Hi Christy, I just wanted to say thank you for a beautiful evening in the West.it was up lifting in many ways to spend a little time with you, for some reason I came away with the Briany Brannigan song “Black and Amber” it has the images similar in many ways to Lawless and Stitches from Mick Curry and Martin Carthy.Sean was chuffed with his brothers song being performed and the nod , over the years it has been rearranged , I’ve noticed how you have extended the phrasing of the words and it’s lovely. Sean graciously drove me up to Draperstown/Bellaghy and over the Sperrin mountains and we sang a few songs, he’s coming over at the end of the month to do 4 gigs with me which will be lovely. Tony is still trying to find he way back from the North Side of Dublin.
I’ve been invited back to the Doolin Motorcycle Festival next year which warms the soul. I can tell the preparation for you is enjoyable, the places the people the memories but most importantly the songs. My work on “The Wall” is more a labor of love, it sprung from a verse you added to Johnny Connors and in particular one line “In Palestine it’s people are being killed off one by one”it stuck with me, Everything happens for a reason , after your gig I met a family, god love us we got talking , their poor daughter was retracing her footsteps with her , mother, father and brother , the young woman was assaulted on a night out with her friends a few weeks back , we talked , we hugged,and we wept openly, I told her that it’s not your fault and don’t let it define or destroy your life, seek the help needed, I told her my daughter is your age , her mom dad and brother thanked me for talking to them all on that street in Galway. I made them smile and laughed , I gave the young girl your t-shirt and Woolly hat then I told her to wear them like a warrior, she was so happy , I’ll never forget that moment.we parted probably never to meet again. I’ve learned a lot, compassion and empathy cost nothing and they mean everything . I hope you like the book Christy, and than you for Singing Shane’s Fairytale of New York for me, that was very kind of you, if you have a recording of the gig would you send it my way , it was a beautiful choir and I hope your feeling better, thank you again for spending a little time with me , it was unexpected and very special.💚🎶
Love Fin
Hi Christy,
I am lucky enough to be taking a chance to wile away a few minutes listening to the Translations episode of bbc Sounds 4 part series on Seamus Heaney (a british poet ,some wrongly say, don’t choke on your hard boiled eggs).
He talks fondly of Middle Scots language, of Robert Henryson ,poet of 600 years ago, and his translation and being attracted by the rhythm ,i suppose like a song. Then there is history, such a fascinating subject and he seems to have been enthralled by the fascination that history provides.
Translation, timelessness, rhyme and scan, history and song and his love of all those aspects seems like yours, like mine, like so may of our fellow 4711ers .
Yet it is his ability as a translator, be it Irish, Scots, English, Scandanavian or whatever ,he exudes ‘the clear song of a skilled poet’……as he translated.
Rory
Christy, hope all’s well with you. I had a real treat to see and hear Clannad at the Town Hall Theater here in midtown Manhattan last night. What a force of nature they continue to be. We soaked up Moya and Paul and Ciaran, and the kids Ashling and Paul too. I thought a bit about your own entwinements with Clannad over the years, many shared stages and collaborations I’m sure. I remember Moya on your Late Late tribute in 1994. I’ve heard some awesome music here in NY this year including your buddies Paul Brady in Manhattan and Hank Wedel in Queens, hopefully see yourself before the years out. Kind regards. Brian.
Hello Christy,
Wondering who here has been watching the rugby. I’m enjoying the pool stages and getting the chance to watch teams we don’t often get a chance to see. Chile and also Portugal.
Here’s a little informal recording from yesterday. It always feels like I’m showing my work to the teacher when I do this. I guess that’s what I’m doing. So here goes… https://youtu.be/uNRs3mJr7nc?si=G60CPFLB3BLApo5f
Hello Christy,
I’m always so happy to hear this song. https://youtu.be/zCEuHbPUoIc?si=JjyG2037g0X96D5P
Thankyou.
I was looking through my purse for the Leisureland tickets. There’s my ticket for the York gig in 2018 still in there, all safe.
That’s the day I first heard you sing it.
Do you still read the Highbrow Heretic’s writings that come by email?
Hello Christy,
When I sing Lemon Sevens I admire her strength, her courage, her swagger. The way she approaches her relationships. But it’s still the bottom rung.
And many people think hierarchies are real.
There was a man living in a tent beside the air vent at Sainsbury in Halifax. I used to give him money when I could. £10 could buy a night in a hostel. One day he was gone. I heard someone had burned his tent. I hope it wasn’t true.
