your age…. May I wish you already a very happy birthday 🎊! We come over to Sligo and you now here in Belgium we have the habit here to kiss the birthday boy 3 times ( no joke) so if you are up to receive them give me a shout next Thursday!
It’s the least I can do now that you don’t want no more chocolate.
See you next week, take care 💋
Chris
Christy's reply
57 years at it here and no let up….its dark and lonely work but someone’s gotta do it….safe journey to Sligo
Hello Christy,
The only one of Ewan’s that I’ve sung is, The First Time. Gloriously romantic! I heard you sing it in the Bridgewater Hall. I had to learn it after that, massive long phrases it has. Sweet Thames Flow Softly is equally romantic. It must have been a strange thing to be a man in those days. All those feelings. I read the sleeve notes on his and Peggy’s album, Classic Scots Ballads. It repeatedly says that it is by him, with assistance from Peggy. The Angry Muse… No kidding!
It’s difficult to understand that world now. It’s like my Granddad, I guess. He seemed to think that women were aliens.
I’m sitting looking at the grass. Going to have to do some gardening this weekend while I can still see over the top of it.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
maybe tis time for a bit of wilding in thon garden….or maybe not….
Hi Christy, hope you enjoy your talk tomorrow, a little postscript to your story. Robert Noonan/Tressal died in Liverpool whilst on his way to Canada with his daughter, Kathleeen, and was buried in a paupers grave in Walton cemetery. Not the first great man (or woman) to be born in ‘the Black Pool’ and die in ‘ the Pool’..
Christy's reply
lookin forward to seeing Mick Lynch and hearing the music of the night
Hi Christy, maybe a new sound, maybe not.
I stumbled across this group and am immersed in this album now, magical stuff and worth checking if you find time.
Abatwa ( the pygmy) from Rwanda.
Limerick…the morning after…
Ruth & Patrick sounding unique this morning ….never heard anything quite like it before….years ago had an album that Brian Jones recorded in Morocco called Joujouka….I’ve not heard it for 40 years but this reminds me of it….
Charlie posted his journal of your recent run thru Bognia….Father & Son on the road, idyllic stuff…have a new Father & Son song on the bench at the moment…hope to get it onto tape soon…
goin to hear Mick Lynch tomorrow…an event to remember the Dublin writer of “The Ragged Trousered Philantropists”…Robert Noonan was born in Wexford St,Dublin…wrote under Robert Tressel….read this great book way back not realising the writer was a Dub…
Hello Christy,
Thank you for pointing me to that podcast. I’ll spend some happy hours there.
Somehow it led me here https://youtu.be/5eY0bJzKxA8
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Companeros (Good Ship Granma)
Travelling People
Go Move Shift
Green Island
Tim Evans
Sweet Thames
First Time Ever
all his songs so beautiful to sing…what a rich legacy he created and willed us….Peggy’s light still burning bright….Calum and Neil still making music….
Feliz cumpleaños Boss !
Big hug from the Bay
A very happy day of birth anniversary celebration to you Mooresy…
I thank you for the song & dance
Many best wishes for a love filled peaceful time with miles of smiles from eyes that are kind…
Danny “Hazzo” Harris
Top of the State, bottom of the Globe
Hi Christy,
Just coming back from a fantastic concert here in Germany with a beautiful rendition of The Contender. I think it was the first time I’ve heard it sung by someone other than you, but it’s always good to see that your songs are sung here as well :-).
It’s about a month to go till I have the pleasure of seeing you in Cavan and I’m so much looking forward to it.
But first I wish you a Happy Birthday! I hope you have a good time on and off stage, stay healthy, find some time to relax, enjoy the time with family and friends and let the music keep your spirit high!
