Maryline ,thanks for sharing this,Victor has touched us all in so many ways.it was special to see Bruce sing his song,Christy do you remember Italy solo gig ,ye gave a bit of the native spake as they say. Lanigans ball was on the set list, as was crack was 90 Barney.take care and thanks again Maryline/Christy ,How was Carlow ,so close to home
Christy's reply
Carlow is next week….my memories of Italy hampered…there was a lot of vino collapso involved
And just when you think you have seen it all and you’ve lost your capacity of awe, The Boss comes to Chile and gives everything and more.
Magical interpretation of Victor Jara’s “Manifiesto” in full length… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zX2L-RiGRI&feature=share
Thank you to the irish clan for showing me the way and trust patiently that I would see the light someday. Count me in the Club now. xx
Christy's reply
fair play to Bruce…this is a wonderful performance….thanks for sharing
Dear Christy, I just like to thank you for the music, it always touch heart and sometimes make think about things in a way I didn’t before. Listening to your album listen at the moment and love it especially the song of the same name.
Christy's reply
I too love this song. It was written by Hank Wedell, a wonderful singer who plays the Cork circuit and further afield. I heard him sing it one night in The Tin Pub in Ahakista and jumped at the opportunity to record it.It encompasses such broad expanses, it always carries me away when I sing it… I was certain it would become a regular song in the live set but it seems to have slipped away this past year..I must revive it, maybe give it a fresh arrangement
Hi Christy,will the new album set be available on the web shop for the swallows across the water.any chance I can have it signed for Taylor and Les if you are able .Les is 5 this month and loves the song God Woman ,Taylor is learning the guitar now.I told her it will take you where ever she wishes to go and have fun with it.Take care Enjoy Carlow and Coolcullen !!!.Turnin Hay,Pickin Stones and Pullin Beet. Milkin Cows, fix the fence, and Shearin Sheep,did you ever get milk on the kitchen table straight from the cow or watch butter churned, Those were better days my friend,life was simple then ,I wish it was again.all the best Christy ,Love Fin
Christy's reply
I expect we shall open up the shop for “Where I Come From”. Soon as the shopkeeker returns form holidays we shall commence discussing the logistics of it all. After a day of pikin hay all day you could’nt bate the cool pull off a mug of buttermilk fresh out of Nan Dowling’s Dairy. Then sit in at the table for a feed off Sheep’s Eyes with Chopped Straw and Mashed Mangolds. If a fellow had a few bob he might head to Kellys of The Lock for a basin of loose porter and a verse of Rosin The Bow
Hi All,,, a damp and dirty day in the Kingdom,,,,football over for us for another year,, no scramble for tickets,,,, so what else to do only browse Youtube,, such treasure troves there of Seamus Heaney the much lamented poet of the people…….however here is Deportess from Spirit of Freedom,,,http://youtu.be/ZLkw5k0iLsI….beir bua. H
Its great to hear that news on ” Deportees ” being recognized and a memorial erected. Its a song I loved from the first time I heard it. Great recording of it on Spirit Of Freedom .. Bruce Springsteen also covers it .. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay4AEpEynuc
Christy's reply
you remind me of the day we recorded the “Spirit” album…we all assembled in Slane Recording Studio, it was done and dusted in 24 hours…I’ve not heard it for decades but still recall Mairtín O’Connor playing on Los Gatos…great to be playing with him again
Where would I send a song to you ..that i think you might like ..Im a songwriter and I think I have a song for you ..Im Joby fox. You can get back info on http://www.jobyfox.com.
hello christy 2 questions please, after barrowland lyrics you mention meeting some good folk in scotia bar, did you ever meet my great uncle matt mcginn? is there any chance of you playing cambridge folk festival’s 50th year next year?
Christy's reply
Hi Jim, Sure did. I met Matt McGinn on two occasions both times in Manchester. I heard him perform in 2 Folk Clubs back 1966-67 time. He was a passionate performer who held the room spellbound. Used to have a couple of his albums way back…….have not heard anything about Cambridge so far….sang a song of Matts a few times…learned it from Hamish Imlach…” had a boss in Aberdeen, as low a fellow as ever was seen, he must hae thought me helluva green, before I joined the Union”
He he, when I spoke to my good wife about the incident with the PA she said she was sure it was St Columb’s hall but who cares? I laughed when John said about the boy getting escorted out. At the interval, I went over beside him and began to ask him nicely if he could pipe down as he was going to be chucked out, unfortunately the bouncers then arrived to put me out too thinking I was with him! I only escaped when the other people around me spoke on my behalf!!! Can I also say that as a born and bred Derry man, I was never so shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Seamus Heaney. I think your description of him as the nation’s schoolmaster is very appropriate. I have often credited you as being one of my history teachers with the words of the songs you have written and sang over the years. You really made me and a lot of people I know think about and read up on the facts that were coming up on your lyrics.
