A fellow Kildare man trapped down here in Carlow. Really enjoyed your gig in Tullow tonight. The inlaws (Tommy and Dolores Corcoran) of Castledermot are heading to see you Friday night and love the old ” Weekend in Amsterdam “. Thanks for a great show Christy. Keep supporting the Lily’s.
Christy's reply
The Audience raised usup last night..great auld vibe in the room..youngsters oldsters and every age between….flourbags in the shortgrass
Hi Christy, I have become a fan of yours in the last couple of years. I am looking forward to my move to Nenagh, Tipperary in May and will hopefully see you in Limerick in Sep.
If you ever need a local support act Id be keen as mustard. Your Fan, Matt Purcell. http://www.mattpurcellandtheblessedcurse.com
Christy's reply
morra Matt…all gigs in place already…good luck with your move to North Tipperary…theres a great country fare food shop in the heart of the town…..a fellow called Michael Lowry is the Big Noise in them parts….betimes the sliothar can get greasy
Well ,,,, the gig in Tullow must nearly be at encore stage now,,, no doubt it went well,,,@ Moons…, The Leaving of Nancy.. I have n’t heard it in years,,, Yes I agree it would be great to hear CM/DS sing it,,, if we could bear it,,, imagine the feeling /the empathy,,,,? http://youtu.be/7RCEYbEakkI…beir bua & Beannacht ,,,, H
Christy's reply
Hope all is well in The Kingdom…theres always light at the end of The Black Valley…I hear Frank De Pope do have connections in Annascaul
Hi Christy. I contacted you a while back thanking you for all the songs. You said ‘we keep them alive by singing them’. I did a little set last Tuesday night in a bar in Manhattan. I gave a number of my favourite of your recordings, and I sang the wonderful Eric Bogle number, ‘Leaving Nancy’, famous in Irish circles by Finbar Furey’s version. It has long been a favourite of mine as it was taught to me by my mother (incidentally the song is about his mother), anyway, I think it would suit you and you would present that song beautifully to an audience. Just a suggestion.
Yours in song,
Paul
Christy's reply
20 years ago I had the pleasure of visiting Eric Bogle in his home…I listened to beautiful songs and drank strong tea
URGENT!! hello Christy, i hope you’re well. how can i best contact you urgently regarding getting publicity photos of you please for TV Show on RTE One – tomorrow? Thanks a lot. Valerie
Hi Christy
Would it be possible to get a signed pic for my farther John Brosnan.
Dad is from Castleisland Kerry but lives in Leeds. We are all big fans and it would really give him a lift as he has just been told he has cancer and is going through chemo at the moment.
Thanks
David B
Hi Christy, saw Luka last night at the Enmore in Sydney. Sang beautifully as did the audience. Memories came back when I saw the both of you at the benefit gig at Whelans in 2010 and Luka with guitar in hand just walking out on to Wexford Street and disappearing into a beautiful October night.
Just checked diary entry, Tues.19/10/2010 “Saw Christy and Luka, walked home, starry night.”
Well I’m back in September for my 4th visit in recent years hoping for many more starry nights as I roam the old sod.
Christy's reply
Good man Gary..thanks for the Luka news..good to hear about his trip to Australia…greetings to all NSW songsters..have not been up there for 15 years…hope you winter well
Stayin local, noggin, killiney, rock, monks town, dun l…weather doesn’t know what it’s doin…the cake came from the kingdom alright but no rose petals in it. PD and MD refused slices siting watching the weight..I last heard st Patrick on 16th march in the year you did a run of gigs in the gaiety, supporting was steve cooney, Liam O Flynn?? And maybe Sharon Shannon? But can’t remember the year. A bloke in the audience was holding up a tape recorder to capture the gig , pressin play and record at same time..so I swapped him some black and white snaps for a tape, it’s in the house somewhere. The mirabou got a mention in that version of st.patrick, with bowran..tea at every few calls today to keep the heat in. Stay warm.