All the best to you
Birgit
Dear Christy, congratulations on your birthday! Have a nice day 🥳
Best wishes on having completed another journey around the sun as John Spillane would say. Sharing your birthday with my granny who would have been 127 – thank God she was gone before they started completing questionnaires on the trolley. Missed the coronation ballyhoo but thinking that was no bad thing. Never been too sure of that camilla one since I heard you saying about her and Declan upstairs in the acoustic tent in Glastonbury. Wonder if she was a planxty groupie back in the day lol. Have a good birthday anyway Christy and wishing you many years of good health and music.
Hi Christy,
Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it for Vicar St. this January, but we’re going to see you again now the 5th of July… Is it right or left for Drogheda 🎶?
Thank you, for your songs and inspiration. Always worth the long trip to the Green Isle…
Wishing you a great day tomorrow, and a happy new year! May your energy flow like a river, and on and on.
Best regards from sunny Cologne!
Dietmar
Very many happy returns Christy for tomorrow. I hope you have a lovely day and all the best for the future! I’ll carry on hiding from anything coronation related now! Take good care. Sue
Thankyou! 🌸
Oh damn! I think I meant Cameron. Sorry!
sorted
Hello Christy,
That Alastair Cameron had a fine way with words.
Do you know this one?
THE BATTLE OF SOWERBY BRIDGE
The Battle of Sowerby Bridge were fought on the forty-fourth of March.
The King’s Cross Fusiliers turned out. They marched as stiff as starch.
They marched as far as Bolton Brow and the enemy hove in sight,
And they called us generals nasty names and they challenged us to fight.
CHORUS: We were amongst them. We were amongst them.
We stitched and we slashed and we slaughtered and we slew
‘Till the air for miles around were blue.
For an hour and a quarter, we held the foe at bay.
There were only two were left that day, and we were amongst them.
At break of day, down Copley way, we went to fight the foe.
Our good scout Billy Higgins come to tell the tale of woe.
He said the enemy had advanced, so we retired pell-mell.
They shouted to surrender but we shouted, “Go to hell.”
The enemy then retired into the wilds of Shibden Glen.
The switchback were invaded by an hundred thousand men.
They hung their wounded out to dry across the aerial flight,
And they stuffed their guts wi’ monkey-nuts and challenged us to fight.
We chased the enemy round the town till their stockings all fell down,
From Cavering Slacks to Boulder Clough and to Norland Town.
We came across a public house and there we raised a cheer,
For in that cellar we did find an hundred casks of beer.
FINAL CHORUS: We were amongst them. we were amongst them.
We supped and we drank and we drained and we drew
‘Till the air for miles around were phew!
For an hour and a quarter, we put that beer away.
There were only two were carried on that day, and we were amongst them.
—
Love to all today.
Rebecca
Darkness into light this am…..
A soft damp morning here in the Hills…
Remembering some friends.
The Sun rises early adup in thon hills
twill soon melt the damp upon the drills
there will be lonliness upon the air
but you know yourself Marty
we just gotta get on with it
Hey did you get the t-shirt I left for you last night at the limerick show?
I’m wearing it here in the bed….very comfy ,and the right size too, dbl xl….I did not get your note til after the gig in Limerick…I would have given you a call-out…respect to you and all your comrades….to FDNY Ladder119
Weekend that’s in it, from The ragged trousered philanthropists
“I think we should try to cultivate a little more respect of our own families and to concern ourselves a little less about royal families. I fail to see any reason why we should worry about those people; they’re all right – they have all they need, and as far as I am aware, nobody wishes to harm them and they are well able to look after themselves. They will fare the same as the other rich people.”
Happy Birthday Christy Man
“Shite said The King
and a thousand arseholes strained
for in them days
The King’s word was law” (Alastair Cameron, Bradshaw Tavern Folk Club, nr Causeway Foot 1968)
I’m going to join in with ‘Chris’ and wish you “Happy birthday”. Begob the miles are running up on the ‘oul mileage gauge C. Car salesmen or garages could ‘clock’ the mileage on the car. (Could it be done for us?! To reel in the years) Anyways, to be going as well as you are, ‘fair play’, as you’d say yourself.