Christy's reply
That settles the rogue taxi coming through the PA…September man is standing near to saddle up another year. Autumn is his bridle.
Agree 100% Christy about the “Nation’s Schoolmaster” – was thinking myself that it felt like the death of an old, respected teacher who taught the love of the subject rather than battered it into us. Funny how my own old English teacher also came to mind this last few days. I agree too about cherishing the past – though maybe i long too much for it at times. Definitely a changing world and we are not as in touch with it as our parents and grandparents were – we know more in one sense, but less in another. Still, the world is full of good, talented and kind people and they will always be there to keep it together. Sorry for rambling on – roll on November and the Derry gigs 🙂
Christy's reply
I created this site in the hope that you, good listeners, might do a bit of “rambling on”…..I love to read (most of) your reflections….good man John
I agree with you, John, about Gortatogart and Seamus Heaney, and I love what you say, Christy, about him being Ireland’s schoolmaster. He is such a loss to the country.
By the way, wasn’t that a brilliant match today! I nearly had a heart attack at the end and my county wasn’t even playing. Roll on the replay.
Christy's reply
Gortatogart, Seamus Heaney, Clare v Cork, the Clash of the Ash, The Given Note, Magic Nights….all of an Autumn Monday
Great to read that “Where I Come From” will soon be released. Really looking forward to that. Certainly a most apt title in this week of Seamus Heaney where much talk has been of his roots and sense of place. In fact, I had just been thinking that Gortatogart would have been a suitable tribute to him, given that same feeling of knowing and belonging. I guess we are all still fairly close to our past. Keep well.
Christy's reply
We are indeed John, but not all of us are fortunate enough to cherish the past. I think back to what was.The world was not all-rosy by any means but we seemed closer to the ground and to nature’s way. Remembering what was, seeing what is, I sometimes fear for what may lie ahead.
The field that Seamus Heaney ploughed is now sacred. His presence on the Island has been monumental, Tonight I have this sense of him being our Nation’s schoolmaster. But a master who gently led and guided us, whose corrections were compassionate, who’s eyes twinkled with good humour.
I don’t know if you saw or read anything about it, but last Monday a ceremony took place in a graveyard here in California when a memorial naming the “Deportees” was unveiled. Thanks to great work by several people during the past few years, the workers’ names are now all listed on a lovely memorial stone in Holy Cross Cemetery, Fresno, sixty-five years after the plane crash occurred. It was a moving occasion for families and others to experience their loved ones finally being acknowledged and given names. No longer are they “just deportees”. You can read their names in an article in the “Fresno Bee” and a few other papers.
Christy's reply
The first Woody song I ever heard…great to read this
Hi Christy,hope all are well,Danu added the blue line below,Cheryl Wheeler is the best I have heard this side of the water.Today I saw Dylan Walsh ,Hamish in Germany I think and yourself in the spa Lisdoon all on you tube. Hope you do that Internet gig some day.doing a gig in Boston tomorrow night in an up close and sweaty venue, reminds me of kitchen session , find it easy to chat with people.Damo Dempsey in Boston tonight then New York tomorrow night he will sing Takee home to Mayo me arse.And Geezers gone from the short grass.The poet has gone to read poetry to Rory,and left us with the blue’s.take care ,love the sound of snowfall ,I can feel the winter callin,all the best,Finbar
Christy's reply
just waiting for the sliotar to be thrown in…shine on Fin
Hello Christy hope you and Declan are well. and all set to rock Portlaoise. I can’t wait,
it’s always a joy to be in the one room as you are, your work is a constant source of pleasure and inspiration . roll on Portlaoise I’ll write soon best regards slan agus beannacht Mary
Christy's reply
sound Mary, we are in serious training for Portlaoise, always a good town for the gig….see you soon…Maryboro ( or was it Marlboro ?) here we come
Christy's reply
All good Mary ….see you in Portlaoise (which was Maryborough until 1929)
Hi christy, i am a nephew of Pat Dowling of Prosperous and i found a letter you wrote at the time of his death all them years ago, i’m wondering if you would like a copy?