Christy's reply
I did a set of Gigs with Steve, Sharon and Eoghan O’Neill the year before the Smoke and Strong Whiskey album.Whatever year that was. “One hundred thousand reptiles blue he charmed with sweet discourses, then he dined on them in The Mirabeau in soups and second courses”…..Lar you have an eye like a hawk and a memory like an ephelant….we must meet for a yarn
On Friday night you were out of the stalls like a Mullingar Heifer …..full of energy and raring to go. What a way to kick off two wonderful nights here in the Midlands. So what if the odd line is missed;…. just proves that none of it is pre programmed ; rather its in the moment.There is no other Artist who gives so much of himself on Stage as you. Thanks for ‘January Man’; hope I did not put you off your train of thought at the time.
Best Regards.
Christy's reply
Jasus Patsy I felt I was moving more graciously through the set then a Mullingar Heifer but I do suffer from delusions betimes…I can be looking at my reflection sideways in a mirror and its quite amazing some of things a fellow might miss…but they were 2 great nights below in thon Mullingar Park Hotel…the people of the house always give us a great welcome and,judging from the audience, its a place that people like to be for a gig…hour request for Jan Man was perfect timing..sometimes a song appears from ou of the blue at just the right moment ….its bleddy well snowing here this morning..I’m supposed to be walking The Curragh Plains today but instead I’m here at home contemplating Easter Snow…..and the coffee is smelling good
Well Mullingar will always be special to my brother in law Stuart and myself as last year you sang One last cold kiss in Pauline’s memory. This year we were priviledged to be at both your concerts and Declan was dead wrong when he described us as gluttons for punishment when he saw us at the head of the queue for the second night running. The two concerts were amazing and different. The first night you seemed more playful – despite the odd senior moment. You made the two young girls next to us so happy – with the plectrum and the song sheet, which had some liquid on it. The youngest asked if I could clone you from it! I loved the description of your mam – reminded me of my own mother who smoked till she retired, loved drinking stright vodka and could talk and have fun with anybody regardless of age or station! The second night was so strong and powerful – I heard old things that I had not heard for ages. Plus I was a really lucky person – I had asked for Haiti the first night and luckily Declan heard it and you sang it for me and then I had the cheek to ask for the whole of Amsterdamm and you obliged in fine voice. The audiences were magic on both nights and we tried to lift the roof! Last night your last encore was Curragh of Kildare for the 2 folk next to us (man in wheelchair and his lady) – you should have seen the smile you put on their faces when you sang it. Anyway thanks for two fantastic nights, the songs are still dancing around in my mind. Look after yourself so that we all have many more years of enjoyment ahead of us!
Christy's reply
It was lovely to see you again…thanks for the call for Haiti…I never heard it night one..me auld head went into a strange space on Fri but Sat night things clicked back in again..It is a great part of this working life when all the parts fall into place…for a time on Sat night Declan and I were coasting…he was finding all the sweet notes and the songs were emerging seamlessly with some tasty prompts and requests from the room…see you along the road
Mornin..I agree with what you said it comment below, it was a fine gig last night, the crowd were unreal, great singers. And when was the last time St.Patrick was out? Glad you sang it after a few egged ye on.there was a young lad beside me with his mot at her first gig, and he was jumpin around, and she couldn’t believe she knew so many of the songs. It was an amazing night, two of ye were on form and could see it. Thanks for the nod, but there’s a cake thief in our midst..have a grand day. L
Christy's reply
I heard that your cake was lovely, was it baked in The Kingdom ?..I saw a few culprits backstage with cream on their jowls and grins like Chesire Cats…thats a horrid morning here around the Borough..have ye got the snow ploughs on The Rock Road…they’re Skiing down to Mass on the Carrickbrennan Rd…I dont know where the St Patrick song came out of..I doubt if I sung this last 20 years but out she came unbeknownst to me…and I could have sung more of it but Arthur was getting restless
Mighty gig Christy, and thanks for the mention, a hat-trick of birthdays was a unique occasion. It wasn’t me who let the yelp, but whoever it was they were on the ball!Have a peaceful Sunday, although Kildare v the Dubs may not be all that peaceful!Talk soon, Kev.
