Sectarian schooldays
leave a branding,
burned tattoo on the heart,
the young boy
nurtured to hate
orange thugs who taunt and abuse.
Revolver in the right,
pen in the left,
long haired young man
becomes warrior, poet,
thin faced,smiling eyes
look down on a divided country.
Flames fluorescent,
glass smash,
petrol mixed with rain,
scatter, shatter,
wet tarmac,
plastic bullet ricochet,
graffiti adorned concrete.
Covered in shit, blanket clad
“the people’s own MP”
chooses his path,
gives up food March 1981
66 days later he leaves,
formed by this nation,
buried in its arms.
Play the lone flute
tap softly on solo drum,
wind whistles
seagull screams,
stout men carry
a slight coffin.
Thanks for all the memories Christy wrote this in rememberance and with the influence of many of your songs in mind.
Dia duit á Christy! You very kindly communicated with me regarding my song The Fair Fields of Tyrone. I have penned a song called The Hook of Hope to help raise awareness about domestic violence. I know you have sung about this issue before, for example the song A Stitch in Time. This time I have taken the liberty to submit my song to you via 4711ers.
Look forward to seeing you in the Waterfront in June. Mary
Hi Christy,
Brilliant gig in Clonmel last night. By the looks of it your going to have to learn “Slievenamon” before you come back again ha ha.
Jimmy’s expressions are great to watch.
I’ve got some family coming over from England next week and I’m travelling with them to Limerick on the 20th to see you in UL.
You looked after them last year when you played the Park in Clonmel.
Take care a while.
Yeah Christy I sign sad songs too.
Become the media. I sing protest songs on the side walk as I walk home.
Here are two favorites of mine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNcZ_mWEymM&list=UUnsUaXejSLQrfjyszAaOGcA
And by the way, I also liked the choice you made on the Live Trad, song contest.
Hi Christy
Are you able to do Joxer for my father in law Dave & my mate Eoin at your Limerick gig on Friday 20th? You asked me to remind you closer to the time. Looking forward to the gig but not the 24 hour flight.
Last time at a Christy gig (& or Christy & Declan) was on “top of a mountain” approx. 25 years ago.
Two days ago got a couple of spare tickets for Cluain Meala by pure luck.
Tonight’s gig Pure Magic
Extremely happy to read Bob Dylan’s comments. Particularly his recognition that it’s not about Bob Dylan, but about the songs. It reminded me of Rory Gallagher in numerous interviews how he would always be at pains to point out that it wasn’t about him, but the music and the source of it and he would always urge youngsters to go back and listen to Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Robert Johnson and countless other influences in the hope that they would get to that source. Mighty stuff. I always liked Bob, but I have a new-found deeper respect for him now.
Christy's reply
I’ve heard various response to Bobs Musicare Chat. I’d agree with your take on it… but others found it difficult to take, found it harsh and vindictive….I’ve also heard that it rang out different in the room on the night..I hope we get to see it…..I love the way he places himself in the continuum of the process…I’ve got and egg in my shoe, I’m gonna beat it….got a gig to do here in Clonmel (irishtown) in an hour..the wind is howling down from The Nire Valley…theres Transits pullin into the car park at an awful rate…just saw 3 Bodybuilders getting out of the back of a Fiat Quatro and 2 jockeys from Rosegreen pumped up on winners
Hi Christy, Could I please use your page to raise awareness of the single that is being released for the Justice For the Craigavon 2 Case? Two men are imprisoned for a murder they clearly did not commit.
Pol McAdaim is releasing a song on 15th March in an attempt to raise awareness and push it into the charts.
Facebook page- Justice for the Craigavon Two
At this time, it is equally important to think of the widow of Con. Stephen Carroll (whom the Craigavon two are imprisoned for murdering). 3 victims of a miscarriage of justice.
