Hi Christopher,
Remember when you were young you shone like the Sun?
Shine on the friend I have not yet met.
31 years of State persecution…I wear the Red and Pink Triangle.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year.
Barroga,
Francis.
Christy's reply
Crazy Diamond…its one of the great songs…..I wish you well in the coming year
Hello Christy.Im writing these few lines on the bus home tonight
What a performance you gave us in Vicar St to finish 2023.The Galtie mountain boy and A pair of brown eyes what a tribute to Shane .I hopeyou and your family your road crew and friends have a very happy and peaceful new year
See you in 2024.
Sweet Music Roll on Christy.
Christy's reply
Good man Dave….last night wrapped up the year’s gigs ….side stage, before the start, I sensed a great positve buzz comin off the room….I dont get to see much as the gig unfolds , occasionally when the lights are in a certain mode I might get a slight glimpse of faces but , in general, I’m feeding off the atmosphere of the audience…and last night it was uplifting….we were all rolling along together….ye sang gloriously, raised the rafters when required but then fell into utter silence when certain songs emerged….”Bogman” was as still as the Bog itself, “Black & Amber” too….I fell asunder a bit during “A Pair of Brown Eyes”, Shane was sitting beside me….two writers in the room last night…. Rob Corcoran and the brother, Luka Bloom…its always special for me, singing a song when the writer is in the room….
then to get your note as you crossed the Island heading home towards Timoleague on the bus…
If I’d known you were in I’d probably have had a cut at “The Big Marquee”
Some were “involved” to be sure… but not in such matters as described….
I came across this library once before….being a fan of a TV series called “Salvage Hunters”…I belive that Drew Pritchard may have visited thon Library a few years back
Hi Christy, looking forward to seeing your show again tonight 29th Dec, could you give a big shout out to my mother Mardie McBride, she is 75 who travelled down from the Bogside / Derry to see the show. She would be delighted.
Be great to hear Back home in Derry or Micky McIlhatton.
Much appreciated and can’t wait 👍
Kieran McMullan
Christy's reply
Horsebox…
you’re a late entry for the callout raffle…there are 38 contestants in the hat already…but Mardie’s name is in the drum now…I’ve not heard that name before…
On the road to Dublin. First time seeing you tonight, greatly looking forward to it. A humble request for a shoutout for my new wife Helen Donnelly who suprised me with the tickets.
Hi Christy,
Am loving the list of those in the hat who are back from all points on the compass for your gigs.
It got me thinking about the various places you have played so far this year before tonight’s final gig.
A safe house in Cloherna,
An unsafe house in Bansha
A hotel in Westport
A motel in Armagh
A courthouse in Tralee
A courting house in Rosslare
A bridge in Toome
A ridge in Allen
A sickbed in Kilcullen
A bunk bed in Bellaghy
A drinking house in Boyle
A milking shed in Letterkenny
An opera house in Wexford and
A operating theatre in Headford.
Well in sir.
Rory
Hello Christy,
I would love if you would be able to give a shout out to my brother Liam and his fiancée Catherine, they are both home from Perth for Christmas. They got engaged on December 20th in Eyre Square in Galway so it will always be a Christmas to remember. They are both big fans and will be going to your concert in Vicar Street on Jan 2nd. They both went to secondary school in Lisdoonvarna, where their childhood romance blossomed so your song is very true that their relationship can definitely “hold a match to Lisdoonvarna”.
Thanks,
Hannah
Christy's reply
From WA to Dublin 8
lets see what happens Hannah
seems like I have 40 requests for call-outs that night
Two Holy Fathers home from Zambia for R&R
two gangsters back from the Far East in disguise
a Jockey from Thurles who cant make wait
the Kildare Full Back line relaxing befor the McKenna Cup
two Leinster Props who’ll need 4 seats
and now
Two Young Lovers Home from Perth after hooking up in Lisdoonvarna
its gonna be some night..the first gig of 2024..Up The Banner
Christy, looking forward to your gig tomorrow night. Last time we saw you was a 6pm start at Vicar Street a few years back. Great concert. Loved Rosilata. Bringing wife, her sister and new husband. Don’t think they’ve experienced a Christy concert and I believe they are really looking forward to it. So.. if you remember, I think they’d get a great surprise if you gave them a wee shout out sometime throughout the night. ‘Christine and Fergal’
Thanks a million. Odhrán.