P.S
My Dad(Joe) told me stories of you sleeping in the back of his car back in the early days
Kind regards
Mick Dowling
Christy's reply
theres many a story could be told from that great era of our young lives…your Uncle Pat was a very special man ….he was at the heart of that Music scene in Prosperous, County Kildare which resounded right through the 1960s and on into the 1980s. He is still loved and remembered by those of us lucky enough to have know him and to have spent time with him.
Got to agree with Nic Nic here I’m afraid – “taxi” gig was definitely in St Columb’s Hall (unless it happened twice). Well remember that gig before Foyleside Shopping centre when the Hall was on the old Orchard Street – with Bookworm and the old houses still standing. Guy in front of me thrown/carried out that night too for roaring and guldering – and constantly requesting songs that had already been sung (think the vodka bottle in his pocket helped him lose control). seems so long ago now. I took a wee trip over Glenshane last night to pay my respects to Seamus Heaney. Beautiful evening and lovely peaceful setting. Nice to see the fairly steady stream of respectful visitors, all there to pay their own silent tribute. I think it can truly be said that we’ll never see his likes again – but the memories and legend will outlast us all. He was a true gentleman.
Christy's reply
I’m not going to lie down on this one !!!…far as I can recall I only ever played in St Columb’s once and that was in the early 70s. My memory of the “Taxi in The PA” suggests it was in the 80s and in The Rialto ….that said I could be wrong but thats how I recall it….
I met Seamus Heaney on 4 occasions, the first time in St Columbs Hall with Planxty in 1973 and then this year when we met at Aras an Uachtarain at The Presidents Glaoch.I remember him as a very kind and gracious man.
His poetry has been like an great expanding mountain on the Island. In the past few weeks I have become even more aware of the enormity of his life’s work, of its beauty and depth, he described this place we live like no one else could do, his finger on the pulse, his spade in the soil,his arms around us all
Fair play dee yee boyo! I would have sworn that it was St Columb’s Hall, but now the Rialto sounds like a much more likely venue. You have a brilliant memory. Is there anywhere you haven’t been? Pumpkinhead-super band!!
Christy's reply
then again it might have been somewhere else altogether !!!
Maryline ,thanks for sharing this,Victor has touched us all in so many ways.it was special to see Bruce sing his song,Christy do you remember Italy solo gig ,ye gave a bit of the native spake as they say. Lanigans ball was on the set list, as was crack was 90 Barney.take care and thanks again Maryline/Christy ,How was Carlow ,so close to home
Carlow is next week….my memories of Italy hampered…there was a lot of vino collapso involved
And just when you think you have seen it all and you’ve lost your capacity of awe, The Boss comes to Chile and gives everything and more.
Magical interpretation of Victor Jara’s “Manifiesto” in full length…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zX2L-RiGRI&feature=share
Thank you to the irish clan for showing me the way and trust patiently that I would see the light someday. Count me in the Club now. xx
fair play to Bruce…this is a wonderful performance….thanks for sharing
Dear Christy, I just like to thank you for the music, it always touch heart and sometimes make think about things in a way I didn’t before. Listening to your album listen at the moment and love it especially the song of the same name.
