… and Brian Dooher is down injured.
And while he is, I’ll tell ye a little story.
I was in Time Square last week and I was missing the championship back home. So I approached a news stand, and I said “I suppose ye wouldn’t have The Kerryman (newspaper)
“Would ye ?” To which the Egyptian behind the counter turned
to me and said. “Do you want the north Kerry edition or
the south Kerry edition ?”. He had both, so I bought both.
And Dooher is back on his feet …
Christy's reply
Just love that story…I used to get “The Leinster Leader” on the Kilburn High Toad back in 1966
alt opening line to “The Big Marquee”
“theres an Eagle down in Skibbereen
a Kerryman in Tralee
but the man from the Cork Examiner
was the man that questioned me”
Hello Christy,
You and Rory are lucky having sports where something happens to commentate on.
I try hard to avoid cricket, but every now and again the commentary can be worth listening to.
It’s not ‘the bowler’s Holding the batman’s Willey. But it’s not far off… it gets boring in the middle but picks up again towards the end https://youtu.be/pRRtjJ2tDJc?si=BPj7m2azhtI_51fU
Rory. I think Bill McClaren got mentioned here previously. What a commentator. That’s great to hear he’s still remembered. I love those lines on players, officials, linesman, pipeband member, if they deserved a mention, Bill would mention them and he’d have their name written down. The pure professionalism and love for his work shone through. If a ref stopped a game Bill would want to tell us why the game was stopped, what rule was broken and so on. Then take up the commentary and the rolling Scottish brogue would take off. Christy mentions Micheal on Radio Eireann. Nobody like them anymore, the great commentators. Several just trying to imitate them, perhaps instead better to devise a style of their own. Interestingly that Fergus Slattery and the great Mike Gibson got invoked. Andy Irvine: a great Scottish full-back from the 70s (I think). A name from the past.
A man of the same name, Andy Irvine, a great folk musician, still on the ‘go’ here.
Good evening Christy,
Amidst the glamour, glitz and high stakes of a rugby world cup think of Hawick Museum.
Why? Well tonight we opened the Bill McLaren 100 years exhibition, and being lucky enough to be one of his Foundation’s trustees i got a sneak preview.
The great Andy Irvine opened the exhibition and he is in Bill’s greatest ever team, alongside Fergus Slattery and Mike Gibson who he also chose as captain.
No real musical connection for this guestbook but some braw items there including a genuine recreation of Bill’s glory hole piled with stats and books, then his ‘big sheets’ ( copies available at a price) upon which he crammed info on every player, official, ballboy and pipeband before 700 commentary games and on to banners proclaiming his memorable sayings like ‘he’s as slippery as a baggie up a border burn’ , and all that genius from a humble family man, a neighbour of ours from 4 doors up, my gym/sports teacher and a bloke who gave passers by a chin wag and a Hawick ball sweetie.
The man that ‘oo ca’ Bill.
Thought you might be interested.
Rory
Christy's reply
different interests here occasionally extend beyond an obsession with song…you mentioned two… I witnessed Mike Gibson and the memory has never left me… doubtless his skill and genius have become exaggerated in my minds eye but he still thrills…Fergus Slattery ,truly a wing forward like no other…Michael Hooper sometimes reminds me of him…I see Fergus occasionally around the Borough….he has moved into another world..
Yes, Bill McLaren was appreciated in Ireland as well… I liken him to Míchéal Ó Muireachartaigh who ruled the roost here when commentating on our National Games… Thankfully he is still with us..I met him a while back when we both contributed to a programme about Bloody Sunday, Croke Park,Dublin, November 1920
Hello Christy,
I’m sorry I couldn’t find that song for you. Google is great for somethings, just not attics and memories. Thank goodness they haven’t invented something that can search those…
I hope it comes back to you.
I sold my first harp to a lovely woman yesterday. She came and played it and they went home together. Ive learnt a lot in 5 years. She didn’t have the music with her. I didn’t know the piece but I helped her with the lost notes. It’s taken me 5 years but me and the harp are hearing our notes together. Wish I’d started earlier.
