Hello Christy,
Hmm John, don’t go saying anything against full bodied and fruity… It’s stood me in good stead for years… We were in a woollen mill in Donegal last year. The woman there asked Steve what size he was. Large, he said. Ah, still room for improvement, she said with a twinkle.
Steve has gone off for an early pipe lesson today so I’m going to spend some time changing the six strings on the harp into what they should have been when I couldn’t get hold of the right ones. The right ones are white instead of clear. Theyre a bit thicker, so theyre louder and the colour makes them much easier to see when you’re playing, it’s a very visual instrument, all respect to those blind harpists who played so beautifully.
Sarries are playing this afternoon. Goodness knows what they’ll look like. They had 13 men in the world Cup across 6 teams.
Then onto the big stuff. ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Good luck to all! I hope it’s a great day.
Thank you to everyone who wrote about the gig in Belfast. Its been brilliant reading about it.
Christy’s range is huge! No wonder he keeps us all so happy.
Well Christy it’s back to the banks of the Mersey following two days on the banks of the Lagan and a great concert at a great venue (it reminds me of a slightly smaller Bridgewater Hall). I don’t know how you manage to create such an intimate atmosphere with over 2000 people in the hall but we were with you all the way from the moment you stepped on the stage till the moment you left it, all to soon, 32 songs later You’r like a fine wine, thats to say you get better with age not that you’r full bodied and a little bit fruity, although I dont know!!
The icing on the cake for me was the (very unexpected) name check prior to The Voyage, THANK YOU.
Spent this morning in Belfast City Hall looking at the beautiful stain glass windows dedicated to the memory of Jim Larkin and the International Brigade, Timely reminders that at times like this we all need to concentrate on the things we have in common, not the things that make us different. A child is a child, irrespective of whether its parants are Israeli or Palestinian.
Cheers Christy, John
Hi Christy,
That’s pretty much the perfect set list.
Six from Ride On – forty feckin years old next year !!!
We would love to see you in Belfast (or Cork)
while The Never Ending Purple Patch tour goes on and on…
But the NCH In May – How bad ?
Looking forward to the rugby.
These lads have gone from being giant killers to Giants.
Don’t like to take money of PP but tomorrow
I’ll make an exception
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
Christy's reply
There is no way of knowing what songs are going to take root and flourish across the seasons…I’d no idea that there were 6 from the “Ride On” album the other night…but it did strike me after the gig that there were three from the first “Moving Hearts” album….
I love the way songs reappear,find their way back into the set…gain fresh relevance…went to see Oppenheimer last week…3 hours I’ll never get back…Jim Page covers it better in 3 minutes…been playing “Hiroshima,Nagasaki,Russian Roulette” in the workroom…..
recently discovered that Jim’s “Clock Winds Down” segues perfectly into the 3rd verse of Jackson’s “After The Deluge”…
assembling a fresh basket of songs here…preparing the soil, sowing the seeds, hoping for a sweet smelling crop but with no harvest deadline….
I wont be taking anything from Paddy Power nor do I like any of their devious mind games as they present themselves as fun loving, friendly, jolly lads and lassies cavorting across our screens…them and the likes of them are nothing but shysters as they vape the wallets and larders of their unfortunate victims….its embarrassing to watch much loved sporting heroes prostituting themselves to bookies publicity machines…
we’ve come a long way since I put a shilling e/w on Mr What in the Grand National @ 18/1….there were 4 turf accountants in Newbridge in the early 60s…. Dicky White, Boiler White, Owen Lawlor and (I think) a Corrigan man (I could be imagining the last name)….”information” flowed freely from all the nearby yards and stables…we were on first name terms with Jockeys and Trainers, ( no Owners that I know of).. that was part of the world I grew up in (bad english there but who gives a shite at 6 in the morning !!)
The rugby getting real serious now….I’m imagining what the squad are going thru..Andy Farrell is playing a blinder, himself and all the crew have taken Joe Scmidt’s squad and grown it on,enhanced it and buoyed it even further then our auld Kiwi pal….Its getting real close now, 13 and half hours til kick-off…I’ll be in that front row for every scrum ruck ‘n maul…I’ll be liftin like fuck at every line out, calling the shots at every break….strong tea and a Kit-Kat at half time as we hopefully head towards the promised land (a World Cup Semi-Final)… I’ll be thinking of my old pal David Noble (McScrum)
Ride On Bourkey and face the puck out…I think its time to get up, poke the embers and get the kettle on
Hi Christy! Another stellar show at The Waterfront last night. You had me at “Hello” with the moving, haunting and beautiful version of Jackson Brown’s, “How Long” in recognition of the ongoing disaster in Israel and Palestine. It was clear that you had the rest of the audience, who listened reverentially, as well. You could hear a pin drop. A spine tingling song to start the evening!