That Tressel book got mentioned here before, I think you said you have a copy. Got mentioned on Newstalk on a programme a few days ago. Wexford Street, Dublin, he was born. A plaque is visible on a building up on a second floor according to that Newstalk programme.
Lovely Hurlin Ed
Hello Christy
Hope al is well? It has been a while since I was on the guestbook but 2 little granddaughters are keeping me very busy. Don’t now how things are settled in Ireland but in Belgium we most work for 42years before we can retire and I most admit it’s getting tougher every year. I’m 60+ now and a nurse and taking care of people is sometimes very exhausting. But no complains I love my job and if you can entertain hundred’s of people at your age…. May I wish you already a very happy birthday 🎊! We come over to Sligo and you now here in Belgium we have the habit here to kiss the birthday boy 3 times ( no joke) so if you are up to receive them give me a shout next Thursday!
It’s the least I can do now that you don’t want no more chocolate.
See you next week, take care 💋
Chris
57 years at it here and no let up….its dark and lonely work but someone’s gotta do it….safe journey to Sligo
Hello Christy,
The only one of Ewan’s that I’ve sung is, The First Time. Gloriously romantic! I heard you sing it in the Bridgewater Hall. I had to learn it after that, massive long phrases it has. Sweet Thames Flow Softly is equally romantic. It must have been a strange thing to be a man in those days. All those feelings. I read the sleeve notes on his and Peggy’s album, Classic Scots Ballads. It repeatedly says that it is by him, with assistance from Peggy. The Angry Muse… No kidding!
It’s difficult to understand that world now. It’s like my Granddad, I guess. He seemed to think that women were aliens.
I’m sitting looking at the grass. Going to have to do some gardening this weekend while I can still see over the top of it.
Rebecca
maybe tis time for a bit of wilding in thon garden….or maybe not….
Hi Christy, hope you enjoy your talk tomorrow, a little postscript to your story. Robert Noonan/Tressal died in Liverpool whilst on his way to Canada with his daughter, Kathleeen, and was buried in a paupers grave in Walton cemetery. Not the first great man (or woman) to be born in ‘the Black Pool’ and die in ‘ the Pool’..
lookin forward to seeing Mick Lynch and hearing the music of the night
https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2023/0504/1380790-springsteen-kildare/
So Bruce is a Lilywhite too…
Them Springsteens…by all accounts, they were divvils on the bog back in the day….
Hi Christy, maybe a new sound, maybe not.
I stumbled across this group and am immersed in this album now, magical stuff and worth checking if you find time.
Abatwa ( the pygmy) from Rwanda.
https://abatwa.bandcamp.com/track/umutesi-i-ll-follow-you-until-you-kill-me
Cheers rory
Limerick…the morning after…
Ruth & Patrick sounding unique this morning ….never heard anything quite like it before….years ago had an album that Brian Jones recorded in Morocco called Joujouka….I’ve not heard it for 40 years but this reminds me of it….
Charlie posted his journal of your recent run thru Bognia….Father & Son on the road, idyllic stuff…have a new Father & Son song on the bench at the moment…hope to get it onto tape soon…
goin to hear Mick Lynch tomorrow…an event to remember the Dublin writer of “The Ragged Trousered Philantropists”…Robert Noonan was born in Wexford St,Dublin…wrote under Robert Tressel….read this great book way back not realising the writer was a Dub…
Hello Christy,
Thank you for pointing me to that podcast. I’ll spend some happy hours there.
Somehow it led me here
https://youtu.be/5eY0bJzKxA8
Rebecca
Companeros (Good Ship Granma)
Travelling People
Go Move Shift
Green Island
Tim Evans
Sweet Thames
First Time Ever
all his songs so beautiful to sing…what a rich legacy he created and willed us….Peggy’s light still burning bright….Calum and Neil still making music….