Hope its a good one tonight. I’m all togged up to buy a full set of strings and plan another jaunt to one of your magic nights.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
I’d love to hear that Tony Small song again…but its unlikely to be on the web…I really like the Marsh Family..anyone got a contact ?….a great Family sound
Hi Christy fishing season over,qualified for wales for the 5th Time,Rygbu now looking forward to the quarter finals,Going to be a good one,see you along the way .
Christy's reply
40 – 6
gotta say Geraint..I enjoyed that one
Ye landed a whopper there
I kept thinkin of my old buddy Ray Gravell
Hi Christy !! Any glasgow shows coming up ? Good luck !
Christy's reply
who knows what the future holds
but if a fellow was to catch a ferry
Cairnryan could easily be the first port of call
that grand boreen up towards Glasgow…..
the next sentence could get me into hot water
but after 57 years I reckon
there is no venue to match Mags McIvor’s
where the shooting stars light up the fresco
where the lost ones and the lovers go
to boogie the night away
beneath the carousel of healing
I would’nt swap it for all the Gold in Las Vegas
for all the Tea in China
Hi Christy,
I hope you’re keeping well.
You might remember during your Christmas gigs in Vicar St. last year you shook hands with a young man in the front row. He was the grandson of John-Joe Murray. Like his grandfather, he’s a staunch Moorefield man. John-Joe was his idol and he’s a huge fan of yours, as am I. I’m not sure if this is possible but I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t try, (and I hope he doesn’t see this). I know you mention John-Joe in the lyrics of your song Moorefield, which brings him so much pride. I’d love to get these printed, signed by you and framed as a surprise for him if that was ever possible. I will look after any printing and postage costs. I know it’s a big ask but I know it would be the gift of a lifetime and would be proudly hung in our home. If this is possible please let me know. And if not, I understand. We will see you again this Christmas either way! Take care.
Christy's reply
of course I remember
its not every night I meet a grandson of John-Joe Murray
I’ve many memories of those times, of Murrays, Laceys, McBrides, Dohertys
I remember John-Joe booking me to play a gig for the Moorefield Club (as a singer but not as a footballer !!)
I’ve emailed you
Hi Christy,
Postman Pat has delivered unto me Matt McGinn’s new CD, it is whirring away to my great joy , entitled ‘behind every door’ it is well worth the small price, including a beautiful piece played on the Saw….all power to the laird of the Mournes.
Rory
Ps marsh family sea shanty about suella is ‘interesting’ if found on t’internet
I once had a cassette recording and lyric sheet that Tony shared with me 40 years ago….I remember it every now and then… and wish that it would re-emerge from wherever it disappeared….
Hi Christy,
I hope you are keeping well. My brother Cathal is getting married in December to an Australian lady called Kimey . He would be a big fan just like myself. We hope to have people from back home sending short clips . Since he listens to you everyday on his way to work – I was just wondering if you were able to say a quick hello and possibly a quick verse of his favourite “Back home in Derry”. No worries if not 👍 Thanks , Micheál
Christy's reply
Morra Micheál,
we’re doing our best to keep well…thanks
I’ve had to curtail the call out for clips….
“quick” for you to write but not “quick” for me to do
best wishes to you all
Evening Christy,
One ofmy work colleagues is from Cork, shewas telling me of herjoy in belting out your old live albums at home with her daughter yesterday, the child of Prague, folk not clapping in time, knock, she loved it bringing back memories of her youth.
Have set her on to Magic Nights and to On The Road for her weekend.
It is the 8th wonder of the world that you have brought joy to now probably 4 generations at least.
How are the Babylon Gardens hanging?
Top man Christy
Rory
Christy's reply
I’m developing oval eyes here Rory….dreaming of rucks,mauls,lineouts and forward passes…I dont know whether I’m watching Uruguay or Uganda, Nambibia or Nancy Spain…. hoping Finn will give a blast of magic
I’ll just finish with this bit and leave it there…
Ma sits down by the fire.
Mary leaves down the plate she was washing.
Bird comes in from the yard. I’ve never been in this place before
but I know all about it. Da is watching my hands.
I could keep them flying for a month. I finish the tune and put
the accordion down unto the floor. The kitchen seems to ring as
though the tune is leaving slowly. Then it’s quite.