I too love this song. It was written by Hank Wedell, a wonderful singer who plays the Cork circuit and further afield. I heard him sing it one night in The Tin Pub in Ahakista and jumped at the opportunity to record it.It encompasses such broad expanses, it always carries me away when I sing it… I was certain it would become a regular song in the live set but it seems to have slipped away this past year..I must revive it, maybe give it a fresh arrangement
Hi Christy,will the new album set be available on the web shop for the swallows across the water.any chance I can have it signed for Taylor and Les if you are able .Les is 5 this month and loves the song God Woman ,Taylor is learning the guitar now.I told her it will take you where ever she wishes to go and have fun with it.Take care Enjoy Carlow and Coolcullen !!!.Turnin Hay,Pickin Stones and Pullin Beet. Milkin Cows, fix the fence, and Shearin Sheep,did you ever get milk on the kitchen table straight from the cow or watch butter churned, Those were better days my friend,life was simple then ,I wish it was again.all the best Christy ,Love Fin
I expect we shall open up the shop for “Where I Come From”. Soon as the shopkeeker returns form holidays we shall commence discussing the logistics of it all. After a day of pikin hay all day you could’nt bate the cool pull off a mug of buttermilk fresh out of Nan Dowling’s Dairy. Then sit in at the table for a feed off Sheep’s Eyes with Chopped Straw and Mashed Mangolds. If a fellow had a few bob he might head to Kellys of The Lock for a basin of loose porter and a verse of Rosin The Bow
Hi All,,, a damp and dirty day in the Kingdom,,,,football over for us for another year,, no scramble for tickets,,,, so what else to do only browse Youtube,, such treasure troves there of Seamus Heaney the much lamented poet of the people…….however here is Deportess from Spirit of Freedom,,,http://youtu.be/ZLkw5k0iLsI….beir bua. H
Its great to hear that news on ” Deportees ” being recognized and a memorial erected. Its a song I loved from the first time I heard it. Great recording of it on Spirit Of Freedom .. Bruce Springsteen also covers it ..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay4AEpEynuc
you remind me of the day we recorded the “Spirit” album…we all assembled in Slane Recording Studio, it was done and dusted in 24 hours…I’ve not heard it for decades but still recall Mairtín O’Connor playing on Los Gatos…great to be playing with him again
Where would I send a song to you ..that i think you might like ..Im a songwriter and I think I have a song for you ..Im Joby fox. You can get back info on http://www.jobyfox.com.
Hi christy two things ,Im coming to barrowland next year and I’m glad the rugby is back,Scrum looks interesting.
hello christy 2 questions please, after barrowland lyrics you mention meeting some good folk in scotia bar, did you ever meet my great uncle matt mcginn? is there any chance of you playing cambridge folk festival’s 50th year next year?
Hi Jim, Sure did. I met Matt McGinn on two occasions both times in Manchester. I heard him perform in 2 Folk Clubs back 1966-67 time. He was a passionate performer who held the room spellbound. Used to have a couple of his albums way back…….have not heard anything about Cambridge so far….sang a song of Matts a few times…learned it from Hamish Imlach…” had a boss in Aberdeen, as low a fellow as ever was seen, he must hae thought me helluva green, before I joined the Union”
He he, when I spoke to my good wife about the incident with the PA she said she was sure it was St Columb’s hall but who cares? I laughed when John said about the boy getting escorted out. At the interval, I went over beside him and began to ask him nicely if he could pipe down as he was going to be chucked out, unfortunately the bouncers then arrived to put me out too thinking I was with him! I only escaped when the other people around me spoke on my behalf!!! Can I also say that as a born and bred Derry man, I was never so shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Seamus Heaney. I think your description of him as the nation’s schoolmaster is very appropriate. I have often credited you as being one of my history teachers with the words of the songs you have written and sang over the years. You really made me and a lot of people I know think about and read up on the facts that were coming up on your lyrics.
That settles the rogue taxi coming through the PA…September man is standing near to saddle up another year. Autumn is his bridle.
Agree 100% Christy about the “Nation’s Schoolmaster” – was thinking myself that it felt like the death of an old, respected teacher who taught the love of the subject rather than battered it into us. Funny how my own old English teacher also came to mind this last few days. I agree too about cherishing the past – though maybe i long too much for it at times. Definitely a changing world and we are not as in touch with it as our parents and grandparents were – we know more in one sense, but less in another. Still, the world is full of good, talented and kind people and they will always be there to keep it together. Sorry for rambling on – roll on November and the Derry gigs 🙂
I created this site in the hope that you, good listeners, might do a bit of “rambling on”…..I love to read (most of) your reflections….good man John
I agree with you, John, about Gortatogart and Seamus Heaney, and I love what you say, Christy, about him being Ireland’s schoolmaster. He is such a loss to the country.
By the way, wasn’t that a brilliant match today! I nearly had a heart attack at the end and my county wasn’t even playing. Roll on the replay.
Gortatogart, Seamus Heaney, Clare v Cork, the Clash of the Ash, The Given Note, Magic Nights….all of an Autumn Monday
Great to read that “Where I Come From” will soon be released. Really looking forward to that. Certainly a most apt title in this week of Seamus Heaney where much talk has been of his roots and sense of place. In fact, I had just been thinking that Gortatogart would have been a suitable tribute to him, given that same feeling of knowing and belonging. I guess we are all still fairly close to our past. Keep well.
We are indeed John, but not all of us are fortunate enough to cherish the past. I think back to what was.The world was not all-rosy by any means but we seemed closer to the ground and to nature’s way. Remembering what was, seeing what is, I sometimes fear for what may lie ahead.