Hope it was a good’un last night. Here’s the next instalment. I first heard it on Life on the Road. A gathering in the upstairs office of Tar Isteach. https://youtu.be/B7JNR7ctrnI?si=56t9Wf7o8FnBQx3B
Rebecca
Christy's reply
every listener (and singer) finds their own interpretation….its part of the magic of song
Hi Christy. Coming over to see your show in Belfast on October 12. Hope to meet you. All the best, Kevin
Christy's reply
Safe travels Kevin ….hopefully we’ll all make it safe and sound to The Waterfront….its always a full on gig beneath the black mountain….once the lights go up I’ll be straight into the oxygen tent, then a cold shower to come down from Antrim euphoria after which we’ll recite 5 joyful mysteries with our local curate… then a quick rub of the Reiki , a blast of deep meditation and I’m into the back of the van for a fish supper as we set sail for El Paso..
…have a good one Kevin
Christy hi,
Busted car or not we kicked the traces, bet the nags and followed the craic.
Our lad Tom from Hawick rode 2 winners on the Laytown strand, unbelivable…..we sang him a Hawick song as he unsaddled.
Finding Gordon’s in deepest Meath, along L roads with more bumps than a showground wurlitzer whilst introducing my compatriots to Why did we stop growing Tall? an album by a group of Pygmy singers Abatwa was nearly the highlight.
Aer Lingus took pity on us without passports and snuk us on board with Fly me to the Moon being whistled , and Howth’s finest seafood jumping round the belly to I am Sailing.
However Pat correctly suggested the trip theme should have been your resurrected Curragh of Kildare.
Home safe late lastnight, looking forward to that cup of Barry’s someday.
Rory
Christy's reply
Here is a man who makes the best of any situation,undeterred by a faulty motor, facing potential crisis, he rallys the cohorts and,turning a negative situation on its head, forges on to have almighty crack ,cleaning out turf accountants they sang their way from The Plains of Royal Meath across The Curragh of Kildare to the safety of Tipperary….. after feeding from the chowder trough at Howth, they avoided the nightmare of a RyanAir check-in and, boarding the national carrier, flew back to their native home……thats the way to do it….
Hey Christy, representing the previously named FreetheMilwaukee5 are two lads from Athenry who will see you in Clifden tonight. Still got ties back to the Milwaukee lads who came over few years ago to see you in the Great Northern.
Looking forward to the gig tonight and sending a few pictures and videos out into the ether and further afield out west over the islands to the States to remind them there’s life in d’auld dog yet! Less of d’auld, less of the dog says you
I know you’ll give it socks!
All together now….. Oooooooh Lisdoonvarna
Christy's reply
no problem here with the auld dog tag…still waggin the tail, givin the odd bark and chasin the march hare….
Hello Christy,
I managed to capture a couple of good videos on 9th September. Here’s one of the best adverts for a gig of yours that I can imagine.
Acapella and 1000 rapt listeners https://youtu.be/bHltiGxgKiw?si=kuYXeKmB_oyqhWAZ
Rebecca
Christy's reply
the imagery of Briany Brannigan’s song painst a vivid picture…each time I sing it I’m thinking of a young woman recently encountered on Thomas St in Dublin…her only purpose in life to get the price…. I gave her a few bob and she took off rapid towards her source…left everything behind her on the street,her sleeping bag, bottle of water and a tesco plastic bag…maybe everything she had in the world…..such a powerful song offering a glimpse of life on our City streets in 2023
CM how is that slaghdán that’s been ailing you?
I hope you’ve had some improvement.
Lé cúnamh Dé this shall be my 3rd time seeing you sa gClochán…September 2007 was my 3rd birthday and my very first gig. I still remember Dad (Go ndéana Dia trócaire air)..
lifting me up over a load of people ..to shake your hand. Níl uasal ná íseal ach thuas seal is thíos seal
Sin sin , see you later alligator CS 19
Agus RS 24 freisin agus Cáit
Christy's reply
good man CS(19)ope to see you Cait & Róisín later on…on the road now..somewhere between the Liffey and The Shannon..The Mighty Bog of Allen glimmering to my left as we tear across the Border from Kildare into Offaly….up ahead lies Kinnegad before we veer of left towards Moate and Athlone….
thanks for the memory of your Dad….God Be Good To Him…..I only got to know him a small bit but he left a lasting impression upon me…I think of him often and cherish the memory of the few chats we had…
I remember him holding you up to me 16 years ago…and here you are now on your journey to 3rd level and all the possibilities that await you…already you are making a mark with your music and acting….