Bonsoir, Christy, since a lot of the listeners seem to enjoy poetry, I’d like to thank you for ” The song of wandering Aengus” at the Vicar st gig on Feb 17th. It’s always a very special moment… brings back lovely memories and feelings. It was my first Vicar st gig and I really enjoyed it. We were on our way to the Gathering, Killarney….. Lots of good gigs there too … We’ll be in Dingle & Baltimore for the Fiddle Fair in May and we were at the Sweeney’s men gig (wow) but sitting in the front row – no Ipad woman to bother us …
There is no place like Ireland, it’s such a precious thing that the music and the songs are so well preserved, and renewed. So many musicians and singers , young and old, playing together . It just makes me …. happy … Je vois la vie en (bright blue) rose. So thank you . Carole
Christy's reply
Thanks for your feedback Carole, I regret that I cannot respond in French..I did try for 2 years way back in 1959-60. My French teacher, Raymond Donovan, tried his best but found me to be an uncouth youth, way beyond absorbing the delicacy and finesse of your beautiful language….that Fiddle Fair in Baltimore is a good gathering…I enjoyed it very much on two occasions…I still remember Cathal Hayden and Arty McGlynn ( its on YouTube)…..
Sad to hear of the passing of another of the Greats, Jim McCann. I’m sure you have some wonderful memories of him along the winding lane Christy.
May he rest in peace.
Christy's reply
Jim McCann….Rest in Peace…..a great troubadour, he will be sadly missed….condolences to Phil and family
Thank you Christy. Very good that poetry has such a great presence in your motherland – lucky Irish people!
Yes, I read about the three sold-out concerts of The Gloaming at NCH, sure you enjoyed their magical music immensely.
We too had a lovely spring day with warm sunshine yesterday, perfect to start the gardening. The snowdrops are in full bloom now, honey-bees were grazing the crocuses and I even spotted the first ladybird of the year. Fabulous to see the awakening of nature! But today there’s a sharp westerly wind, hope it won’t bring us the snow from the Island.
Watch out for the full moon tonight …
Love, Traudel
Hello Christy,
Hope you have had a great night with the Trad Outfit.
Very interesting interview with Paula Meehan in weekend edition of Irish Times. Nice to read that she is writing poetry since she was a schoolgirl “inspired by music and songs”. That gives me the idea maybe more of her poems should be transfered into songs …
By the way, I loved your presentation of “The Statue of the Virgin at Granard Speaks” in The Works. Very touching!
Early spring greetings, Traudel
Christy's reply
we heard Martin,Denis and The Gloaming last night..they played a great concert, lots of new music…..the RTE project on Irish Poetry is proving very successful..lots of talk on poetry these days….here is a recent competition for your poets ( http://bogmanscannon.com/2015/03/03/bogmans-cannon-irish-peoples-poetry-prize-2015-winners-statement-by-sarah-clancy/) It is wonderful to see Paula’s work being celebrated..its a grand sunny Spring day here….but there is snow lurking behind the hills
Going to gig in waterfront 6 june, been to many of yours and always get a lift. Love to meet you one day just to shake hand. your gift has got me through some dark times and good and i hope you keep it going for many years to come. See u in June.
Christy's reply
greetings to you and all songsters around the Bog Meadow
Thank you for an amazing night in Castlebar. I have seen you many times and don’t think I ever saw you happier. What great musicians. Met up with two generations of my cousins and all loved the gig.
Christy's reply
good to hear that the songs were part of your family gathering…..there was a great vibe in the room, the audience came with us and stayed with us all the way. I still remember my first gig in The Traveller’s Friend, it was in 1972. Johnny Hoban was at that one too…I wonder were Johnny and I the only two who were at both those gigs !
Hi Christy, probably too late but my folks are on their way to the gig tonight from Ballyhaunis. It’s their 40th wedding anniversary. I’d love if you could give them a shout out. Jim and Rita Lundon. Thanks.
Just about to leave the Hills for the plains of sweet Mayo……the county of the Miracles…..first they had Knock and now there is the Miracle of no patients waiting on Trolleys last weekend in Castlebar Hospital……should this one be attributed to St Enda or St Leo ??
Bobby Sands
Sectarian schooldays
leave a branding,
burned tattoo on the heart,
the young boy
nurtured to hate
orange thugs who taunt and abuse.
Revolver in the right,
pen in the left,
long haired young man
becomes warrior, poet,
thin faced,smiling eyes
look down on a divided country.
Flames fluorescent,
glass smash,
petrol mixed with rain,
scatter, shatter,
wet tarmac,
plastic bullet ricochet,
graffiti adorned concrete.