Christy's reply
The Dubs gave it to us yesterday…twas cold on the Hill,
Good day Christy, hope you’re well. Have a mate heading to see you for the first time tonight to celebrate his birthday, he’s an Athy man!If at all possible it would make his night if you could give him a shout out!Doc Mulhall is his name. Have a good gig and thanks a lot. Kev.
Christy's reply
dont know about you guys but me and Dec and the crew had a stormer last night, I have not enjoyed a gig as much for manys the day..the songs seemed to flow..Declan was finding the sweet notes on his guitars…the banter with the audience was lovely..I got drawn into a bit of inter-county GAA spake which I try to avoid but I took the bait last night!! Thanks too for all the great requests sorry we could not get around them all… ( Natives, Magdalen,Brown Eyes,Strange Ways, ) but after 5 encores I was spent…. PS was it you that gave the”Up Cavan”? your timing was perfect, I enjoyed that one
Hope the Patricks Day recording went well for you, you were in good company!!
Christy's reply
Meeting The President was a truly memorable experience. Michael D has always been a pleasure to meet but being greeted by him in Áras an Úachtaráin was a proud moment for both myself and Michael Devine. He honoured the work by asking me to be part of his Patrick’s Day Glaoch…..
Agnes Nealis
March 7, 2013 at 6:09 pm
Location: flocking around the Galway tent like magpies in a frenzy
CM( 67 3 quarters) You know the Magpies are better than eircom phone watch .
The other day they were going haywire I looked out the window to see what was the carryon. There was a big huge reithe with a big long rope around his neck escaped.He was in early in the morning eating the daffodils .
He knew he was not wanted he took off again high speed.
My friend was here after school he never saw a banjo before ,he got very excited and pulled the bridge off and broke the strings. mom was not a happy camper ,I have a feeling hes kind of barred from here now.I thought he was going to swallow my trumpa.
RS (13 )says how is your voice now?
ok a mhac bán
CS (8)
Christy's reply
The voice is nearly back to full throttle Thanks Be…that seaweed cure you sent be worked well with a daub of manuka anda few squeezes of lemon..that tethered sheep looked full of daffodills, fair play to your magpies..at least now we know that they are good for something..you’d want to lock the instruments up before you bring that fellow into the house again….a broken instrument can be very distressful
For those who may not have heard the sad news..
Trumpet player Kenny Ball has died age 82..
And the guitarist Alvin Lee one of the greats of Woodstock
has also passed at 68…
Christy's reply
Alvin could fairly squeeze them frets..used to have a few albumsn of his in the years after Woodstock
hi christy how is it going, I am a massive fan and going to see u in the waterfront in belfast, I was just wondering is decky playing with you in them gigs 🙂
Hard to believe that the Andytown Girl is 25 years gone today – and all those who were killed in the ripples that spread from that event. Please God we are in a better place these days. Would you ever consider singing that song again, or is it a memory of a different time? All well here in the Walled City – counting down the days until my trip to the Waterfront. Keep well.
Christy's reply
it has not been possible for me to record or sing this song but I am glad that I wrote it….a letter from Mairéad , then in Armagh Jail, resulted in my writing “On The Bridge” for which Donal Lunny composed a beautiful melody…Donal also wrote the music for ‘The Time has Come back in 1982……looking forward to being under The Black Mountain again soon and ,hopefully later on in the yer, we’ll walk the walls again
Strange few months…. Lost my grandmother in November….. Fell over the christmas. I found strength in the child, loved ones and the music….. Got back playing the music, writing again too….. Have a script in contention for a spot on the 8th of June in the Arts Centre in Wexford……. But I won’t be there to see it if I win, I’ll be in the O2 watching The Who rip through Quadrophenia…… I’m also giving a few bodhran workshops for Seachtain Na Gaielge……. Oh and I’m getting married in two years…… See yourself and the doc in The Opera House on the 7th……
Christy's reply
you’re keeping the boot to the floor Panch, you wont be there before you’re back..hope all works well for you..might go and see Townsend myself, if Entwhistle and Moon were around Id be well up for it…I know that Pete is always the driving force but that rhythm section were such mighty crack…the straightfaced one forever chopping out those incredible bass lines while Keith was always seeking to jump over the moon…enjoy the rhythm of the ancient drum
Hi Christy,
A fellow Kildare man trapped down here in Carlow. Really enjoyed your gig in Tullow tonight. The inlaws (Tommy and Dolores Corcoran) of Castledermot are heading to see you Friday night and love the old ” Weekend in Amsterdam “. Thanks for a great show Christy. Keep supporting the Lily’s.