“You never played like that before,” says Matt,
“and maybe you will never again”. Da goes to the table and pours out a whiskey for himself and me, then hands the bottle
to Joe Connor. He brings me the glass.
He looks like he’s just had another child.
You’ve passed me out now,” he says.
“It was time for you”
Christy's reply
a dear Galway companero,the late Tony Small, once wrote a beautiful Christmas Song…I wish I could find it again, I misplaced it along the way…
tour Tim post reminds me of it
There’s more. It’s by Timothy O Grady
from I could read the sky…
When I hit the first notes my hands take off like a pair of birds.
I can feel the tune spilling itself out inside me. I can see all the notes like they’re small coloured stones you’d find on the strand. I can look at all sides of them and find the right place for them to go. I could go to the well and back between each of them. Ma sits down by the fire.
Christy's reply
I swear to God Bourkey,when I read those lines Tim flashed across my mind…I’m not a big reader but I have read bits of Tim…met him briefly with Martin Hayes in Bantry a few years back….A man you dont meet every day….he writes it and lets us feel it….
Alcoholiday
That word’s brilliant! Maybe too creative for everyone else’s good?
Christy's reply
Diageo…such a caring outfit
a bit like Paddy Power….
such compassion and goodwill towards their customers….
they bring the Tobacco Industry to mind…
honey flavoured vapes, alcopops,free bets…
they really care
… and Brian Dooher is down injured.
And while he is, I’ll tell ye a little story.
I was in Time Square last week and I was missing the championship back home. So I approached a news stand, and I said “I suppose ye wouldn’t have The Kerryman (newspaper)
“Would ye ?” To which the Egyptian behind the counter turned
to me and said. “Do you want the north Kerry edition or
the south Kerry edition ?”. He had both, so I bought both.
And Dooher is back on his feet …
Just love that story…I used to get “The Leinster Leader” on the Kilburn High Toad back in 1966
alt opening line to “The Big Marquee”
“theres an Eagle down in Skibbereen
a Kerryman in Tralee
but the man from the Cork Examiner
was the man that questioned me”
Damn, that last bit wasn’t meant to sound rude. It was supposed to be a respectful reference to On the Mainland…
Sorry
dont give it a second thought..you’re sound as a bell
Hello Christy,
You and Rory are lucky having sports where something happens to commentate on.
I try hard to avoid cricket, but every now and again the commentary can be worth listening to.
It’s not ‘the bowler’s Holding the batman’s Willey. But it’s not far off… it gets boring in the middle but picks up again towards the end
https://youtu.be/pRRtjJ2tDJc?si=BPj7m2azhtI_51fU
Coming from New Delhi…
Rebecca
Rory. I think Bill McClaren got mentioned here previously. What a commentator. That’s great to hear he’s still remembered. I love those lines on players, officials, linesman, pipeband member, if they deserved a mention, Bill would mention them and he’d have their name written down. The pure professionalism and love for his work shone through. If a ref stopped a game Bill would want to tell us why the game was stopped, what rule was broken and so on. Then take up the commentary and the rolling Scottish brogue would take off. Christy mentions Micheal on Radio Eireann. Nobody like them anymore, the great commentators. Several just trying to imitate them, perhaps instead better to devise a style of their own. Interestingly that Fergus Slattery and the great Mike Gibson got invoked. Andy Irvine: a great Scottish full-back from the 70s (I think). A name from the past.
A man of the same name, Andy Irvine, a great folk musician, still on the ‘go’ here.
Good evening Christy,
Amidst the glamour, glitz and high stakes of a rugby world cup think of Hawick Museum.
Why? Well tonight we opened the Bill McLaren 100 years exhibition, and being lucky enough to be one of his Foundation’s trustees i got a sneak preview.
The great Andy Irvine opened the exhibition and he is in Bill’s greatest ever team, alongside Fergus Slattery and Mike Gibson who he also chose as captain.
No real musical connection for this guestbook but some braw items there including a genuine recreation of Bill’s glory hole piled with stats and books, then his ‘big sheets’ ( copies available at a price) upon which he crammed info on every player, official, ballboy and pipeband before 700 commentary games and on to banners proclaiming his memorable sayings like ‘he’s as slippery as a baggie up a border burn’ , and all that genius from a humble family man, a neighbour of ours from 4 doors up, my gym/sports teacher and a bloke who gave passers by a chin wag and a Hawick ball sweetie.
The man that ‘oo ca’ Bill.
Thought you might be interested.
Rory
different interests here occasionally extend beyond an obsession with song…you mentioned two… I witnessed Mike Gibson and the memory has never left me… doubtless his skill and genius have become exaggerated in my minds eye but he still thrills…Fergus Slattery ,truly a wing forward like no other…Michael Hooper sometimes reminds me of him…I see Fergus occasionally around the Borough….he has moved into another world..
Yes, Bill McLaren was appreciated in Ireland as well… I liken him to Míchéal Ó Muireachartaigh who ruled the roost here when commentating on our National Games… Thankfully he is still with us..I met him a while back when we both contributed to a programme about Bloody Sunday, Croke Park,Dublin, November 1920
Hello Christy,
Something to match the feeling in the air.
Its all still here. Nothing roars yet, but you can feel it coming.
In the roaring wind
trees dance to an unheard song
and sway to the tune
– Eloise Guthrie
Rebecca
Happy 86th birthday Betty McEvoy, seeing Christy is a bucket list ticked
Fitz…did not see your post til after the show…hope it went well for Betty….Happy Birthday to her
Something beautiful for a Sunday morning
https://youtu.be/l39S33Ht1U4?si=SHic7Jvl8UEtmhyJ
beautiful
Hello Christy,
I’m sorry I couldn’t find that song for you. Google is great for somethings, just not attics and memories. Thank goodness they haven’t invented something that can search those…
I hope it comes back to you.
Here’s the Marsh Family
https://youtu.be/Nmj0JFGqE30?si=xfeUi94Mte41kIb9
Thanks to Rory for the introduction.
I sold my first harp to a lovely woman yesterday. She came and played it and they went home together. Ive learnt a lot in 5 years. She didn’t have the music with her. I didn’t know the piece but I helped her with the lost notes. It’s taken me 5 years but me and the harp are hearing our notes together. Wish I’d started earlier.
Hope its a good one tonight. I’m all togged up to buy a full set of strings and plan another jaunt to one of your magic nights.
Rebecca
I’d love to hear that Tony Small song again…but its unlikely to be on the web…I really like the Marsh Family..anyone got a contact ?….a great Family sound
Hi Christy fishing season over,qualified for wales for the 5th Time,Rygbu now looking forward to the quarter finals,Going to be a good one,see you along the way .
40 – 6
gotta say Geraint..I enjoyed that one
Ye landed a whopper there
I kept thinkin of my old buddy Ray Gravell
Hi Christy !! Any glasgow shows coming up ? Good luck !
who knows what the future holds
but if a fellow was to catch a ferry
Cairnryan could easily be the first port of call
that grand boreen up towards Glasgow…..
the next sentence could get me into hot water
but after 57 years I reckon
there is no venue to match Mags McIvor’s
where the shooting stars light up the fresco
where the lost ones and the lovers go
to boogie the night away
beneath the carousel of healing
I would’nt swap it for all the Gold in Las Vegas
for all the Tea in China
Hi Christy,
I hope you’re keeping well.
You might remember during your Christmas gigs in Vicar St. last year you shook hands with a young man in the front row. He was the grandson of John-Joe Murray. Like his grandfather, he’s a staunch Moorefield man. John-Joe was his idol and he’s a huge fan of yours, as am I. I’m not sure if this is possible but I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t try, (and I hope he doesn’t see this). I know you mention John-Joe in the lyrics of your song Moorefield, which brings him so much pride. I’d love to get these printed, signed by you and framed as a surprise for him if that was ever possible. I will look after any printing and postage costs. I know it’s a big ask but I know it would be the gift of a lifetime and would be proudly hung in our home. If this is possible please let me know. And if not, I understand. We will see you again this Christmas either way! Take care.
of course I remember
its not every night I meet a grandson of John-Joe Murray
I’ve many memories of those times, of Murrays, Laceys, McBrides, Dohertys
I remember John-Joe booking me to play a gig for the Moorefield Club (as a singer but not as a footballer !!)
I’ve emailed you
Hi Christy,
Postman Pat has delivered unto me Matt McGinn’s new CD, it is whirring away to my great joy , entitled ‘behind every door’ it is well worth the small price, including a beautiful piece played on the Saw….all power to the laird of the Mournes.
Rory
Ps marsh family sea shanty about suella is ‘interesting’ if found on t’internet
Just love this Marsh Family….thanks for sharing
Hello Christy,
For me it’s the alcopops that really bite. Making alcohol that tastes like sweeties. Despicable.
I’ve no idea if this is what you were thinking of, it’s the best I can do. It’s a traditional song.
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/the-cherry-tree-carol/580777108?i=580777156
I really hope this link works…
Rebecca
I once had a cassette recording and lyric sheet that Tony shared with me 40 years ago….I remember it every now and then… and wish that it would re-emerge from wherever it disappeared….
Hi Christy,
I hope you are keeping well. My brother Cathal is getting married in December to an Australian lady called Kimey . He would be a big fan just like myself. We hope to have people from back home sending short clips . Since he listens to you everyday on his way to work – I was just wondering if you were able to say a quick hello and possibly a quick verse of his favourite “Back home in Derry”. No worries if not 👍 Thanks , Micheál
Morra Micheál,
we’re doing our best to keep well…thanks
I’ve had to curtail the call out for clips….
“quick” for you to write but not “quick” for me to do
best wishes to you all
Evening Christy,
One ofmy work colleagues is from Cork, shewas telling me of herjoy in belting out your old live albums at home with her daughter yesterday, the child of Prague, folk not clapping in time, knock, she loved it bringing back memories of her youth.
Have set her on to Magic Nights and to On The Road for her weekend.
It is the 8th wonder of the world that you have brought joy to now probably 4 generations at least.
How are the Babylon Gardens hanging?
Top man Christy
Rory
I’m developing oval eyes here Rory….dreaming of rucks,mauls,lineouts and forward passes…I dont know whether I’m watching Uruguay or Uganda, Nambibia or Nancy Spain…. hoping Finn will give a blast of magic
Tim O’Grady.
Better start reading him…
This is a wonderful place for sharing and learning.
“O The Crack was 90 in The Isle Of Man”
I’ll just finish with this bit and leave it there…
Ma sits down by the fire.
Mary leaves down the plate she was washing.
Bird comes in from the yard. I’ve never been in this place before
but I know all about it. Da is watching my hands.
I could keep them flying for a month. I finish the tune and put
the accordion down unto the floor. The kitchen seems to ring as
though the tune is leaving slowly. Then it’s quite.
“You never played like that before,” says Matt,
“and maybe you will never again”. Da goes to the table and pours out a whiskey for himself and me, then hands the bottle
to Joe Connor. He brings me the glass.
He looks like he’s just had another child.
You’ve passed me out now,” he says.
“It was time for you”
a dear Galway companero,the late Tony Small, once wrote a beautiful Christmas Song…I wish I could find it again, I misplaced it along the way…
tour Tim post reminds me of it
There’s more. It’s by Timothy O Grady
from I could read the sky…
When I hit the first notes my hands take off like a pair of birds.
I can feel the tune spilling itself out inside me. I can see all the notes like they’re small coloured stones you’d find on the strand. I can look at all sides of them and find the right place for them to go. I could go to the well and back between each of them. Ma sits down by the fire.
I swear to God Bourkey,when I read those lines Tim flashed across my mind…I’m not a big reader but I have read bits of Tim…met him briefly with Martin Hayes in Bantry a few years back….A man you dont meet every day….he writes it and lets us feel it….
Alcoholiday
That word’s brilliant! Maybe too creative for everyone else’s good?
Diageo…such a caring outfit
a bit like Paddy Power….
such compassion and goodwill towards their customers….
they bring the Tobacco Industry to mind…
honey flavoured vapes, alcopops,free bets…
they really care