Covered in shit, blanket clad
“the people’s own MP”
chooses his path,
gives up food March 1981
66 days later he leaves,
formed by this nation,
buried in its arms.
Play the lone flute
tap softly on solo drum,
wind whistles
seagull screams,
stout men carry
a slight coffin.
Thanks for all the memories Christy wrote this in rememberance and with the influence of many of your songs in mind.
Thanks for sharing
Dia duit á Christy! You very kindly communicated with me regarding my song The Fair Fields of Tyrone. I have penned a song called The Hook of Hope to help raise awareness about domestic violence. I know you have sung about this issue before, for example the song A Stitch in Time. This time I have taken the liberty to submit my song to you via 4711ers.
Look forward to seeing you in the Waterfront in June. Mary
Míle maith agat Mary…thanks for sharing
Hi Christy,
Brilliant gig in Clonmel last night. By the looks of it your going to have to learn “Slievenamon” before you come back again ha ha.
Jimmy’s expressions are great to watch.
I’ve got some family coming over from England next week and I’m travelling with them to Limerick on the 20th to see you in UL.
You looked after them last year when you played the Park in Clonmel.
Take care a while.
Whallup Boc…face the puck out
Yeah Christy I sign sad songs too.
Become the media. I sing protest songs on the side walk as I walk home.
Here are two favorites of mine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNcZ_mWEymM&list=UUnsUaXejSLQrfjyszAaOGcA
And by the way, I also liked the choice you made on the Live Trad, song contest.
Hi Christy
Are you able to do Joxer for my father in law Dave & my mate Eoin at your Limerick gig on Friday 20th? You asked me to remind you closer to the time. Looking forward to the gig but not the 24 hour flight.
Last time at a Christy gig (& or Christy & Declan) was on “top of a mountain” approx. 25 years ago.
Two days ago got a couple of spare tickets for Cluain Meala by pure luck.
Tonight’s gig Pure Magic
on top of old smokey
Extremely happy to read Bob Dylan’s comments. Particularly his recognition that it’s not about Bob Dylan, but about the songs. It reminded me of Rory Gallagher in numerous interviews how he would always be at pains to point out that it wasn’t about him, but the music and the source of it and he would always urge youngsters to go back and listen to Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Robert Johnson and countless other influences in the hope that they would get to that source. Mighty stuff. I always liked Bob, but I have a new-found deeper respect for him now.
I’ve heard various response to Bobs Musicare Chat. I’d agree with your take on it… but others found it difficult to take, found it harsh and vindictive….I’ve also heard that it rang out different in the room on the night..I hope we get to see it…..I love the way he places himself in the continuum of the process…I’ve got and egg in my shoe, I’m gonna beat it….got a gig to do here in Clonmel (irishtown) in an hour..the wind is howling down from The Nire Valley…theres Transits pullin into the car park at an awful rate…just saw 3 Bodybuilders getting out of the back of a Fiat Quatro and 2 jockeys from Rosegreen pumped up on winners
Hi Christy, Could I please use your page to raise awareness of the single that is being released for the Justice For the Craigavon 2 Case? Two men are imprisoned for a murder they clearly did not commit.
Pol McAdaim is releasing a song on 15th March in an attempt to raise awareness and push it into the charts.
Facebook page- Justice for the Craigavon Two
At this time, it is equally important to think of the widow of Con. Stephen Carroll (whom the Craigavon two are imprisoned for murdering). 3 victims of a miscarriage of justice.
