Christy,
Thank you so much for the amazing shout outs to Cushendall and for the McKillops from Chicago. There were so many people and family from Cushendall that were so touched! The night was a night we will never forget! You are an incredible artist and singer.
I think your shout out helped Cushendall win the Antrim hurling final!!! Hope to see you soon!
Hi , I’ve tickets from 12th march 2020 in lyrath in kilkenny .
I’ve tried several avenues to see if I’m entitled to a refund or can I use them in upcoming event in November
Christy ,I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for the unexpected name check at the Waterfront last week. If this Thursdays gig is half as good as last Thursdays then the lucky people “far across the foam”‘ are in for a great night. All the best John
Hello Christy,
Here I am sat in a bento bar in Halifax. Lovely tofu here. I wish mine would come out anything like it. I’m attending a welcome to Calderdale event this afternoon. I’ve worked here for 31 years and lived here for 50…?
Looking forward to the Topic Zoom tonight, now I’ve plucked up courage to join a Zoom meeting.
Just wanted to thank you Christy for a wonderful gig at the Waterfront last week. It was my first trip with my family to Belfast and you treated us to a fantastic evening of beautiful songs the memory of which we’ll always treasure. It’s such a special gift you have to make an immediate connection with the audience with your introduction to the perfect opening number of How Long and to then hold the gathering in the palm of your hand for the next 2 hours. Like thousands of others we’re so blessed and grateful that you continue to share your gift with us all.
A big shout out too to your outstanding crew for all their great work in providing the platform for you to perform your magic. You and your music provide so much inspiration and joy. Thank you for everything Christy.
Christy's reply
Good man Kevin..we’re all part of this song collective….listeners, organisers, technicians, songwriters, singers, crowd control engineers, I love being in the middle of it all, for a singer its awesome to sing to such wonderful gatherings of listeners….I go thru the motions here in the workroom. sing, play, practice, learn, arrange, rearrange….but when I step into the middle of these great gatherings a higher power opens up the voice and gives me the strength and courage to go at it full on…bald headed,no holding back,full monty,boot to the floor,…..with occasional sensitive interludes for those of quieter disposition
Keep Coming Back Kevin
I’ve just discovered that you used to play at the cavalcade in Didsbury. It’s so brilliant that we’ve been singing your songs all these years in the The Station and the Dog and Partridge in Didsbury. Never mind in all the Irish clubs and pubs in and around Manchester. . Did you ever live in Didsbury?
Christy's reply
Manchester was home for about 2 years ’66-’68..I had bedsits in Moss Side, Cheetham Hill,Fallowfield, Rochdale…lived with my Auntie in Bury for a spell, enjoyed friendly floor space in many quarters, Blakeley,Altrincham,Congleton, Hyde before heading “over the top” to Halifax….Played The Cavalcade with Planxty in 1972 also the Golden Lion in Withington (Thanks Dave) both promoted by legendary Mancunian Folk Promoters Harris & Appleton……
Big big thank you Christy for supporting the People’s Kitchen, Belfast at the Wareftont Hall gig. £570 raised from fans who appreciate great music that moves the soul!
Visit to the Kitchen next your this neck of the woods. Door is always open!
Go maith agat!
Damian
Christy's reply
sound Damian..lets have a chat soon
Donate goods: like food, toiletries, clothes to help make a difference to someone’s life
Dropping of a cash or cheque donation to The People’s Kitchen Belfast, 1 Antrim Rd, Belfast BT15 2BE
Donate online:
Maybe its just as well Christy ’cause if Ireland won the Tournament there’s a rumour goin’ round that Coulter was goin’ to flog “Irelands Call” to Shanachie and they were goin’ to package it as “Flower of Scotland”! Apologies if that’s bold! Couldn’t resist it!
Christy's reply
Phil Coulter gets slagged a lot… many years ago I did a bit of it myself…
but he is still out there doing his work and making many people happy..I think Phil celebrates his 80th this year …. more power to him…back in 1972 he was the only one willing to give Planxty a recording deal and he produced our first three albums..those albums have aged well….there was unhappiness in the Band about various aspects but at the end of the day those albums still resound…they’ve been shopped around a few labels but they’re still spinning 50 years on and I,for one, am very proud of them….no doubt,we could have been better rewarded for our efforts but music was our primary purpose…it still keeps the spirits high
..I’m not a fan of “Ireland’s Call” but I’ve always liked “The Town I Love So Well” never sung it but always liked it…. both Luke Kelly and Paddy Reilly did great versions of Phil Coulter’s song….