I could go on and on but overall it was a fabulous show, don’t ask me all of the song titles I enjoyed because I liked them all and was in a bit of a trance but Allende and Lyra were special treats along with the tribute to Guiseppe and the song from 1983 (can’t remember the name). It seems you like to play Belfast and surely Belfast LOVES you as was clear from the ovations last night. Thanks for a remarkable and thought-provoking performance. Until the next time along the ancient highway then….………..Brian
Christy's reply
Set List, Waterfront, Belfast …Oct 12 2023
How Long
Chicago
Quinte Brigada
Johnny Boy
Ride On
McIlhatton
Only Our Rivers
Lyra McKee
Ringing The Bell
North & South
Beeswing
Go Move Shift
Snowflakes
Lingo Politico
Dont forget your Shovel
Voyage
Black & Amber
Delerium Tremens
Allende
Giuseppe Conlon
Away You Broken Heart
On The Mainland
Back Home in Derry
Time has Come
No Time for Love
Clock Winds Down
After The Deluge
Black is The Colour
Irish Ways & Irish Laws
Lisdoonvarna
Spancilhill
Joxer……………………………….32 tracks…..1 hour 50 minutes
Dear Christy, whilst reflecting on what is going on globally I became disheartened. So I thought what better way to pass the time then see what Christy and the lads are up to.
2 moments later 4 tickets to Belfast Botanical Gardens. We’re gonna road trip. I am bringing two birthed people and 1 son in law. I will listen out for the cry of the Hills.
Thanks as ever.
Anuk
Christy's reply
“When you think about the money spent
on defence by Governments
the weapons of destruction they build
and tell us we need
you think of the millons and millions
that money could feed
How Long can we hear someone crying
How Long can we hear someone dying
How Long can we hear people speak about missiles for peace
and just let it go by
How Long will they tell us these weapons are keeping us free
and just let it go by
…. Its A Lie
…..(from “How Long” by Jackson Brown)…
(covered on 2001 album “This is the Day”)
Echoing the comments of John and David.
Poignant start to remember the tragedy in Israel/Palestine….
Then on to City of Chicago and people dreaming of Cushendall too…
First time for us to hear Black and Amber…. gonna have to try and catch up with Lazarus Soul.
Glad too that someone got in touch with you to ask for Allende
.
Ger delighted to hear both Only our Rivers and Spancil Hill….
Magic Night for sure.
Christy's reply
Yes Marty…Lazarus Soul are definitely worth a listen… Briany Brannigan is a great songwriter…Joe Chester and the Band make a great sound..
Thanks again for all your ongoing support..you and all the gaggle from the four corners of the thirty two and far beyond
Thank you Christy for yet another wonderful night under the Black Mountain. How Long was just the perfect song for these horrible times. It brought Paul Doran’s Natives to mind too – ” only the very safe, can talk about wrong and right “. Have to agree with Dave too about “Irish Ways & Irish Laws “. I remember you saying once about singing it in Belfast with a helicopter hanging overhead- part of the mood music of those days. Great by in from the audience last night too. Hopefully it won’t be so long until my next gig. Thank you to all the crew who support the gigs too- it’s a team game and you have a top team. Thank you again.
Christy's reply
I’m just wondering what you were doing for the last seven minutes…
10 hours in Belfast yesterday without sight or smell of a British Soldier, a UDR person or a B.Special….had a heartwarming handshake with a PSNI officer and I know of at least two off-duty PSNI hurlers who were singing their feckin heads off and not a note between
Fair play John…you always reference the crew…without whom I could not do this work that I so love doing
Paddy Doherty oversees all our work, Michael Devine is our TM, David Meade mixes the Sound, Dikon Whitehead runs the Monitor Sound, Johnny Meade keeps me wired up and in tune, Geoff Ryan mixes the lights…we are all assisted by Cian, Marius & Mario, plus we have our own behind the scenes back up teams at home…
Last nights gig was run by the crew at Aiken Promotions while The Waterfront team welcomed us all back to their glorious venue once again…
I feel very priviliged to work with such skilled people , to have such great listeners..