work away Tommy
Hi All,,,, Its all poetry really,,, with the magic of sweet music added….. Cluain Meala anocht,,, http://youtu.be/cspAnZvDknQ Beir bua . H
Bonsoir, Christy, since a lot of the listeners seem to enjoy poetry, I’d like to thank you for ” The song of wandering Aengus” at the Vicar st gig on Feb 17th. It’s always a very special moment… brings back lovely memories and feelings. It was my first Vicar st gig and I really enjoyed it. We were on our way to the Gathering, Killarney….. Lots of good gigs there too … We’ll be in Dingle & Baltimore for the Fiddle Fair in May and we were at the Sweeney’s men gig (wow) but sitting in the front row – no Ipad woman to bother us …
There is no place like Ireland, it’s such a precious thing that the music and the songs are so well preserved, and renewed. So many musicians and singers , young and old, playing together . It just makes me …. happy … Je vois la vie en (bright blue) rose. So thank you . Carole
Thanks for your feedback Carole, I regret that I cannot respond in French..I did try for 2 years way back in 1959-60. My French teacher, Raymond Donovan, tried his best but found me to be an uncouth youth, way beyond absorbing the delicacy and finesse of your beautiful language….that Fiddle Fair in Baltimore is a good gathering…I enjoyed it very much on two occasions…I still remember Cathal Hayden and Arty McGlynn ( its on YouTube)…..
Sad to hear of the passing of another of the Greats, Jim McCann. I’m sure you have some wonderful memories of him along the winding lane Christy.
May he rest in peace.
Jim McCann….Rest in Peace…..a great troubadour, he will be sadly missed….condolences to Phil and family
Christy
Looking forward to hearing you sing a verse of Jimmy McCarthy’s “Bright Blue Rose” on Friday night in Clonmel
Limerick Rake
Video: A barman in Cork serving pints while singing a stunning old Irish song
http://www.joe.ie/entertainment/video-a-barman-in-cork-serving-pints-while-singing-a-stunning-old-irish-song/485925
Thank you Christy. Very good that poetry has such a great presence in your motherland – lucky Irish people!
Yes, I read about the three sold-out concerts of The Gloaming at NCH, sure you enjoyed their magical music immensely.
We too had a lovely spring day with warm sunshine yesterday, perfect to start the gardening. The snowdrops are in full bloom now, honey-bees were grazing the crocuses and I even spotted the first ladybird of the year. Fabulous to see the awakening of nature! But today there’s a sharp westerly wind, hope it won’t bring us the snow from the Island.
Watch out for the full moon tonight …
Love, Traudel
Dear Christy,
You’re a True Legend!
Enjoy your Irish Tour.
Best wishes onwards!
Piper Mckay
Thanks Christy. That meant a lot. They were delighted. They had a brilliant night. You’re a gent.
Hello Christy,
Hope you have had a great night with the Trad Outfit.
Very interesting interview with Paula Meehan in weekend edition of Irish Times. Nice to read that she is writing poetry since she was a schoolgirl “inspired by music and songs”. That gives me the idea maybe more of her poems should be transfered into songs …
By the way, I loved your presentation of “The Statue of the Virgin at Granard Speaks” in The Works. Very touching!
Early spring greetings, Traudel
we heard Martin,Denis and The Gloaming last night..they played a great concert, lots of new music…..the RTE project on Irish Poetry is proving very successful..lots of talk on poetry these days….here is a recent competition for your poets ( http://bogmanscannon.com/2015/03/03/bogmans-cannon-irish-peoples-poetry-prize-2015-winners-statement-by-sarah-clancy/) It is wonderful to see Paula’s work being celebrated..its a grand sunny Spring day here….but there is snow lurking behind the hills
Going to gig in waterfront 6 june, been to many of yours and always get a lift. Love to meet you one day just to shake hand. your gift has got me through some dark times and good and i hope you keep it going for many years to come. See u in June.
greetings to you and all songsters around the Bog Meadow
Thank you for an amazing night in Castlebar. I have seen you many times and don’t think I ever saw you happier. What great musicians. Met up with two generations of my cousins and all loved the gig.
good to hear that the songs were part of your family gathering…..there was a great vibe in the room, the audience came with us and stayed with us all the way. I still remember my first gig in The Traveller’s Friend, it was in 1972. Johnny Hoban was at that one too…I wonder were Johnny and I the only two who were at both those gigs !
Hi Christy, probably too late but my folks are on their way to the gig tonight from Ballyhaunis. It’s their 40th wedding anniversary. I’d love if you could give them a shout out. Jim and Rita Lundon. Thanks.
Just about to leave the Hills for the plains of sweet Mayo……the county of the Miracles…..first they had Knock and now there is the Miracle of no patients waiting on Trolleys last weekend in Castlebar Hospital……should this one be attributed to St Enda or St Leo ??
Looking forward to tonights show ,