Luke’s version of Phil’s ” Scorn not his simplicity” still rings out beautifully across the years
What a journey this Irish team have brought us on . True warriors in every sense of the word. They united us all the likes we have not been seen since 1990. They fought to the bitter end, never even thinking of giving up. Lots more good times to come as more and more players come through. Irish and proud. ☘️
Christy's reply
I hope they get home safe and sound..have some quality down time and get the heads together..then back to business with their clubs and onwards to the 6 Nations and Triple Crown…I had to good fortune to do wee gigs for both the Irish squad and the Leinster Squad… always a pleasure to meet up with the players I watch every chance I get …my first Irish squad gig was the week Paul O’Connell got his first cap…since then I’ve sung for every ireland squad except Eddie O’Sullivan’s….duetted with many players too…from Trevor Brennan’s “Ordinary Man” there have been many memorable performances, Robbie Henshaw is a fine Accordeon player,Felix Jones rattled the Bodhrán, Denis Carmody did a great job on “The Contender” Keith Wood made shite of “Clare to Here”, Rala covered “Ride On”, Big Donnacha lorried into “Joxer”, and there were many others too…
Best Wishes to Johnny Sexton and his Family..he gave us a great welcome when I sang for the Leinster squad
They gave it their all, nothing left in the tank, all left on the field, they did us proud, for sure.They will rise again. May the heroes who are retiring have good healthy times ahead. Let the music keep our spirits high.Beir bua agus beannacht.H
Christy's reply
World cup out of the way..we can get back to basics….I will continue with my scrum practice and developing my tackle technique….
Hi Christy
Great concert on Thursday in the waterfront in Belfast. Your voice is as strong as ever and am looking forward to seeing you again in a couple of weeks in cork. Five years ago you gave my wife Yvonne and I a mention at the slieve russell for our 40th wedding anniversary and here we are not far away from our 45th.
Regards
Brian Coey
Christy's reply
we’re 5 years ahead of you Brian !..thanks for feedback
Christy,
A thoroughly depressing world out there, at times we could just give up, but then the blanket didn’t and peace arrived.
Gaza about to be further mercilessly levelled, my wife marched yesterday, she won’t give up.
Oz votes NO , am speechless, just spoke to my brother there, he is speechless too
Try a listen to this
Maybe, just maybe, sense will prevail the world over. We trust in the young.
Never give up.
Music helps but sadly cannot resolve that needs sense in politicians……. .
Rory
Anuk. Great post. My ‘first’ trade union action being witnessed: farmers blockade of Athlone Bridge, mid- to late 60s. Farmers lobby militant. We, us youngsters, we went off at ‘dinnertime’ when we come home for lunch, we called it ‘dinnertime’, and us living nearby the Athlone bridge all we’d to do walk a few minutes walk to Athlone bridge. We got an appetite for our dinner, a line my mother would say.
As for later, a South African protest, Trafalgar Square, London, I saw it. I think I went to ‘look’. I later witnessed the National Front in London. Jayney.
Anuk: trade unions. Fine. But they creased the country here (RoI) for years, unionised public sector state-guaranteed jobs, gas, electricity, transport, bins, post, they went on strike at will. Up to near 300,000 people here unemployed, mass emigration, but oh but if their unionised workers were ‘discriminated’ against, we’d get lines that the workers were ‘ballotted for industrial action.’ It was a joke.
(Sorry for the rant C. ‘Trade unions’. It drives me mad.)
Anuk. BBC news claimed this evening, “100,000” on London’s streets. Come back next Friday or Saturday Anuk, and I’ll be with you.
I have to say here, great posts going on here. A Belfast author, I think mentioned. A Paul Doran song (‘Natives’) got a mention here and a line from its lyrics. Great. Jackson Browne’s great song & those lyrics, most appropriate just now.
Onwards
What a gathering in London. 180000 people outside the BBC chanting Free Palestine. The first gathering of solidarity I went to I was 15 but this time no shoe throwing just solidarity from an old woman to other old women. If you have a chance to see any footage the movement of people is incredible. The young and old are not complacent or ambivalent.
I came home and found my ticket from your concert in 2014 Vicar St. I was reminded of a great evening.