Hello Christy,
I was at the Topic Folk club last night. Met lots of folkies and did a floor spot, from the stage, wasn’t expecting that. Forgot my stool so I had to sit on a chair. It was too high and I couldn’t get my 4th fingers to the harp, so a quick chord adjustment and we were away.
There was one other floor spot. John sang a great song about a wild boar that was terrifying the local Bradford people. Complete with actions.
The guest performer was Jon Wilks. A fine guitarist. He played an Atkin. I was about 4 feet from him. Never heard such a beautiful guitar so close and personal before. What a noise he made it make. He sang a broadside ballad where a donkey ended up in the witness box and won the case.
Looking forward to more gigs appearing on the gig page. I’m hoping the tent in Cork might be there…
Would anyone mind writing a bit about the gigs as we go along please. I’m missing them!
Rebecca
Christy's reply
soon as I get up outa the scratcher and get the porridge, I’ll dig out the set list from last night
Smoking…yes bugger the vapes. We in Oz took on the killer tobacco but the bastards stooped even lower: flavoured vapes for kids!
Dad smoked Turf cigarettes & drank Abbott’s Lager. He lost a lung due to coal mining & hacked dreadfully
Glad to say I tried smoking only once – did the drawback & forgot to exhale – once was enough
Christy, your fans travel far & wide to be part of your music treats – I’m still trying to hammer my calendar into shape to chance a crack at one of your shows next year…
Just listened to The Little Musgrave again & again: love this song
Hoping you’re all finding life’s joys
Kindest regards
Danny Harris – Austraya
Christy's reply
Just thnkin of gettin outa the bed down here in Bognia…we had a right Ceili last night in Belfast..the hall was heaving with hearty choristers…betimes they carried the songs away, all I had to do was mime along to the Antrim cacophony…as always, the humour of the Belfast heckle was abundant, I’d say I was the auldest fella in the room and feelin all the better for it….its 51 years since my first gig in that great city..a lot of water into the Lough since then….
I’m remembering Brian Moore this morning aka “Cormac” ….”Jesus Christ & Jessie James” by “The Men of No Property.”…a great album that… if anyone has it ..
also “McFeargals Belfast” a book sent me way back
Hello Christy.Thanks so much for tonight’s musical masterpiece. What a night to remember at the waterfront .Some great memories like Irish ways and Irish laws.A double from Jackson Brown. Long may nights like tonight continue. It was also great to meet some 4711ers.What a family. Yourself The father figure.It was worth every mile from Timoleague. Let the music keep our spirits high.Next stop Monk’s Lane
After that The Cork opera House.
Christy's reply
Good Man Dave….when the lights came up last night I got my first glimpse of the room..and there ye were…a right gaggle of 4711ers with a right bright beam shining off ye and yourself in the middle of the full forward line…Jimmy Barry Murphy like..
tension rising here as New Zealand approach……Peter O’Mahoney waving the blood & bandage high over there in the old soupdejour…I have the scrum cap laundered and pressed ..I’ll be heaving in the front row with Andrew & Tadg trying to strike clean ball back to Johnny & Bundi..
I don’t know if the late Chuck Feeney fits into a dedication, but I’m certain you and most listeners have gratitude in your hearts that he lived, loved Ireland.
Christy's reply
Rest in Peace Chuck Feeney….
We’ve never known such a generous, compassionate and humble benefactor..always quietly, always below the radar …..a true philantropist who sought so little in return… a sad day for all who knew of his munificence
Christy could you play black is the colour for Adam all the way from Manchester here tonight
Christy's reply
Hope you have a good night Joe…I’ll put Adam’s name in the hat for tonights call outs…so far I’ve recieved 37 requests for call outs ..If I did them all there would be no time for the songs !!!