Christy's reply
your requests will have to go into the hat Odhran….theres a plethora calling in for call outs…Sister Concepta (recently defrocked) coming along with their new girlfriend…Brother Aloysius back from Woolongong… in with his Maiden Aunt..her first time in Dublin and they 87 still wanting to be a she but they cant have everything… (but try telling that to Con McGreggor)….Taff in from Swansea, Jock from East Fife,Gunter from Gutersloh and the Brother coming from Ghent with no bell on his bike …Sheila home from Cudgee and Lavinia from Wellington….but your two are in the hat with the rest and the raffle will be fair and square
I was delighted to read, Christy, that vinyl sales ( at least over here) have risen for the 16th year in a row. Nearly 6 million copies sold with the old boys Rolling Stones 2nd best seller with Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd not far behind.
I love the feel of a vinyl shop, i even popped into one a couple of times with Dave in sufragette city.
The row after row of mixed vinyl , as i thumb through it, 7, 10 and 12 inch, picture disc, shaped disc ( i have an old Pogues one i bought in Wishaw market 35 years ago in the shape of the 32 counties map) , oh the joys.
I mentioned a few weeks back that i was lucky enough to find an unused vinyl Iron behind the Velvet, imagine the joy of stumbling across that amidst hundreds of stacked LPs !
Anyway enough reminiscing, time to stick on my recently arrived LP by Palestinian band 47 Soul, their youtube tiny desk concert is well worth checking out.
Rory
Christy's reply
you bring me right back to 1969…my first album was released on Mercury (SMCL 20170 was the cat. no…if memory serves)….I was gifted a copy of the album ( 500 were pressed before deletion)….it was a euphoric experience,holding a copy of my own LP. I visited a friend in Shepherd’s Bush and we had a listen…got a review in Melody Maker…soon thoughts turned to another LP…this time back in Ireland with Bill Leader…in 1971 Prosperous was released on Bill’s label (its still on the go, a few labels later)….. same story ever since…hard at it here at the moment…the work continues..thanks be
Hello Christy,
I’m not sure you like videos of yourself but I’m going to post this one because I really like it. It’s all beautiful and the high notes are BEEEAUTIFUL! Don’t often hear them so unsupported, exposed and unfettered. https://youtu.be/DVBt61BA58o?si=xr4rE_oklctct-8i
Hope everyone is getting whatever passes for quiet relaxation in you neck of the woods.
A year on from my mother’s death I’m finding out who I am without her influence. I’m doing ok.
Hi Christy, where i come from has been whirring for a good couple of weeks now and it got me wondering about On the Bridge, is it a real situation that spurred you on and ignited a passion, that is spoken about there in the song?
Or a metaphor to make us think.
I know it is not the only place it appears, it is also on my beloved box set and unfinished revolution so i guess it is a song that means a lot to you.
Cheersrory
Christy's reply
There came a letter from Armagh Prison….
might I write and sing a song about the Women on the Blanket Protest…
I was willing to write and sing but could not find an opening line, a concept on which to base some verse….
I was crossing O’Connell Bridge in the centre of Dublin City….
There was a small group gathered on the Bridge, a silent protest in support of the Armagh Women….
It was raining, which made the colours on their home-made banners run,
STOP STRIP SEARCHING IN ARMAGH JAIL
Lines started to emerge
Donal Lunny wrote the music
Greetings from Amsterdam!
Wishing you and family a good and healthy 2024.
It’s always a great pleasure to read all the comments on the site, watching new (and older) videos of the gigs, the songs, the works. Over 40 years your music is around in my life. Through your work connected to numerous other balladeers, songsmiths and musicians. Some of them I may not have known without the connection to you. My own life as a musician can’t be seen without this connection. It makes me very happy. And now 2023 is coming to a close. On a personal level a wonderful year. On the 9th of November I became grandfather for the first time. A beautiful granddaughter Cleo. Greek-Dutch girl so grandda is working away on his bouzouki 🙂
Together with Ed and Danny the band O’Dreams set sail again. Three jolly ravers all over the Netherlands and Belgium. Wally and yourself always with us.
As for 2024, I hope it’ll bring peace for people in all of those bitter conflicts. That each and everyone finds a way to contribute big and small to a better world.
My wife and hope to come over to Ireland coming year for a short holiday and visit one of your shows. From Zwolle in 1983 to ……..in 2024. Thanks for being who you are Christy. Keep the motor running! You’re an inspiration to many.