The field that Seamus Heaney ploughed is now sacred. His presence on the Island has been monumental, Tonight I have this sense of him being our Nation’s schoolmaster. But a master who gently led and guided us, whose corrections were compassionate, who’s eyes twinkled with good humour.
I don’t know if you saw or read anything about it, but last Monday a ceremony took place in a graveyard here in California when a memorial naming the “Deportees” was unveiled. Thanks to great work by several people during the past few years, the workers’ names are now all listed on a lovely memorial stone in Holy Cross Cemetery, Fresno, sixty-five years after the plane crash occurred. It was a moving occasion for families and others to experience their loved ones finally being acknowledged and given names. No longer are they “just deportees”. You can read their names in an article in the “Fresno Bee” and a few other papers.
The first Woody song I ever heard…great to read this
Hi Christy,hope all are well,Danu added the blue line below,Cheryl Wheeler is the best I have heard this side of the water.Today I saw Dylan Walsh ,Hamish in Germany I think and yourself in the spa Lisdoon all on you tube. Hope you do that Internet gig some day.doing a gig in Boston tomorrow night in an up close and sweaty venue, reminds me of kitchen session , find it easy to chat with people.Damo Dempsey in Boston tonight then New York tomorrow night he will sing Takee home to Mayo me arse.And Geezers gone from the short grass.The poet has gone to read poetry to Rory,and left us with the blue’s.take care ,love the sound of snowfall ,I can feel the winter callin,all the best,Finbar
just waiting for the sliotar to be thrown in…shine on Fin
Hello Christy hope you and Declan are well. and all set to rock Portlaoise. I can’t wait,
it’s always a joy to be in the one room as you are, your work is a constant source of pleasure and inspiration . roll on Portlaoise I’ll write soon best regards slan agus beannacht Mary
sound Mary, we are in serious training for Portlaoise, always a good town for the gig….see you soon…Maryboro ( or was it Marlboro ?) here we come
All good Mary ….see you in Portlaoise (which was Maryborough until 1929)
Just found this and thought of you Christy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA751Rf-9dI Hope it does the blue thing there…Have a colourful Autumn! <3
into the blue..thank you
Hi christy, i am a nephew of Pat Dowling of Prosperous and i found a letter you wrote at the time of his death all them years ago, i’m wondering if you would like a copy?
P.S
My Dad(Joe) told me stories of you sleeping in the back of his car back in the early days
Kind regards
Mick Dowling
theres many a story could be told from that great era of our young lives…your Uncle Pat was a very special man ….he was at the heart of that Music scene in Prosperous, County Kildare which resounded right through the 1960s and on into the 1980s. He is still loved and remembered by those of us lucky enough to have know him and to have spent time with him.
Got to agree with Nic Nic here I’m afraid – “taxi” gig was definitely in St Columb’s Hall (unless it happened twice). Well remember that gig before Foyleside Shopping centre when the Hall was on the old Orchard Street – with Bookworm and the old houses still standing. Guy in front of me thrown/carried out that night too for roaring and guldering – and constantly requesting songs that had already been sung (think the vodka bottle in his pocket helped him lose control). seems so long ago now. I took a wee trip over Glenshane last night to pay my respects to Seamus Heaney. Beautiful evening and lovely peaceful setting. Nice to see the fairly steady stream of respectful visitors, all there to pay their own silent tribute. I think it can truly be said that we’ll never see his likes again – but the memories and legend will outlast us all. He was a true gentleman.
I’m not going to lie down on this one !!!…far as I can recall I only ever played in St Columb’s once and that was in the early 70s. My memory of the “Taxi in The PA” suggests it was in the 80s and in The Rialto ….that said I could be wrong but thats how I recall it….
I met Seamus Heaney on 4 occasions, the first time in St Columbs Hall with Planxty in 1973 and then this year when we met at Aras an Uachtarain at The Presidents Glaoch.I remember him as a very kind and gracious man.
His poetry has been like an great expanding mountain on the Island. In the past few weeks I have become even more aware of the enormity of his life’s work, of its beauty and depth, he described this place we live like no one else could do, his finger on the pulse, his spade in the soil,his arms around us all
Fair play dee yee boyo! I would have sworn that it was St Columb’s Hall, but now the Rialto sounds like a much more likely venue. You have a brilliant memory. Is there anywhere you haven’t been? Pumpkinhead-super band!!
then again it might have been somewhere else altogether !!!