But I’m not complaining…. all the way from Manchester you say….The United City….thats only a short hop..lots of long haul songsters in tonight..one coming from Bellaghy in a wheelbarrow…others coming from Seattle, Wisconsin,Chicago, Liverpool,not to mention the Pound Loney, the Green Briar and the back end of The Kingdom..
your “fancy a pint” call out brings me back to 1968…I was in London to play The Peelers Folk Club…it was run by a singer called Joe Palmer…I arrived at 5 and fancied a pint before the gig…I made my way to Wards of Piccadilly…met up with a bunch of scallywags and never made it to the gig…..I got back to the venue as the audience were leaving …belated apologies to Joe…that was low point point in my working life
On the Road to another Magic Night….. When the Sun goes behind the Black Mountain this evening , we will be gathering in the Waterfront .
More gigs for 2024 coming too …. good to know the never ending tour is gonna keep rolling. We will try to keep up !!
Christy's reply
“The Bar stool was his Mustang
he swayed as his wife sang
of the gunfire that rang
round the O.K.Coral”……… (from Rosalita & Jack Cambell….by Sean Mone)
Its lovely…well done and thanks again for sharing…its a great achievement to write a song like this..and to get it recorded…its sung with great feeling
Great to read of the wonderful tribute concert to the late Liam óg. I’d say many of us first heard the joy of the pipes from him ( and Paddy Maloney). Had the great pleasure of him playing Shaun Davey’s Relief of Derry Symphony at the close of Derry City of Culture in 2013 (sadly a year whose legacy was not fully built upon). I remember the first inkling of Liams illness when his gig at the Seamus Heaney Homeplace was sadly cancelled. Hope all is set for tomorrow night in Belfast. Looking forward to that special couple of hours that your gigs bring where the audience goes off into another world. A very special, mystical experience that I can never fully explain but long may it continue . Safe travels to you and all the crew who make it happen.
Christy's reply
Seeing Liam taking centre stage in front of National Symphony Orchestras was always a wonderful sight…. Sean Davey’s suite was a great vehicle for Liam…he always seemed deeply pre-occupied yet content when Piping the ‘Brendan’….
just packing the bag here..the sat nav programmed for the Bog Meadow
Hello Christy,
Hmm John, don’t go saying anything against full bodied and fruity… It’s stood me in good stead for years… We were in a woollen mill in Donegal last year. The woman there asked Steve what size he was. Large, he said. Ah, still room for improvement, she said with a twinkle.
Steve has gone off for an early pipe lesson today so I’m going to spend some time changing the six strings on the harp into what they should have been when I couldn’t get hold of the right ones. The right ones are white instead of clear. Theyre a bit thicker, so theyre louder and the colour makes them much easier to see when you’re playing, it’s a very visual instrument, all respect to those blind harpists who played so beautifully.
Sarries are playing this afternoon. Goodness knows what they’ll look like. They had 13 men in the world Cup across 6 teams.
Then onto the big stuff. ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Good luck to all! I hope it’s a great day.
Thank you to everyone who wrote about the gig in Belfast. Its been brilliant reading about it.
Christy’s range is huge! No wonder he keeps us all so happy.
Rebecca
Well Christy it’s back to the banks of the Mersey following two days on the banks of the Lagan and a great concert at a great venue (it reminds me of a slightly smaller Bridgewater Hall). I don’t know how you manage to create such an intimate atmosphere with over 2000 people in the hall but we were with you all the way from the moment you stepped on the stage till the moment you left it, all to soon, 32 songs later You’r like a fine wine, thats to say you get better with age not that you’r full bodied and a little bit fruity, although I dont know!!
The icing on the cake for me was the (very unexpected) name check prior to The Voyage, THANK YOU.
Spent this morning in Belfast City Hall looking at the beautiful stain glass windows dedicated to the memory of Jim Larkin and the International Brigade, Timely reminders that at times like this we all need to concentrate on the things we have in common, not the things that make us different. A child is a child, irrespective of whether its parants are Israeli or Palestinian.
Cheers Christy, John
Hi Christy,
That’s pretty much the perfect set list.
Six from Ride On – forty feckin years old next year !!!
We would love to see you in Belfast (or Cork)
while The Never Ending Purple Patch tour goes on and on…
But the NCH In May – How bad ?
Looking forward to the rugby.
These lads have gone from being giant killers to Giants.
Don’t like to take money of PP but tomorrow
I’ll make an exception
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
There is no way of knowing what songs are going to take root and flourish across the seasons…I’d no idea that there were 6 from the “Ride On” album the other night…but it did strike me after the gig that there were three from the first “Moving Hearts” album….