Amsterdam, 26 December
John
Christy's reply
Welcome to The World Cleo
Thanks for sharing the news John
I send good wishes to O’Dreams for the coming Year
May you make the rafters roar
Merry Christmas Christy, I hope you’re having a great time with the family. I’ll send on the words to The Peace Wall , and I think the fork is truly stuck into it , I found driving with the song in my head got me into a special place . I’ve one other on the way also and thankfully both have been received well by the audience here in Little Ireland, I’ll send via email, love Fin💚🙏💚🎄
Christy's reply
thats it Fin..
another one done and
thanks be
we came thru with flyin colours
the first race in leopardstown due to start
and me stiill in the scratcher
but thats Stevens day these days
no need to tear around town lookin for loose porter
60 years ago we were in the NCO’s mess in the Curragh Camp
myself and my late second cousin Paudie Power
he was home fro The Bronx and we had an awful thirst on us
we got a lift with Turlough McGowan and The Butcher Farrell
twas like Heaven in McDonagh Barracks
twas a sorta Peace Time
maybe not in Cyprus
but quiet enought in The Shortgrass
there was a Piano Accordeon player out of Tom Wilmot’s Céili Band
I think he was a Hogan lad
he was a side-kick of Joe Redmond who was dear family friend of ours
Joe asked me to sing Kevin Barry and them Pauide sang The Patriot Game
It was late when we got back to Moorefield
the carcass was still in the oven
jasus Fin but we stripped it bare
even the Pope’s Nose was devoured
Happy New Year Fin…..sing out
Merry Christmas to you and yours Christy. Thanks for all you do for your listeners, for those less fortunate and for raising the spirits of so many around the globe. Good health and happiness for 2024. We’ll go at it again.
Kev
Christy's reply
Kevin
sing your heart out in 2024
we’ll be listening out for you
“round sweet Stradone you’ll be well known
round Lavey and Grouse Hall”
will ye come out of Ulster this year?
we’re goin all out for the McKenna Cup
Happy Christmas, Christy! Seasons greetings to you, and to all on here. Thank you so much for everything, this last year and always, and looking forward to 2024.
All the very best,
Anne
Christy's reply
may the bells of London sound ding-a-ling come new years eve at midnight
we still have a week of ’23 to work out here
Ah , the poor auld lousy auld earth
my earth, and my father’s and mothers etc etc….said sam beckett..
Hi Christopher,
Remember when you were young you shone like the Sun?
Shine on the friend I have not yet met.
31 years of State persecution…I wear the Red and Pink Triangle.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year.
Barroga,
Francis.
Crazy Diamond…its one of the great songs…..I wish you well in the coming year
Hello Christy.Im writing these few lines on the bus home tonight
What a performance you gave us in Vicar St to finish 2023.The Galtie mountain boy and A pair of brown eyes what a tribute to Shane .I hopeyou and your family your road crew and friends have a very happy and peaceful new year
See you in 2024.
Sweet Music Roll on Christy.
Good man Dave….last night wrapped up the year’s gigs ….side stage, before the start, I sensed a great positve buzz comin off the room….I dont get to see much as the gig unfolds , occasionally when the lights are in a certain mode I might get a slight glimpse of faces but , in general, I’m feeding off the atmosphere of the audience…and last night it was uplifting….we were all rolling along together….ye sang gloriously, raised the rafters when required but then fell into utter silence when certain songs emerged….”Bogman” was as still as the Bog itself, “Black & Amber” too….I fell asunder a bit during “A Pair of Brown Eyes”, Shane was sitting beside me….two writers in the room last night…. Rob Corcoran and the brother, Luka Bloom…its always special for me, singing a song when the writer is in the room….
then to get your note as you crossed the Island heading home towards Timoleague on the bus…
If I’d known you were in I’d probably have had a cut at “The Big Marquee”
Hello Christy,
Is this interesting?
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/dec/29/218-year-old-library-above-manchester-pub-prepares-for-7m-redevelopment
Were your ancestors involved?
Rebecca
Some were “involved” to be sure… but not in such matters as described….
I came across this library once before….being a fan of a TV series called “Salvage Hunters”…I belive that Drew Pritchard may have visited thon Library a few years back
Hi Christy, looking forward to seeing your show again tonight 29th Dec, could you give a big shout out to my mother Mardie McBride, she is 75 who travelled down from the Bogside / Derry to see the show. She would be delighted.
Be great to hear Back home in Derry or Micky McIlhatton.
Much appreciated and can’t wait 👍
Kieran McMullan
Horsebox…
you’re a late entry for the callout raffle…there are 38 contestants in the hat already…but Mardie’s name is in the drum now…I’ve not heard that name before…
**for the comment below
Regards
Michael.
Afternoon Christy,
On the road to Dublin. First time seeing you tonight, greatly looking forward to it. A humble request for a shoutout for my new wife Helen Donnelly who suprised me with the tickets.
Have a great new year Christy.