Keep Up The Good Work..(CM 78)
So R, ye made it back across the Irish Sea. Sounds like a great trip. Eventful. And yez made it to Kennys, Galway. They had a lovely and great shop in the city centre.
Christy's reply
back in the day Kenny’s Bookshop and Art Gallery were an essential part of Galway visits….before that again it would have been The The Cellar, The Harbour & Bridie Hogan’s …..Balladsinging was thirsty work back then
Hello Christy,
Well here we are, safe at home, still thinking of your last gig while you’re nearly onto the next one. A beautiful sunny morning in Yorkshire, it felt like Wales had got all of Galway’s rain as we drove through it yesterday evening.
Lots of treasure to unpack and frames to be found. David Rooney’s print arrived while we were away, so that needs unpacking.
Thankyou!
I always feel sad to leave Ireland but we’ll be back. January 16th and 19th.
Videos to listen to and a harp to get out of its case. It arrived perfect in Galway so hopefully all the strings are still happy and buzzing. That case is like a tank. It would look great on caterpillar tracks with it’s big dragon on one side.
All love.
Rebecca
Myself and Karen are still trying to come down from the high of last Saturday night it was amazing as usual and we appreciate all the work and effort that goes into your gig from your crew and yourself.
Thank you so much for the song request and Sean would be so happy that his song was played on Sat night.
Wishing you good health and happiness and your music kept our spirits high as we thought of Sean throughout Johnny Jump Up and Before the Deluge. It was an added bonus that you sang johnny durhans Voyage as that was the first dance song at our wedding back in 2016 with Don Stiffe and his band from Loughrea.
Forever in your gratitude
Gearoid and Karen Kirwan
Christy's reply
Thank you for sharing about Seán…it added a dimension to the gig…Sean not being there, learning of his recent death, of his ticket been taken up and you attending the gig with Karen….May He Rest In Peace
Hello Christy,
Had a little trip out to Kennys bookshop yesterday. I was hoping to track down The Lost Tribe of the Wicklow Mountains. I had the book but it went the same way as my mother’s wedding ring. Unlike the ring, it hasn’t returned yet. When it says “I believe in them so they do exist”, this is how I’m starting to feel about the book, because they didn’t have it at Kennys.
I did find some treasure though. They’d bought a couple of collections of Irish song books.
I found
The Irish song book. 75 Makem and Clancy performed songs. The book is 1979 I think. It includes The Cobbler.
The Voice of the People. This one gives historical events from 1798 to 1916 and them matches them to contemporary songs about the events. This one is going to be so useful! 1982 I think.
The Celtic Song Book. This one jumped off the shelf into my arms, and I couldn’t leave it in the shop. An old hardback with a signature I can’t make out in the front and 1936 written in ink. It’s got short essays about the songs of the 6 Celtic nations, then songs from each country in the original languages and English.
It was a very good day.
We’re heading for home today. I’ve got some videos from your gig that I’m looking forward to listening to. I’ll post them if I’ve managed to catch you ok.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
sounds as if you had the boot full for the return journey…
Well Christy, some adventure so far, we broke down on the ringroad and abandoned the car at Ballymun, singing 3 wheels on my wagon, and looking for Joxer to mind her….we made some of leopardstown, and then our digs in kilcullen singing take me home country roads, went round the course at Athgarvan to the strains of Straight down the middle and on to the Curragh for the Goffs National stakes to the downpour and Waiting for the deluge, Silken Thomas refreshed us we arrived in Cashel to take in the folk museum ( just incredible) and take out Jayo and Dinny Lacy’s grand niece for smashing night all to sing loudly the Galtee Mountain Boy.
The car is away home on a truck, we are not, Laytown and Howth await long before We’re leaving on a jet plane.
Glorious stuff.