I love the way songs reappear,find their way back into the set…gain fresh relevance…went to see Oppenheimer last week…3 hours I’ll never get back…Jim Page covers it better in 3 minutes…been playing “Hiroshima,Nagasaki,Russian Roulette” in the workroom…..
recently discovered that Jim’s “Clock Winds Down” segues perfectly into the 3rd verse of Jackson’s “After The Deluge”…
assembling a fresh basket of songs here…preparing the soil, sowing the seeds, hoping for a sweet smelling crop but with no harvest deadline….
I wont be taking anything from Paddy Power nor do I like any of their devious mind games as they present themselves as fun loving, friendly, jolly lads and lassies cavorting across our screens…them and the likes of them are nothing but shysters as they vape the wallets and larders of their unfortunate victims….its embarrassing to watch much loved sporting heroes prostituting themselves to bookies publicity machines…
we’ve come a long way since I put a shilling e/w on Mr What in the Grand National @ 18/1….there were 4 turf accountants in Newbridge in the early 60s…. Dicky White, Boiler White, Owen Lawlor and (I think) a Corrigan man (I could be imagining the last name)….”information” flowed freely from all the nearby yards and stables…we were on first name terms with Jockeys and Trainers, ( no Owners that I know of).. that was part of the world I grew up in (bad english there but who gives a shite at 6 in the morning !!)
The rugby getting real serious now….I’m imagining what the squad are going thru..Andy Farrell is playing a blinder, himself and all the crew have taken Joe Scmidt’s squad and grown it on,enhanced it and buoyed it even further then our auld Kiwi pal….Its getting real close now, 13 and half hours til kick-off…I’ll be in that front row for every scrum ruck ‘n maul…I’ll be liftin like fuck at every line out, calling the shots at every break….strong tea and a Kit-Kat at half time as we hopefully head towards the promised land (a World Cup Semi-Final)… I’ll be thinking of my old pal David Noble (McScrum)
Ride On Bourkey and face the puck out…I think its time to get up, poke the embers and get the kettle on
There is no denying it the purple patch continues at pace! perfect start, amazing setlist, great audience, top class gig. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
we’re getting the hang of it H…
the first 57 years were the hardest…
an impressive gathering behind ,around and above last night’s mighty front row
here’s hoping tomorrow nights front row are as good agin the Kiwis
Hi Brian ,
1983 = Irish Ways and Irish Laws.
maith an fear Mhairtí cara
Hi Christy! Another stellar show at The Waterfront last night. You had me at “Hello” with the moving, haunting and beautiful version of Jackson Brown’s, “How Long” in recognition of the ongoing disaster in Israel and Palestine. It was clear that you had the rest of the audience, who listened reverentially, as well. You could hear a pin drop. A spine tingling song to start the evening!
I could go on and on but overall it was a fabulous show, don’t ask me all of the song titles I enjoyed because I liked them all and was in a bit of a trance but Allende and Lyra were special treats along with the tribute to Guiseppe and the song from 1983 (can’t remember the name). It seems you like to play Belfast and surely Belfast LOVES you as was clear from the ovations last night. Thanks for a remarkable and thought-provoking performance. Until the next time along the ancient highway then….………..Brian
Set List, Waterfront, Belfast …Oct 12 2023
How Long
Chicago
Quinte Brigada
Johnny Boy
Ride On
McIlhatton
Only Our Rivers
Lyra McKee
Ringing The Bell
North & South
Beeswing
Go Move Shift
Snowflakes
Lingo Politico
Dont forget your Shovel
Voyage
Black & Amber
Delerium Tremens
Allende
Giuseppe Conlon
Away You Broken Heart
On The Mainland
Back Home in Derry
Time has Come
No Time for Love
Clock Winds Down
After The Deluge
Black is The Colour
Irish Ways & Irish Laws
Lisdoonvarna
Spancilhill
Joxer……………………………….32 tracks…..1 hour 50 minutes
Dear Christy, whilst reflecting on what is going on globally I became disheartened. So I thought what better way to pass the time then see what Christy and the lads are up to.
2 moments later 4 tickets to Belfast Botanical Gardens. We’re gonna road trip. I am bringing two birthed people and 1 son in law. I will listen out for the cry of the Hills.
Thanks as ever.
Anuk
“When you think about the money spent
on defence by Governments
the weapons of destruction they build
and tell us we need
you think of the millons and millions
that money could feed
How Long can we hear someone crying
How Long can we hear someone dying
How Long can we hear people speak about missiles for peace
and just let it go by
How Long will they tell us these weapons are keeping us free
and just let it go by
…. Its A Lie
…..(from “How Long” by Jackson Brown)…
(covered on 2001 album “This is the Day”)
Echoing the comments of John and David.
Poignant start to remember the tragedy in Israel/Palestine….
Then on to City of Chicago and people dreaming of Cushendall too…
First time for us to hear Black and Amber…. gonna have to try and catch up with Lazarus Soul.
Glad too that someone got in touch with you to ask for Allende
.
Ger delighted to hear both Only our Rivers and Spancil Hill….
Magic Night for sure.
Yes Marty…Lazarus Soul are definitely worth a listen… Briany Brannigan is a great songwriter…Joe Chester and the Band make a great sound..
Thanks again for all your ongoing support..you and all the gaggle from the four corners of the thirty two and far beyond
Thank you Christy for yet another wonderful night under the Black Mountain. How Long was just the perfect song for these horrible times. It brought Paul Doran’s Natives to mind too – ” only the very safe, can talk about wrong and right “. Have to agree with Dave too about “Irish Ways & Irish Laws “. I remember you saying once about singing it in Belfast with a helicopter hanging overhead- part of the mood music of those days. Great by in from the audience last night too. Hopefully it won’t be so long until my next gig. Thank you to all the crew who support the gigs too- it’s a team game and you have a top team. Thank you again.
I’m just wondering what you were doing for the last seven minutes…
10 hours in Belfast yesterday without sight or smell of a British Soldier, a UDR person or a B.Special….had a heartwarming handshake with a PSNI officer and I know of at least two off-duty PSNI hurlers who were singing their feckin heads off and not a note between
Fair play John…you always reference the crew…without whom I could not do this work that I so love doing
Paddy Doherty oversees all our work, Michael Devine is our TM, David Meade mixes the Sound, Dikon Whitehead runs the Monitor Sound, Johnny Meade keeps me wired up and in tune, Geoff Ryan mixes the lights…we are all assisted by Cian, Marius & Mario, plus we have our own behind the scenes back up teams at home…
Last nights gig was run by the crew at Aiken Promotions while The Waterfront team welcomed us all back to their glorious venue once again…
I feel very priviliged to work with such skilled people , to have such great listeners..
Shine On You Crazy Diamonds
Thank
where is he gone ?
Hello Christy,
I was at the Topic Folk club last night. Met lots of folkies and did a floor spot, from the stage, wasn’t expecting that. Forgot my stool so I had to sit on a chair. It was too high and I couldn’t get my 4th fingers to the harp, so a quick chord adjustment and we were away.
There was one other floor spot. John sang a great song about a wild boar that was terrifying the local Bradford people. Complete with actions.
The guest performer was Jon Wilks. A fine guitarist. He played an Atkin. I was about 4 feet from him. Never heard such a beautiful guitar so close and personal before. What a noise he made it make. He sang a broadside ballad where a donkey ended up in the witness box and won the case.
Looking forward to more gigs appearing on the gig page. I’m hoping the tent in Cork might be there…
Would anyone mind writing a bit about the gigs as we go along please. I’m missing them!
Rebecca
soon as I get up outa the scratcher and get the porridge, I’ll dig out the set list from last night
Smoking…yes bugger the vapes. We in Oz took on the killer tobacco but the bastards stooped even lower: flavoured vapes for kids!
Dad smoked Turf cigarettes & drank Abbott’s Lager. He lost a lung due to coal mining & hacked dreadfully
Glad to say I tried smoking only once – did the drawback & forgot to exhale – once was enough
Christy, your fans travel far & wide to be part of your music treats – I’m still trying to hammer my calendar into shape to chance a crack at one of your shows next year…
Just listened to The Little Musgrave again & again: love this song
Hoping you’re all finding life’s joys
Kindest regards
Danny Harris – Austraya
Just thnkin of gettin outa the bed down here in Bognia…we had a right Ceili last night in Belfast..the hall was heaving with hearty choristers…betimes they carried the songs away, all I had to do was mime along to the Antrim cacophony…as always, the humour of the Belfast heckle was abundant, I’d say I was the auldest fella in the room and feelin all the better for it….its 51 years since my first gig in that great city..a lot of water into the Lough since then….