The Audience raised usup last night..great auld vibe in the room..youngsters oldsters and every age between….flourbags in the shortgrass
Hi Christy, I have become a fan of yours in the last couple of years. I am looking forward to my move to Nenagh, Tipperary in May and will hopefully see you in Limerick in Sep.
If you ever need a local support act Id be keen as mustard. Your Fan, Matt Purcell.
http://www.mattpurcellandtheblessedcurse.com
morra Matt…all gigs in place already…good luck with your move to North Tipperary…theres a great country fare food shop in the heart of the town…..a fellow called Michael Lowry is the Big Noise in them parts….betimes the sliothar can get greasy
Well ,,,, the gig in Tullow must nearly be at encore stage now,,, no doubt it went well,,,@ Moons…, The Leaving of Nancy.. I have n’t heard it in years,,, Yes I agree it would be great to hear CM/DS sing it,,, if we could bear it,,, imagine the feeling /the empathy,,,,? http://youtu.be/7RCEYbEakkI…beir bua & Beannacht ,,,, H
Hope all is well in The Kingdom…theres always light at the end of The Black Valley…I hear Frank De Pope do have connections in Annascaul
Hi Christy. I contacted you a while back thanking you for all the songs. You said ‘we keep them alive by singing them’. I did a little set last Tuesday night in a bar in Manhattan. I gave a number of my favourite of your recordings, and I sang the wonderful Eric Bogle number, ‘Leaving Nancy’, famous in Irish circles by Finbar Furey’s version. It has long been a favourite of mine as it was taught to me by my mother (incidentally the song is about his mother), anyway, I think it would suit you and you would present that song beautifully to an audience. Just a suggestion.
Yours in song,
Paul
20 years ago I had the pleasure of visiting Eric Bogle in his home…I listened to beautiful songs and drank strong tea
URGENT!! hello Christy, i hope you’re well. how can i best contact you urgently regarding getting publicity photos of you please for TV Show on RTE One – tomorrow? Thanks a lot. Valerie
Hes not a visual act
Hi Christy
Would it be possible to get a signed pic for my farther John Brosnan.
Dad is from Castleisland Kerry but lives in Leeds. We are all big fans and it would really give him a lift as he has just been told he has cancer and is going through chemo at the moment.
Thanks
David B
no problem if we can establish contact
Hi Christy, saw Luka last night at the Enmore in Sydney. Sang beautifully as did the audience. Memories came back when I saw the both of you at the benefit gig at Whelans in 2010 and Luka with guitar in hand just walking out on to Wexford Street and disappearing into a beautiful October night.
Just checked diary entry, Tues.19/10/2010 “Saw Christy and Luka, walked home, starry night.”
Well I’m back in September for my 4th visit in recent years hoping for many more starry nights as I roam the old sod.
Good man Gary..thanks for the Luka news..good to hear about his trip to Australia…greetings to all NSW songsters..have not been up there for 15 years…hope you winter well
Stayin local, noggin, killiney, rock, monks town, dun l…weather doesn’t know what it’s doin…the cake came from the kingdom alright but no rose petals in it. PD and MD refused slices siting watching the weight..I last heard st Patrick on 16th march in the year you did a run of gigs in the gaiety, supporting was steve cooney, Liam O Flynn?? And maybe Sharon Shannon? But can’t remember the year. A bloke in the audience was holding up a tape recorder to capture the gig , pressin play and record at same time..so I swapped him some black and white snaps for a tape, it’s in the house somewhere. The mirabou got a mention in that version of st.patrick, with bowran..tea at every few calls today to keep the heat in. Stay warm.
I did a set of Gigs with Steve, Sharon and Eoghan O’Neill the year before the Smoke and Strong Whiskey album.Whatever year that was. “One hundred thousand reptiles blue he charmed with sweet discourses, then he dined on them in The Mirabeau in soups and second courses”…..Lar you have an eye like a hawk and a memory like an ephelant….we must meet for a yarn
On Friday night you were out of the stalls like a Mullingar Heifer …..full of energy and raring to go. What a way to kick off two wonderful nights here in the Midlands. So what if the odd line is missed;…. just proves that none of it is pre programmed ; rather its in the moment.There is no other Artist who gives so much of himself on Stage as you. Thanks for ‘January Man’; hope I did not put you off your train of thought at the time.
Best Regards.
Jasus Patsy I felt I was moving more graciously through the set then a Mullingar Heifer but I do suffer from delusions betimes…I can be looking at my reflection sideways in a mirror and its quite amazing some of things a fellow might miss…but they were 2 great nights below in thon Mullingar Park Hotel…the people of the house always give us a great welcome and,judging from the audience, its a place that people like to be for a gig…hour request for Jan Man was perfect timing..sometimes a song appears from ou of the blue at just the right moment ….its bleddy well snowing here this morning..I’m supposed to be walking The Curragh Plains today but instead I’m here at home contemplating Easter Snow…..and the coffee is smelling good
Well Mullingar will always be special to my brother in law Stuart and myself as last year you sang One last cold kiss in Pauline’s memory. This year we were priviledged to be at both your concerts and Declan was dead wrong when he described us as gluttons for punishment when he saw us at the head of the queue for the second night running. The two concerts were amazing and different. The first night you seemed more playful – despite the odd senior moment. You made the two young girls next to us so happy – with the plectrum and the song sheet, which had some liquid on it. The youngest asked if I could clone you from it! I loved the description of your mam – reminded me of my own mother who smoked till she retired, loved drinking stright vodka and could talk and have fun with anybody regardless of age or station! The second night was so strong and powerful – I heard old things that I had not heard for ages. Plus I was a really lucky person – I had asked for Haiti the first night and luckily Declan heard it and you sang it for me and then I had the cheek to ask for the whole of Amsterdamm and you obliged in fine voice. The audiences were magic on both nights and we tried to lift the roof! Last night your last encore was Curragh of Kildare for the 2 folk next to us (man in wheelchair and his lady) – you should have seen the smile you put on their faces when you sang it. Anyway thanks for two fantastic nights, the songs are still dancing around in my mind. Look after yourself so that we all have many more years of enjoyment ahead of us!
It was lovely to see you again…thanks for the call for Haiti…I never heard it night one..me auld head went into a strange space on Fri but Sat night things clicked back in again..It is a great part of this working life when all the parts fall into place…for a time on Sat night Declan and I were coasting…he was finding all the sweet notes and the songs were emerging seamlessly with some tasty prompts and requests from the room…see you along the road
Mornin..I agree with what you said it comment below, it was a fine gig last night, the crowd were unreal, great singers. And when was the last time St.Patrick was out? Glad you sang it after a few egged ye on.there was a young lad beside me with his mot at her first gig, and he was jumpin around, and she couldn’t believe she knew so many of the songs. It was an amazing night, two of ye were on form and could see it. Thanks for the nod, but there’s a cake thief in our midst..have a grand day. L
I heard that your cake was lovely, was it baked in The Kingdom ?..I saw a few culprits backstage with cream on their jowls and grins like Chesire Cats…thats a horrid morning here around the Borough..have ye got the snow ploughs on The Rock Road…they’re Skiing down to Mass on the Carrickbrennan Rd…I dont know where the St Patrick song came out of..I doubt if I sung this last 20 years but out she came unbeknownst to me…and I could have sung more of it but Arthur was getting restless
Mighty gig Christy, and thanks for the mention, a hat-trick of birthdays was a unique occasion. It wasn’t me who let the yelp, but whoever it was they were on the ball!Have a peaceful Sunday, although Kildare v the Dubs may not be all that peaceful!Talk soon, Kev.