(No pasaran)
Morra Shaker…safe journey to the EU
Hello Christy,
Here’s something that’s on a cd flying this way
https://nyahhrecords.bandcamp.com/track/3-eoghan-ceannabh-in-eilean-ir-na-r-n
A few more for Rory’s list
In a big tent by the Lee
And a Hangar by the sea
At sweet Zozimus’s grave
Manys a Vicar Street rave
Rebecca
Hi Christy,
Am loving the list of those in the hat who are back from all points on the compass for your gigs.
It got me thinking about the various places you have played so far this year before tonight’s final gig.
A safe house in Cloherna,
An unsafe house in Bansha
A hotel in Westport
A motel in Armagh
A courthouse in Tralee
A courting house in Rosslare
A bridge in Toome
A ridge in Allen
A sickbed in Kilcullen
A bunk bed in Bellaghy
A drinking house in Boyle
A milking shed in Letterkenny
An opera house in Wexford and
A operating theatre in Headford.
Well in sir.
Rory
Hello Christy,
I would love if you would be able to give a shout out to my brother Liam and his fiancée Catherine, they are both home from Perth for Christmas. They got engaged on December 20th in Eyre Square in Galway so it will always be a Christmas to remember. They are both big fans and will be going to your concert in Vicar Street on Jan 2nd. They both went to secondary school in Lisdoonvarna, where their childhood romance blossomed so your song is very true that their relationship can definitely “hold a match to Lisdoonvarna”.
Thanks,
Hannah
From WA to Dublin 8
lets see what happens Hannah
seems like I have 40 requests for call-outs that night
Two Holy Fathers home from Zambia for R&R
two gangsters back from the Far East in disguise
a Jockey from Thurles who cant make wait
the Kildare Full Back line relaxing befor the McKenna Cup
two Leinster Props who’ll need 4 seats
and now
Two Young Lovers Home from Perth after hooking up in Lisdoonvarna
its gonna be some night..the first gig of 2024..Up The Banner
Cheers Christy 😉
Christy, looking forward to your gig tomorrow night. Last time we saw you was a 6pm start at Vicar Street a few years back. Great concert. Loved Rosilata. Bringing wife, her sister and new husband. Don’t think they’ve experienced a Christy concert and I believe they are really looking forward to it. So.. if you remember, I think they’d get a great surprise if you gave them a wee shout out sometime throughout the night. ‘Christine and Fergal’
Thanks a million. Odhrán.
your requests will have to go into the hat Odhran….theres a plethora calling in for call outs…Sister Concepta (recently defrocked) coming along with their new girlfriend…Brother Aloysius back from Woolongong… in with his Maiden Aunt..her first time in Dublin and they 87 still wanting to be a she but they cant have everything… (but try telling that to Con McGreggor)….Taff in from Swansea, Jock from East Fife,Gunter from Gutersloh and the Brother coming from Ghent with no bell on his bike …Sheila home from Cudgee and Lavinia from Wellington….but your two are in the hat with the rest and the raffle will be fair and square
I was delighted to read, Christy, that vinyl sales ( at least over here) have risen for the 16th year in a row. Nearly 6 million copies sold with the old boys Rolling Stones 2nd best seller with Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd not far behind.
I love the feel of a vinyl shop, i even popped into one a couple of times with Dave in sufragette city.
The row after row of mixed vinyl , as i thumb through it, 7, 10 and 12 inch, picture disc, shaped disc ( i have an old Pogues one i bought in Wishaw market 35 years ago in the shape of the 32 counties map) , oh the joys.
I mentioned a few weeks back that i was lucky enough to find an unused vinyl Iron behind the Velvet, imagine the joy of stumbling across that amidst hundreds of stacked LPs !
Anyway enough reminiscing, time to stick on my recently arrived LP by Palestinian band 47 Soul, their youtube tiny desk concert is well worth checking out.
Rory
you bring me right back to 1969…my first album was released on Mercury (SMCL 20170 was the cat. no…if memory serves)….I was gifted a copy of the album ( 500 were pressed before deletion)….it was a euphoric experience,holding a copy of my own LP. I visited a friend in Shepherd’s Bush and we had a listen…got a review in Melody Maker…soon thoughts turned to another LP…this time back in Ireland with Bill Leader…in 1971 Prosperous was released on Bill’s label (its still on the go, a few labels later)….. same story ever since…hard at it here at the moment…the work continues..thanks be
Many thanks
I’ve just found this.
It’s a carol written in 1933 in Barnsley with a melody based on the church bells in the town.
https://youtu.be/orlqLBPFnxk?si=h1XHzryA5fG2sC36
Hello Christy,
I’m not sure you like videos of yourself but I’m going to post this one because I really like it. It’s all beautiful and the high notes are BEEEAUTIFUL! Don’t often hear them so unsupported, exposed and unfettered.
https://youtu.be/DVBt61BA58o?si=xr4rE_oklctct-8i
Hope everyone is getting whatever passes for quiet relaxation in you neck of the woods.