Going through my things, I found a London Irish arts festival flyer for a gig of yours from 1986 at the Ritzy in Brixton. Do you remember it. It was 6 pounds for a ticket and I paid 30pence subscription to join the Trade Union. 25th February. 3 days before my 18th birthday. What a life. Thank you. Anuk
Christy's reply
I rem that Brixton gig very well
always great to hear from you..Rem Taj Mahal
Hi Christy,
When a film is over three hours long and doesn’t say
directed by Martin Scorsese above the title –
proceed with extreme caution.
Didn’t bother with Oppenheimer
but The Old Oak by Ken Loach is well worth a look.
Enjoy the game
Bourkey
“Just before he faced the hangman in his dreary prison cell
British Soldiers tortured Barry because he would not tell
the names of his brave comrades and other things they wished to know
turn informer or we’ll hang you..Kevin Barry answered No!”
No big secret to the missing 7 minutes (clumsy fat finger typing on a phone, lol) – definitely not Lemon 7s from a broken bottle neck anyway. Thankfully a different Belfast and Derry these days without the bag and body searches to go shopping. Irish Ways also brought Floyd Westerman to mind- Indian Ways and Indian Laws – and then Quiet Desperation which is such a deep and moving song. I always like to think of the crew and backroom people- their work makes all the rest happen. Watched one of the ushers gently lead a young girl away from the stage during “Voyage “. I don’t know what her story was, but he treated her with respect and compassion. Good to see Paddy Barnes supporting the People’s Kitchen too. Lots of wonderful work goes on away from the public eye. Mention of Brian Moore brings “Paddy on the Road” to mind- an amazing one man show that I eas lucky enough to see Cruncher O’Neill perform a couple of times. Thank you again for all the memories- here’s to the next 58 years.
Christy's reply
support The Peoples KItchen
Donate goods: like food, toiletries, clothes to help make a difference to someone’s life
Dropping of a cash or cheque donation to The People’s Kitchen Belfast, 1 Antrim Rd, Belfast BT15 2BE
Donate online:
Christy,
I have a new song that I would like you to listen to .. I think it might suit you.
Can I send the .mp3 to you to see if it’s of interest ?
JPWat
Christy,
Thank you so much for the amazing shout outs to Cushendall and for the McKillops from Chicago. There were so many people and family from Cushendall that were so touched! The night was a night we will never forget! You are an incredible artist and singer.
I think your shout out helped Cushendall win the Antrim hurling final!!! Hope to see you soon!
Hi , I’ve tickets from 12th march 2020 in lyrath in kilkenny .
I’ve tried several avenues to see if I’m entitled to a refund or can I use them in upcoming event in November
Christy ,I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for the unexpected name check at the Waterfront last week. If this Thursdays gig is half as good as last Thursdays then the lucky people “far across the foam”‘ are in for a great night. All the best John
Come Day Go Day..wish in my heart it was Sunday
Hello Christy,
Here I am sat in a bento bar in Halifax. Lovely tofu here. I wish mine would come out anything like it. I’m attending a welcome to Calderdale event this afternoon. I’ve worked here for 31 years and lived here for 50…?
Looking forward to the Topic Zoom tonight, now I’ve plucked up courage to join a Zoom meeting.
Rebecca
Tofu Rashers and Sausages..long life
Just wanted to thank you Christy for a wonderful gig at the Waterfront last week. It was my first trip with my family to Belfast and you treated us to a fantastic evening of beautiful songs the memory of which we’ll always treasure. It’s such a special gift you have to make an immediate connection with the audience with your introduction to the perfect opening number of How Long and to then hold the gathering in the palm of your hand for the next 2 hours. Like thousands of others we’re so blessed and grateful that you continue to share your gift with us all.
A big shout out too to your outstanding crew for all their great work in providing the platform for you to perform your magic. You and your music provide so much inspiration and joy. Thank you for everything Christy.
Good man Kevin..we’re all part of this song collective….listeners, organisers, technicians, songwriters, singers, crowd control engineers, I love being in the middle of it all, for a singer its awesome to sing to such wonderful gatherings of listeners….I go thru the motions here in the workroom. sing, play, practice, learn, arrange, rearrange….but when I step into the middle of these great gatherings a higher power opens up the voice and gives me the strength and courage to go at it full on…bald headed,no holding back,full monty,boot to the floor,…..with occasional sensitive interludes for those of quieter disposition
Keep Coming Back Kevin
I’ve just discovered that you used to play at the cavalcade in Didsbury. It’s so brilliant that we’ve been singing your songs all these years in the The Station and the Dog and Partridge in Didsbury. Never mind in all the Irish clubs and pubs in and around Manchester. . Did you ever live in Didsbury?