The Dubs gave it to us yesterday…twas cold on the Hill,
Good day Christy, hope you’re well. Have a mate heading to see you for the first time tonight to celebrate his birthday, he’s an Athy man!If at all possible it would make his night if you could give him a shout out!Doc Mulhall is his name. Have a good gig and thanks a lot. Kev.
dont know about you guys but me and Dec and the crew had a stormer last night, I have not enjoyed a gig as much for manys the day..the songs seemed to flow..Declan was finding the sweet notes on his guitars…the banter with the audience was lovely..I got drawn into a bit of inter-county GAA spake which I try to avoid but I took the bait last night!! Thanks too for all the great requests sorry we could not get around them all… ( Natives, Magdalen,Brown Eyes,Strange Ways, ) but after 5 encores I was spent…. PS was it you that gave the”Up Cavan”? your timing was perfect, I enjoyed that one
Hope the Patricks Day recording went well for you, you were in good company!!
Meeting The President was a truly memorable experience. Michael D has always been a pleasure to meet but being greeted by him in Áras an Úachtaráin was a proud moment for both myself and Michael Devine. He honoured the work by asking me to be part of his Patrick’s Day Glaoch…..
CM( 67 3 quarters) You know the Magpies are better than eircom phone watch .
The other day they were going haywire I looked out the window to see what was the carryon. There was a big huge reithe with a big long rope around his neck escaped.He was in early in the morning eating the daffodils .
He knew he was not wanted he took off again high speed.
My friend was here after school he never saw a banjo before ,he got very excited and pulled the bridge off and broke the strings. mom was not a happy camper ,I have a feeling hes kind of barred from here now.I thought he was going to swallow my trumpa.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikVXZat0-lc
RS (13 )says how is your voice now?
ok a mhac bán
CS (8)
The voice is nearly back to full throttle Thanks Be…that seaweed cure you sent be worked well with a daub of manuka anda few squeezes of lemon..that tethered sheep looked full of daffodills, fair play to your magpies..at least now we know that they are good for something..you’d want to lock the instruments up before you bring that fellow into the house again….a broken instrument can be very distressful
For those who may not have heard the sad news..
Trumpet player Kenny Ball has died age 82..
And the guitarist Alvin Lee one of the greats of Woodstock
has also passed at 68…
Alvin could fairly squeeze them frets..used to have a few albumsn of his in the years after Woodstock
hi christy how is it going, I am a massive fan and going to see u in the waterfront in belfast, I was just wondering is decky playing with you in them gigs 🙂
thats the plan
Hard to believe that the Andytown Girl is 25 years gone today – and all those who were killed in the ripples that spread from that event. Please God we are in a better place these days. Would you ever consider singing that song again, or is it a memory of a different time? All well here in the Walled City – counting down the days until my trip to the Waterfront. Keep well.
it has not been possible for me to record or sing this song but I am glad that I wrote it….a letter from Mairéad , then in Armagh Jail, resulted in my writing “On The Bridge” for which Donal Lunny composed a beautiful melody…Donal also wrote the music for ‘The Time has Come back in 1982……looking forward to being under The Black Mountain again soon and ,hopefully later on in the yer, we’ll walk the walls again
Strange few months…. Lost my grandmother in November….. Fell over the christmas. I found strength in the child, loved ones and the music….. Got back playing the music, writing again too….. Have a script in contention for a spot on the 8th of June in the Arts Centre in Wexford……. But I won’t be there to see it if I win, I’ll be in the O2 watching The Who rip through Quadrophenia…… I’m also giving a few bodhran workshops for Seachtain Na Gaielge……. Oh and I’m getting married in two years…… See yourself and the doc in The Opera House on the 7th……
you’re keeping the boot to the floor Panch, you wont be there before you’re back..hope all works well for you..might go and see Townsend myself, if Entwhistle and Moon were around Id be well up for it…I know that Pete is always the driving force but that rhythm section were such mighty crack…the straightfaced one forever chopping out those incredible bass lines while Keith was always seeking to jump over the moon…enjoy the rhythm of the ancient drum
Lar F, thanks for the information, the songbook is already ordered.
Ryan L, thanks also but I find the music.
grts
that should sail you right out of the doldrums