A year on from my mother’s death I’m finding out who I am without her influence. I’m doing ok.
Rebecca
Hi Christy, where i come from has been whirring for a good couple of weeks now and it got me wondering about On the Bridge, is it a real situation that spurred you on and ignited a passion, that is spoken about there in the song?
Or a metaphor to make us think.
I know it is not the only place it appears, it is also on my beloved box set and unfinished revolution so i guess it is a song that means a lot to you.
Cheersrory
There came a letter from Armagh Prison….
might I write and sing a song about the Women on the Blanket Protest…
I was willing to write and sing but could not find an opening line, a concept on which to base some verse….
I was crossing O’Connell Bridge in the centre of Dublin City….
There was a small group gathered on the Bridge, a silent protest in support of the Armagh Women….
It was raining, which made the colours on their home-made banners run,
STOP STRIP SEARCHING IN ARMAGH JAIL
Lines started to emerge
Donal Lunny wrote the music
Greetings from Amsterdam!
Wishing you and family a good and healthy 2024.
It’s always a great pleasure to read all the comments on the site, watching new (and older) videos of the gigs, the songs, the works. Over 40 years your music is around in my life. Through your work connected to numerous other balladeers, songsmiths and musicians. Some of them I may not have known without the connection to you. My own life as a musician can’t be seen without this connection. It makes me very happy. And now 2023 is coming to a close. On a personal level a wonderful year. On the 9th of November I became grandfather for the first time. A beautiful granddaughter Cleo. Greek-Dutch girl so grandda is working away on his bouzouki 🙂
Together with Ed and Danny the band O’Dreams set sail again. Three jolly ravers all over the Netherlands and Belgium. Wally and yourself always with us.
As for 2024, I hope it’ll bring peace for people in all of those bitter conflicts. That each and everyone finds a way to contribute big and small to a better world.
My wife and hope to come over to Ireland coming year for a short holiday and visit one of your shows. From Zwolle in 1983 to ……..in 2024. Thanks for being who you are Christy. Keep the motor running! You’re an inspiration to many.
Amsterdam, 26 December
John
Welcome to The World Cleo
Thanks for sharing the news John
I send good wishes to O’Dreams for the coming Year
May you make the rafters roar
Merry Christmas Christy, I hope you’re having a great time with the family. I’ll send on the words to The Peace Wall , and I think the fork is truly stuck into it , I found driving with the song in my head got me into a special place . I’ve one other on the way also and thankfully both have been received well by the audience here in Little Ireland, I’ll send via email, love Fin💚🙏💚🎄
thats it Fin..
another one done and
thanks be
we came thru with flyin colours
the first race in leopardstown due to start
and me stiill in the scratcher
but thats Stevens day these days
no need to tear around town lookin for loose porter
60 years ago we were in the NCO’s mess in the Curragh Camp
myself and my late second cousin Paudie Power
he was home fro The Bronx and we had an awful thirst on us
we got a lift with Turlough McGowan and The Butcher Farrell
twas like Heaven in McDonagh Barracks
twas a sorta Peace Time
maybe not in Cyprus
but quiet enought in The Shortgrass
there was a Piano Accordeon player out of Tom Wilmot’s Céili Band
I think he was a Hogan lad
he was a side-kick of Joe Redmond who was dear family friend of ours
Joe asked me to sing Kevin Barry and them Pauide sang The Patriot Game
It was late when we got back to Moorefield
the carcass was still in the oven
jasus Fin but we stripped it bare
even the Pope’s Nose was devoured
Happy New Year Fin…..sing out
Merry Christmas to you and yours Christy. Thanks for all you do for your listeners, for those less fortunate and for raising the spirits of so many around the globe. Good health and happiness for 2024. We’ll go at it again.
Kev
Kevin
sing your heart out in 2024
we’ll be listening out for you
“round sweet Stradone you’ll be well known
round Lavey and Grouse Hall”
will ye come out of Ulster this year?
we’re goin all out for the McKenna Cup
Happy Christmas, Christy! Seasons greetings to you, and to all on here. Thank you so much for everything, this last year and always, and looking forward to 2024.
All the very best,
Anne
may the bells of London sound ding-a-ling come new years eve at midnight
we still have a week of ’23 to work out here
Ah , the poor auld lousy auld earth
my earth, and my father’s and mothers etc etc….said sam beckett..