I’m remembering Brian Moore this morning aka “Cormac” ….”Jesus Christ & Jessie James” by “The Men of No Property.”…a great album that… if anyone has it ..
also “McFeargals Belfast” a book sent me way back
Hello Christy.Thanks so much for tonight’s musical masterpiece. What a night to remember at the waterfront .Some great memories like Irish ways and Irish laws.A double from Jackson Brown. Long may nights like tonight continue. It was also great to meet some 4711ers.What a family. Yourself The father figure.It was worth every mile from Timoleague. Let the music keep our spirits high.Next stop Monk’s Lane
After that The Cork opera House.
Good Man Dave….when the lights came up last night I got my first glimpse of the room..and there ye were…a right gaggle of 4711ers with a right bright beam shining off ye and yourself in the middle of the full forward line…Jimmy Barry Murphy like..
tension rising here as New Zealand approach……Peter O’Mahoney waving the blood & bandage high over there in the old soupdejour…I have the scrum cap laundered and pressed ..I’ll be heaving in the front row with Andrew & Tadg trying to strike clean ball back to Johnny & Bundi..
I don’t know if the late Chuck Feeney fits into a dedication, but I’m certain you and most listeners have gratitude in your hearts that he lived, loved Ireland.
Rest in Peace Chuck Feeney….
We’ve never known such a generous, compassionate and humble benefactor..always quietly, always below the radar …..a true philantropist who sought so little in return… a sad day for all who knew of his munificence
Anyone in Belfast for the show fancy a pint.
Christy could you play black is the colour for Adam all the way from Manchester here tonight
Hope you have a good night Joe…I’ll put Adam’s name in the hat for tonights call outs…so far I’ve recieved 37 requests for call outs ..If I did them all there would be no time for the songs !!!
But I’m not complaining…. all the way from Manchester you say….The United City….thats only a short hop..lots of long haul songsters in tonight..one coming from Bellaghy in a wheelbarrow…others coming from Seattle, Wisconsin,Chicago, Liverpool,not to mention the Pound Loney, the Green Briar and the back end of The Kingdom..
your “fancy a pint” call out brings me back to 1968…I was in London to play The Peelers Folk Club…it was run by a singer called Joe Palmer…I arrived at 5 and fancied a pint before the gig…I made my way to Wards of Piccadilly…met up with a bunch of scallywags and never made it to the gig…..I got back to the venue as the audience were leaving …belated apologies to Joe…that was low point point in my working life
Ride On Joe
On the Road to another Magic Night….. When the Sun goes behind the Black Mountain this evening , we will be gathering in the Waterfront .
More gigs for 2024 coming too …. good to know the never ending tour is gonna keep rolling. We will try to keep up !!
“The Bar stool was his Mustang
he swayed as his wife sang
of the gunfire that rang
round the O.K.Coral”……… (from Rosalita & Jack Cambell….by Sean Mone)
Thank u
Just wondering if u have any feedback on song
Its lovely…well done and thanks again for sharing…its a great achievement to write a song like this..and to get it recorded…its sung with great feeling
Great to read of the wonderful tribute concert to the late Liam óg. I’d say many of us first heard the joy of the pipes from him ( and Paddy Maloney). Had the great pleasure of him playing Shaun Davey’s Relief of Derry Symphony at the close of Derry City of Culture in 2013 (sadly a year whose legacy was not fully built upon). I remember the first inkling of Liams illness when his gig at the Seamus Heaney Homeplace was sadly cancelled. Hope all is set for tomorrow night in Belfast. Looking forward to that special couple of hours that your gigs bring where the audience goes off into another world. A very special, mystical experience that I can never fully explain but long may it continue . Safe travels to you and all the crew who make it happen.
Seeing Liam taking centre stage in front of National Symphony Orchestras was always a wonderful sight…. Sean Davey’s suite was a great vehicle for Liam…he always seemed deeply pre-occupied yet content when Piping the ‘Brendan’….
just packing the bag here..the sat nav programmed for the Bog Meadow
Christy, i think of Mick Blake’s wonderfully insightful song of horror. I feel we all should.
Will the children ever be spared?
https://youtu.be/thAO96EWEy4?si=6MMe7AOZc2cAZhcP
Rory
its hard to know what to say