Manchester was home for about 2 years ’66-’68..I had bedsits in Moss Side, Cheetham Hill,Fallowfield, Rochdale…lived with my Auntie in Bury for a spell, enjoyed friendly floor space in many quarters, Blakeley,Altrincham,Congleton, Hyde before heading “over the top” to Halifax….Played The Cavalcade with Planxty in 1972 also the Golden Lion in Withington (Thanks Dave) both promoted by legendary Mancunian Folk Promoters Harris & Appleton……
Big big thank you Christy for supporting the People’s Kitchen, Belfast at the Wareftont Hall gig. £570 raised from fans who appreciate great music that moves the soul!
Visit to the Kitchen next your this neck of the woods. Door is always open!
Go maith agat!
Damian
sound Damian..lets have a chat soon
Donate goods: like food, toiletries, clothes to help make a difference to someone’s life
Dropping of a cash or cheque donation to The People’s Kitchen Belfast, 1 Antrim Rd, Belfast BT15 2BE
Donate online:
Maybe its just as well Christy ’cause if Ireland won the Tournament there’s a rumour goin’ round that Coulter was goin’ to flog “Irelands Call” to Shanachie and they were goin’ to package it as “Flower of Scotland”! Apologies if that’s bold! Couldn’t resist it!
Phil Coulter gets slagged a lot… many years ago I did a bit of it myself…
but he is still out there doing his work and making many people happy..I think Phil celebrates his 80th this year …. more power to him…back in 1972 he was the only one willing to give Planxty a recording deal and he produced our first three albums..those albums have aged well….there was unhappiness in the Band about various aspects but at the end of the day those albums still resound…they’ve been shopped around a few labels but they’re still spinning 50 years on and I,for one, am very proud of them….no doubt,we could have been better rewarded for our efforts but music was our primary purpose…it still keeps the spirits high
..I’m not a fan of “Ireland’s Call” but I’ve always liked “The Town I Love So Well” never sung it but always liked it…. both Luke Kelly and Paddy Reilly did great versions of Phil Coulter’s song….
Luke’s version of Phil’s ” Scorn not his simplicity” still rings out beautifully across the years
What a journey this Irish team have brought us on . True warriors in every sense of the word. They united us all the likes we have not been seen since 1990. They fought to the bitter end, never even thinking of giving up. Lots more good times to come as more and more players come through. Irish and proud. ☘️
I hope they get home safe and sound..have some quality down time and get the heads together..then back to business with their clubs and onwards to the 6 Nations and Triple Crown…I had to good fortune to do wee gigs for both the Irish squad and the Leinster Squad… always a pleasure to meet up with the players I watch every chance I get …my first Irish squad gig was the week Paul O’Connell got his first cap…since then I’ve sung for every ireland squad except Eddie O’Sullivan’s….duetted with many players too…from Trevor Brennan’s “Ordinary Man” there have been many memorable performances, Robbie Henshaw is a fine Accordeon player,Felix Jones rattled the Bodhrán, Denis Carmody did a great job on “The Contender” Keith Wood made shite of “Clare to Here”, Rala covered “Ride On”, Big Donnacha lorried into “Joxer”, and there were many others too…
Best Wishes to Johnny Sexton and his Family..he gave us a great welcome when I sang for the Leinster squad
They gave it their all, nothing left in the tank, all left on the field, they did us proud, for sure.They will rise again. May the heroes who are retiring have good healthy times ahead. Let the music keep our spirits high.Beir bua agus beannacht.H
World cup out of the way..we can get back to basics….I will continue with my scrum practice and developing my tackle technique….
Here’s something beautiful for this morning.
https://youtu.be/aCsU0DkNS7k?si=GkB3fFOG30cas_oY
Rebecca
beautiful playing..as always sensitive and masterly…great camera work too
Hi Christy
Great concert on Thursday in the waterfront in Belfast. Your voice is as strong as ever and am looking forward to seeing you again in a couple of weeks in cork. Five years ago you gave my wife Yvonne and I a mention at the slieve russell for our 40th wedding anniversary and here we are not far away from our 45th.
Regards
Brian Coey
we’re 5 years ahead of you Brian !..thanks for feedback
Christy,
A thoroughly depressing world out there, at times we could just give up, but then the blanket didn’t and peace arrived.