Rory
Christy's reply
its a great gift you have Rory..making the very best of every situation…many would get lost in moaning about the breakdown but you simply ran with the consequences and forged a good time for you and your fellow travellers…I wish you well and hope to have that mug of tea before too long
Chirtsty! The Renault 4L is banjoed these days(Thinkin’ of me Da, me Uncle and Phil Callery shifting gears with the elbow!! Can’t make it across the Shannon so we nursed her up the N1 to Sean Corcoran territory! What a weekend! The highlight was Donal had a Bouzouki workshop with the instrument maker Frank Tate! 2 geniuses! Donal was in flying form like yourself! A racantour! It was brilliantly informal! Donal discussed his approach to accompaniment, had all his legacy bouzoukis and also told great yearns about all his collaboarations, Frank Harte was a highlight! Also Sean Corcoran himself, Tom Munnely, John Reilly, Seeing him at the 1966 Fleadh sitting on a bar singing away and just being blowin’ away! ( he mentioned him sharinging Raggle Taggle, Well Below, Lord Baker, and also discussed the Grehans! He brought young lads up on stage to play tunes with him and ask questions! One very young lad, who was very handy, couldn’t stop asking him questions, and to be fair his innocence was infectuous! One question was! How did you manage to keep the power of Christys voice, under control when you recorded with him! He the went on to describe the recorded ingredients of This is the Day with Tim Martin. He described how himselflf and Declan would listen! Declan would do something with you and then donal himself would come in but the trick was always to not to play the same thing. Then Tim would do the mix magic! Then the performance space was found in Cleeres and everything just came together! It went on for hours! Donal and Frank finished off with some beautiful tunes! What a gig!
Christy's reply
Thats a great read..
delighted to hear about Donal’s workshop..
He led the way for so many of us back in the day…
Donal was the guiding light in Planxty…. he pulled Liam, Andy and myself together…he took the ingredients and cooked up the essence of what the Band was to become…
from The Rakes of Kildare to Emmet Spiceland to Planxty to The Bothy Band to Orchealtaich to Coolfin and numerous outfits in between , Donal Lunny had the ears and vision needed for the final sounds to emerge as they did…on top of this he was the most prolific studio producer in the land…
My own working life commenced with Donal at my side….I remain forever grateful for all he taught us
Hi All. The 11th of Sept is also the day of another atrocity, the coup in Chile, but in 1973, 50 years ago today. Thinking of Maryline today and the welcome she accorded to some 4711ers who made their way South and hoping she will make a gig sometime in the not too distant future. The songs keep the story alive https://youtu.be/TiKPu5WmOkQ?si=0uEnhcwQ1x2mGWJc Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
Victor Jara….still inspires..still lights the path
Remembering FDNY Firefighter John Heffernan and his Mother Mary on this anniversary of 9/11and thinking of the wonderful version of Motherland that you did at Vicar St. Found out that John was in punk band The Bullies, and I’m quite sure he was influenced by Shane and the Pogues. RIP and Shane get well soon, planning another visit around your schedule
Christy's reply
we always remember those of the FDNY and NYPD who made the ultimate sacrifice at that horrible time
Hi Christy,
Many’s the gig starts with Chicago and Brigada.
After that when the gloves come off anything can happen.
Well Jaysus something feckin magical happened in the
Hanger last Saturday night.
I’ld have heard all of the songs before.
But not in this order and not sung as well.
The two Conneeleys never sounded better.
The unaccompanied versions of Lemons 7
and Stich in Time – Ar Feabhas.
The way Johnny Boy morphs into Ride On.
Clock Winds Down into Deluge. On The Mainland into Derry.
I Love Politicans into Shovel.
You hand us aiting out of your hand.
The Choir were in fine voice too.
The Three Lovely Lasses ahind us nailed the harmonies
on Voyage,Beeswing and Sail on Jimmy.
Must be the extra practice after swimming on Thursday.
Sometimes when a new song is introduced members of the audience start shuffling out. But they stayed for The Big Marque
It’s a slow burner for sure. But it’s a keeper.
Look at the reception My Little Honda 50 got.
By the time you got to Joxer and Lisdoon the roof was ready to lift. Probably would have if you didn’t come back, calm things down and finish with John O Dreams.
A magic night in The Hanger that will live long in the memory.
Until the next time.
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
Christy's reply
always great to read a gig review, especially one from a seasoned listener…..thanks for posting Bourkey and Thanks Too for the lovely book…Kildare was always a bit backward with the hurling (Pat Dunny , a notable exception) but I’ve always loved watching the game..I was working in Clonmel 1963-64 and had some great times following that Legendary Team…. Babs, Theo, John & Jimmy Doyle, Larry Kiely and their cohorts as they clashed the ash….I used to travel with a staunch group of supporters, as their resident balladeer..manys the halt on the return to Clonmel…I’d rozzin the bow, race Brennan across The Moor, raise the jug of punch and we’d be leavin Liverpool for The Holy Ground…”More Porter for the singer” was always music to my ears
Hi Christy, I just wanted to say thank you for a beautiful evening in the West.it was up lifting in many ways to spend a little time with you, for some reason I came away with the Briany Brannigan song “Black and Amber” it has the images similar in many ways to Lawless and Stitches from Mick Curry and Martin Carthy.Sean was chuffed with his brothers song being performed and the nod , over the years it has been rearranged , I’ve noticed how you have extended the phrasing of the words and it’s lovely. Sean graciously drove me up to Draperstown/Bellaghy and over the Sperrin mountains and we sang a few songs, he’s coming over at the end of the month to do 4 gigs with me which will be lovely. Tony is still trying to find he way back from the North Side of Dublin.
I’ve been invited back to the Doolin Motorcycle Festival next year which warms the soul. I can tell the preparation for you is enjoyable, the places the people the memories but most importantly the songs. My work on “The Wall” is more a labor of love, it sprung from a verse you added to Johnny Connors and in particular one line “In Palestine it’s people are being killed off one by one”it stuck with me, Everything happens for a reason , after your gig I met a family, god love us we got talking , their poor daughter was retracing her footsteps with her , mother, father and brother , the young woman was assaulted on a night out with her friends a few weeks back , we talked , we hugged,and we wept openly, I told her that it’s not your fault and don’t let it define or destroy your life, seek the help needed, I told her my daughter is your age , her mom dad and brother thanked me for talking to them all on that street in Galway. I made them smile and laughed , I gave the young girl your t-shirt and Woolly hat then I told her to wear them like a warrior, she was so happy , I’ll never forget that moment.we parted probably never to meet again. I’ve learned a lot, compassion and empathy cost nothing and they mean everything . I hope you like the book Christy, and than you for Singing Shane’s Fairytale of New York for me, that was very kind of you, if you have a recording of the gig would you send it my way , it was a beautiful choir and I hope your feeling better, thank you again for spending a little time with me , it was unexpected and very special.💚🎶
Love Fin
Hi Christy,
I am lucky enough to be taking a chance to wile away a few minutes listening to the Translations episode of bbc Sounds 4 part series on Seamus Heaney (a british poet ,some wrongly say, don’t choke on your hard boiled eggs).
He talks fondly of Middle Scots language, of Robert Henryson ,poet of 600 years ago, and his translation and being attracted by the rhythm ,i suppose like a song. Then there is history, such a fascinating subject and he seems to have been enthralled by the fascination that history provides.
Translation, timelessness, rhyme and scan, history and song and his love of all those aspects seems like yours, like mine, like so may of our fellow 4711ers .
Yet it is his ability as a translator, be it Irish, Scots, English, Scandanavian or whatever ,he exudes ‘the clear song of a skilled poet’……as he translated.
Rory
Christy, hope all’s well with you. I had a real treat to see and hear Clannad at the Town Hall Theater here in midtown Manhattan last night. What a force of nature they continue to be. We soaked up Moya and Paul and Ciaran, and the kids Ashling and Paul too. I thought a bit about your own entwinements with Clannad over the years, many shared stages and collaborations I’m sure. I remember Moya on your Late Late tribute in 1994. I’ve heard some awesome music here in NY this year including your buddies Paul Brady in Manhattan and Hank Wedel in Queens, hopefully see yourself before the years out. Kind regards. Brian.
Hello Christy,
Wondering who here has been watching the rugby. I’m enjoying the pool stages and getting the chance to watch teams we don’t often get a chance to see. Chile and also Portugal.
Here’s a little informal recording from yesterday. It always feels like I’m showing my work to the teacher when I do this. I guess that’s what I’m doing. So here goes…
https://youtu.be/uNRs3mJr7nc?si=G60CPFLB3BLApo5f
Rebecca
Hello Christy,
I’m always so happy to hear this song.
https://youtu.be/zCEuHbPUoIc?si=JjyG2037g0X96D5P
Thankyou.
I was looking through my purse for the Leisureland tickets. There’s my ticket for the York gig in 2018 still in there, all safe.
That’s the day I first heard you sing it.
Do you still read the Highbrow Heretic’s writings that come by email?
Rebecca
Hello Christy,
When I sing Lemon Sevens I admire her strength, her courage, her swagger. The way she approaches her relationships. But it’s still the bottom rung.
And many people think hierarchies are real.
There was a man living in a tent beside the air vent at Sainsbury in Halifax. I used to give him money when I could. £10 could buy a night in a hostel. One day he was gone. I heard someone had burned his tent. I hope it wasn’t true.
Hope it was a good’un last night. Here’s the next instalment. I first heard it on Life on the Road. A gathering in the upstairs office of Tar Isteach.
https://youtu.be/B7JNR7ctrnI?si=56t9Wf7o8FnBQx3B
Rebecca
every listener (and singer) finds their own interpretation….its part of the magic of song
Hi Christy. Coming over to see your show in Belfast on October 12. Hope to meet you. All the best, Kevin
Safe travels Kevin ….hopefully we’ll all make it safe and sound to The Waterfront….its always a full on gig beneath the black mountain….once the lights go up I’ll be straight into the oxygen tent, then a cold shower to come down from Antrim euphoria after which we’ll recite 5 joyful mysteries with our local curate… then a quick rub of the Reiki , a blast of deep meditation and I’m into the back of the van for a fish supper as we set sail for El Paso..
…have a good one Kevin
Christy hi,
Busted car or not we kicked the traces, bet the nags and followed the craic.
Our lad Tom from Hawick rode 2 winners on the Laytown strand, unbelivable…..we sang him a Hawick song as he unsaddled.
Finding Gordon’s in deepest Meath, along L roads with more bumps than a showground wurlitzer whilst introducing my compatriots to Why did we stop growing Tall? an album by a group of Pygmy singers Abatwa was nearly the highlight.
Aer Lingus took pity on us without passports and snuk us on board with Fly me to the Moon being whistled , and Howth’s finest seafood jumping round the belly to I am Sailing.
However Pat correctly suggested the trip theme should have been your resurrected Curragh of Kildare.
Home safe late lastnight, looking forward to that cup of Barry’s someday.
Rory
Here is a man who makes the best of any situation,undeterred by a faulty motor, facing potential crisis, he rallys the cohorts and,turning a negative situation on its head, forges on to have almighty crack ,cleaning out turf accountants they sang their way from The Plains of Royal Meath across The Curragh of Kildare to the safety of Tipperary….. after feeding from the chowder trough at Howth, they avoided the nightmare of a RyanAir check-in and, boarding the national carrier, flew back to their native home……thats the way to do it….
Hey Christy, representing the previously named FreetheMilwaukee5 are two lads from Athenry who will see you in Clifden tonight. Still got ties back to the Milwaukee lads who came over few years ago to see you in the Great Northern.
Looking forward to the gig tonight and sending a few pictures and videos out into the ether and further afield out west over the islands to the States to remind them there’s life in d’auld dog yet! Less of d’auld, less of the dog says you
I know you’ll give it socks!
All together now….. Oooooooh Lisdoonvarna
no problem here with the auld dog tag…still waggin the tail, givin the odd bark and chasin the march hare….
Hello Christy,
I managed to capture a couple of good videos on 9th September. Here’s one of the best adverts for a gig of yours that I can imagine.
Acapella and 1000 rapt listeners
https://youtu.be/bHltiGxgKiw?si=kuYXeKmB_oyqhWAZ
Rebecca
the imagery of Briany Brannigan’s song painst a vivid picture…each time I sing it I’m thinking of a young woman recently encountered on Thomas St in Dublin…her only purpose in life to get the price…. I gave her a few bob and she took off rapid towards her source…left everything behind her on the street,her sleeping bag, bottle of water and a tesco plastic bag…maybe everything she had in the world…..such a powerful song offering a glimpse of life on our City streets in 2023
CM how is that slaghdán that’s been ailing you?
I hope you’ve had some improvement.
Lé cúnamh Dé this shall be my 3rd time seeing you sa gClochán…September 2007 was my 3rd birthday and my very first gig. I still remember Dad (Go ndéana Dia trócaire air)..
lifting me up over a load of people ..to shake your hand. Níl uasal ná íseal ach thuas seal is thíos seal
Sin sin , see you later alligator CS 19
Agus RS 24 freisin agus Cáit
good man CS(19)ope to see you Cait & Róisín later on…on the road now..somewhere between the Liffey and The Shannon..The Mighty Bog of Allen glimmering to my left as we tear across the Border from Kildare into Offaly….up ahead lies Kinnegad before we veer of left towards Moate and Athlone….
thanks for the memory of your Dad….God Be Good To Him…..I only got to know him a small bit but he left a lasting impression upon me…I think of him often and cherish the memory of the few chats we had…
I remember him holding you up to me 16 years ago…and here you are now on your journey to 3rd level and all the possibilities that await you…already you are making a mark with your music and acting….
Keep Up The Good Work..(CM 78)
So R, ye made it back across the Irish Sea. Sounds like a great trip. Eventful. And yez made it to Kennys, Galway. They had a lovely and great shop in the city centre.
back in the day Kenny’s Bookshop and Art Gallery were an essential part of Galway visits….before that again it would have been The The Cellar, The Harbour & Bridie Hogan’s …..Balladsinging was thirsty work back then
Hello Christy,
Well here we are, safe at home, still thinking of your last gig while you’re nearly onto the next one. A beautiful sunny morning in Yorkshire, it felt like Wales had got all of Galway’s rain as we drove through it yesterday evening.
Lots of treasure to unpack and frames to be found. David Rooney’s print arrived while we were away, so that needs unpacking.
Thankyou!
I always feel sad to leave Ireland but we’ll be back. January 16th and 19th.
Videos to listen to and a harp to get out of its case. It arrived perfect in Galway so hopefully all the strings are still happy and buzzing. That case is like a tank. It would look great on caterpillar tracks with it’s big dragon on one side.
All love.
Rebecca
Hi Christy
Myself and Karen are still trying to come down from the high of last Saturday night it was amazing as usual and we appreciate all the work and effort that goes into your gig from your crew and yourself.
Thank you so much for the song request and Sean would be so happy that his song was played on Sat night.
Wishing you good health and happiness and your music kept our spirits high as we thought of Sean throughout Johnny Jump Up and Before the Deluge. It was an added bonus that you sang johnny durhans Voyage as that was the first dance song at our wedding back in 2016 with Don Stiffe and his band from Loughrea.
Forever in your gratitude
Gearoid and Karen Kirwan
Thank you for sharing about Seán…it added a dimension to the gig…Sean not being there, learning of his recent death, of his ticket been taken up and you attending the gig with Karen….May He Rest In Peace
Hello Christy,
Had a little trip out to Kennys bookshop yesterday. I was hoping to track down The Lost Tribe of the Wicklow Mountains. I had the book but it went the same way as my mother’s wedding ring. Unlike the ring, it hasn’t returned yet. When it says “I believe in them so they do exist”, this is how I’m starting to feel about the book, because they didn’t have it at Kennys.
I did find some treasure though. They’d bought a couple of collections of Irish song books.
I found
The Irish song book. 75 Makem and Clancy performed songs. The book is 1979 I think. It includes The Cobbler.
The Voice of the People. This one gives historical events from 1798 to 1916 and them matches them to contemporary songs about the events. This one is going to be so useful! 1982 I think.
The Celtic Song Book. This one jumped off the shelf into my arms, and I couldn’t leave it in the shop. An old hardback with a signature I can’t make out in the front and 1936 written in ink. It’s got short essays about the songs of the 6 Celtic nations, then songs from each country in the original languages and English.
It was a very good day.
We’re heading for home today. I’ve got some videos from your gig that I’m looking forward to listening to. I’ll post them if I’ve managed to catch you ok.
Rebecca
sounds as if you had the boot full for the return journey…
Well Christy, some adventure so far, we broke down on the ringroad and abandoned the car at Ballymun, singing 3 wheels on my wagon, and looking for Joxer to mind her….we made some of leopardstown, and then our digs in kilcullen singing take me home country roads, went round the course at Athgarvan to the strains of Straight down the middle and on to the Curragh for the Goffs National stakes to the downpour and Waiting for the deluge, Silken Thomas refreshed us we arrived in Cashel to take in the folk museum ( just incredible) and take out Jayo and Dinny Lacy’s grand niece for smashing night all to sing loudly the Galtee Mountain Boy.
The car is away home on a truck, we are not, Laytown and Howth await long before We’re leaving on a jet plane.
Glorious stuff.
Rory
its a great gift you have Rory..making the very best of every situation…many would get lost in moaning about the breakdown but you simply ran with the consequences and forged a good time for you and your fellow travellers…I wish you well and hope to have that mug of tea before too long
Chirtsty! The Renault 4L is banjoed these days(Thinkin’ of me Da, me Uncle and Phil Callery shifting gears with the elbow!! Can’t make it across the Shannon so we nursed her up the N1 to Sean Corcoran territory! What a weekend! The highlight was Donal had a Bouzouki workshop with the instrument maker Frank Tate! 2 geniuses! Donal was in flying form like yourself! A racantour! It was brilliantly informal! Donal discussed his approach to accompaniment, had all his legacy bouzoukis and also told great yearns about all his collaboarations, Frank Harte was a highlight! Also Sean Corcoran himself, Tom Munnely, John Reilly, Seeing him at the 1966 Fleadh sitting on a bar singing away and just being blowin’ away! ( he mentioned him sharinging Raggle Taggle, Well Below, Lord Baker, and also discussed the Grehans! He brought young lads up on stage to play tunes with him and ask questions! One very young lad, who was very handy, couldn’t stop asking him questions, and to be fair his innocence was infectuous! One question was! How did you manage to keep the power of Christys voice, under control when you recorded with him! He the went on to describe the recorded ingredients of This is the Day with Tim Martin. He described how himselflf and Declan would listen! Declan would do something with you and then donal himself would come in but the trick was always to not to play the same thing. Then Tim would do the mix magic! Then the performance space was found in Cleeres and everything just came together! It went on for hours! Donal and Frank finished off with some beautiful tunes! What a gig!
Thats a great read..
delighted to hear about Donal’s workshop..
He led the way for so many of us back in the day…
Donal was the guiding light in Planxty…. he pulled Liam, Andy and myself together…he took the ingredients and cooked up the essence of what the Band was to become…
from The Rakes of Kildare to Emmet Spiceland to Planxty to The Bothy Band to Orchealtaich to Coolfin and numerous outfits in between , Donal Lunny had the ears and vision needed for the final sounds to emerge as they did…on top of this he was the most prolific studio producer in the land…
My own working life commenced with Donal at my side….I remain forever grateful for all he taught us
Hi All. The 11th of Sept is also the day of another atrocity, the coup in Chile, but in 1973, 50 years ago today. Thinking of Maryline today and the welcome she accorded to some 4711ers who made their way South and hoping she will make a gig sometime in the not too distant future. The songs keep the story alive https://youtu.be/TiKPu5WmOkQ?si=0uEnhcwQ1x2mGWJc Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Victor Jara….still inspires..still lights the path
Remembering FDNY Firefighter John Heffernan and his Mother Mary on this anniversary of 9/11and thinking of the wonderful version of Motherland that you did at Vicar St. Found out that John was in punk band The Bullies, and I’m quite sure he was influenced by Shane and the Pogues. RIP and Shane get well soon, planning another visit around your schedule
we always remember those of the FDNY and NYPD who made the ultimate sacrifice at that horrible time
safe travels to you
Hi Christy,
Many’s the gig starts with Chicago and Brigada.
After that when the gloves come off anything can happen.
Well Jaysus something feckin magical happened in the
Hanger last Saturday night.
I’ld have heard all of the songs before.
But not in this order and not sung as well.
The two Conneeleys never sounded better.
The unaccompanied versions of Lemons 7
and Stich in Time – Ar Feabhas.
The way Johnny Boy morphs into Ride On.
Clock Winds Down into Deluge. On The Mainland into Derry.
I Love Politicans into Shovel.
You hand us aiting out of your hand.
The Choir were in fine voice too.
The Three Lovely Lasses ahind us nailed the harmonies
on Voyage,Beeswing and Sail on Jimmy.
Must be the extra practice after swimming on Thursday.
Sometimes when a new song is introduced members of the audience start shuffling out. But they stayed for The Big Marque
It’s a slow burner for sure. But it’s a keeper.
Look at the reception My Little Honda 50 got.
By the time you got to Joxer and Lisdoon the roof was ready to lift. Probably would have if you didn’t come back, calm things down and finish with John O Dreams.
A magic night in The Hanger that will live long in the memory.
Until the next time.
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
always great to read a gig review, especially one from a seasoned listener…..thanks for posting Bourkey and Thanks Too for the lovely book…Kildare was always a bit backward with the hurling (Pat Dunny , a notable exception) but I’ve always loved watching the game..I was working in Clonmel 1963-64 and had some great times following that Legendary Team…. Babs, Theo, John & Jimmy Doyle, Larry Kiely and their cohorts as they clashed the ash….I used to travel with a staunch group of supporters, as their resident balladeer..manys the halt on the return to Clonmel…I’d rozzin the bow, race Brennan across The Moor, raise the jug of punch and we’d be leavin Liverpool for The Holy Ground…”More Porter for the singer” was always music to my ears