Gaza about to be further mercilessly levelled, my wife marched yesterday, she won’t give up.
Oz votes NO , am speechless, just spoke to my brother there, he is speechless too
Try a listen to this
https://youtu.be/tXjTFGktzIw?si=L7XlmvC8kA8z9lCy
Maybe, just maybe, sense will prevail the world over. We trust in the young.
Never give up.
Music helps but sadly cannot resolve that needs sense in politicians……. .
Rory
Ps hard luck v nz
That is beautiful Rory….Thank You
Anuk. Great post. My ‘first’ trade union action being witnessed: farmers blockade of Athlone Bridge, mid- to late 60s. Farmers lobby militant. We, us youngsters, we went off at ‘dinnertime’ when we come home for lunch, we called it ‘dinnertime’, and us living nearby the Athlone bridge all we’d to do walk a few minutes walk to Athlone bridge. We got an appetite for our dinner, a line my mother would say.
As for later, a South African protest, Trafalgar Square, London, I saw it. I think I went to ‘look’. I later witnessed the National Front in London. Jayney.
Anuk: trade unions. Fine. But they creased the country here (RoI) for years, unionised public sector state-guaranteed jobs, gas, electricity, transport, bins, post, they went on strike at will. Up to near 300,000 people here unemployed, mass emigration, but oh but if their unionised workers were ‘discriminated’ against, we’d get lines that the workers were ‘ballotted for industrial action.’ It was a joke.
(Sorry for the rant C. ‘Trade unions’. It drives me mad.)
Anuk. BBC news claimed this evening, “100,000” on London’s streets. Come back next Friday or Saturday Anuk, and I’ll be with you.
I have to say here, great posts going on here. A Belfast author, I think mentioned. A Paul Doran song (‘Natives’) got a mention here and a line from its lyrics. Great. Jackson Browne’s great song & those lyrics, most appropriate just now.
Onwards
now we know which side you’re on….
feck it
so near
What a gathering in London. 180000 people outside the BBC chanting Free Palestine. The first gathering of solidarity I went to I was 15 but this time no shoe throwing just solidarity from an old woman to other old women. If you have a chance to see any footage the movement of people is incredible. The young and old are not complacent or ambivalent.
I came home and found my ticket from your concert in 2014 Vicar St. I was reminded of a great evening.
Going through my things, I found a London Irish arts festival flyer for a gig of yours from 1986 at the Ritzy in Brixton. Do you remember it. It was 6 pounds for a ticket and I paid 30pence subscription to join the Trade Union. 25th February. 3 days before my 18th birthday. What a life. Thank you. Anuk
I rem that Brixton gig very well
always great to hear from you..Rem Taj Mahal
Hi Christy,
When a film is over three hours long and doesn’t say
directed by Martin Scorsese above the title –
proceed with extreme caution.
Didn’t bother with Oppenheimer
but The Old Oak by Ken Loach is well worth a look.
Enjoy the game
Bourkey
big Ken Loach fans here..thanks
Something for Nancy’s son
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=801532151982718&set=a.515424373926832&type=3
No spoilers, no worries…
“Just before he faced the hangman in his dreary prison cell
British Soldiers tortured Barry because he would not tell
the names of his brave comrades and other things they wished to know
turn informer or we’ll hang you..Kevin Barry answered No!”
No big secret to the missing 7 minutes (clumsy fat finger typing on a phone, lol) – definitely not Lemon 7s from a broken bottle neck anyway. Thankfully a different Belfast and Derry these days without the bag and body searches to go shopping. Irish Ways also brought Floyd Westerman to mind- Indian Ways and Indian Laws – and then Quiet Desperation which is such a deep and moving song. I always like to think of the crew and backroom people- their work makes all the rest happen. Watched one of the ushers gently lead a young girl away from the stage during “Voyage “. I don’t know what her story was, but he treated her with respect and compassion. Good to see Paddy Barnes supporting the People’s Kitchen too. Lots of wonderful work goes on away from the public eye. Mention of Brian Moore brings “Paddy on the Road” to mind- an amazing one man show that I eas lucky enough to see Cruncher O’Neill perform a couple of times. Thank you again for all the memories- here’s to the next 58 years.
support The Peoples KItchen
Donate goods: like food, toiletries, clothes to help make a difference to someone’s life
Dropping of a cash or cheque donation to The People’s Kitchen Belfast, 1 Antrim Rd, Belfast BT15 2BE
Donate online: