Christy –without wishing more work on you, as it seems to be on the busy side for you at the moment! -It occurs to me reading some of these entries lately –and your responses to them, (fair play to you for all the work you put into that btw), that there is something here beyond the information sharing and the banter. Something deeper, that connects into an interactive conversation about the songs and the way they connect us to place and memories, the nature of your audience, who have also been on their own journeys, and how their life stories intersect with your own. Shame really to see these disappear into the virtual ether over time? So, have you ever thought about lifting some of this material into book form (subject to the necessary permissions of course) –perhaps using a tour/ new album, to structure it and provide some chronological or thematic form to the narrative? I can see a really interesting publication here, that would allow you to draw out and preserve this conversation with your audience (the serious, the biographical, the funny, the sad …and the plain surreal) and connect it into the songs and wider context.
Just a thought for the ideas box – though that’s overflowing I’m sure.
All best, Feargal
Christy's reply
Feargal…..for me its conversational….as a young lad starting out on this road I would meet up with the audience after every gig…would talk and drink and sing ’til dawn….at the other end of the journey now and its not always possible to have these conversations..the gigs are very different, life itself ,for me, is very different…..I resisted this medium until 10 years ago when I opened this site….since then, it has been enjoyable to have contact with a number of listeners…..with certain posts it is easy to engage….when I am out on the road and lingering between gigs it keeps me occupied for an hour or so….conversationally..
with regard to your idea, I have considered the ramblings but there is not enough there to develop a skeleton….the publishers of “One Voice” have expressed interest in another volume…I did point them towards these ramblings but there was no response…..
That book came about at a time of illness when I was off the road for two years….as long as I have my health and strength I will prioritise gigging….thats my purpose,my work, my hobby, my obsession…finding songs to sing for those who wish to listen….and doing that with such fine players at my side, such good people in our crew, such great listeners prepared to come out and support our efforts..still Feargal, I hear what your are saying….
Thanks for your suggestions and interest…let the music keep our spirits high
Hi Christy you don’t know me from Adam,wondering if your sister Anne remembers a friend of hers from new bridge barbra mc cluskey am her son in law she always speaking about Anne .. If you could I be very great full if you could pass on my email Deckycarroll@gmail.com she lives in London just want to pass on some information to Anne cheers thanks …..
Christy's reply
thats sorted Decie….we all remember Barbara…we heard the sad news
Good memories Christy, of Sonser and the old British Legion Hall just down from your house across the road. Did Mr. Joe McGowan ref. that contest ?
Christy's reply
I cant remember the Trainer in The Newbridge Boxing Club but Sonser had me down and out in 30 seconds of the first round. We had some great Boxers… Two National Champions in Joe Cox and Mousie Connolly. Kevin Noone was handy too. ( I met Decker Noone in Wales 4 years ago) Do you remember the Boxing Tournaments in the Town Hall the night before the Irish Derby on the Curragh? Lugs Brannigan and Joe McGowan used to refereee. The excitement of it all ..the Aga Khan at ringside with four wives on each arm all furred up with Lipstick and Jewelry….then back out to Baroda with him… whatever the sleeping arrangements there was’nt a word about it from The Mons Miller….I rem Fred Tiedt and Harry Perry and Colm McCoy all National Champions, the Schweirs and Peacocks and Aspells from Kilcullen B.C. …I rem Dixie Brown knockin a fellow out in the first round…. Madison Square Garden was’nt in it compared to our Town Hall in the mid 50s
I’m happy that you enjoyed the Meath history ! as a kid spending time with my Grandparents in Grennan which they always told me was An Grianan in Irish, meaning a Sunny Place, I heard many stories of the two Olivers and it always struck me as a contrast between good and evil. Your poetic comment brought that into this time with the metaphor of church and state. Anyway what I really wanted to tell you is that my sister Trish shared your recollections of “the man with the cap” with my mam and it opened a grand link to the past, she’s great now with the distant past, not so good with the present or recent events……She recalled being confirmed in Yellow Furze Church in 1945 and she remembered Packy Tully’s ordination a few years before that and she was at his first mass in Kentstown. She remembered his father Dan and their home on the Slane-Dublin road. There’s a pub called the Snailbox that has some great memorabilia of the man with the cap, signed shirts and newspaper cuttings, etc. Thanks for giving us the ammunition to fire up those old memories with my mam it means alot.
Christy's reply
At moments like this I love the parochialism of this wee Island of ours. I seldom visit Churches and when I do its to remember those gone on. in Yellow Furze they have a fine new church…bright and airy and always nice to visit…. the late Conner Brennan of Yellow Furze invited us there once and I planted a tree in the grounds in memory of my Mother Nancy Power of Ardmulchan. Her best pal was Maeve Laffan of Beauparc who was my god-mother….she always used to send me a 10 shilling note on my birthdays.
We visited the Snail Box recently for Lunch. My wife has relations who live close by.Its a grand spot to visit.
Did some filming recently. Sang “Yellow Furze Woman” at the Old Graveyard above The Boyne at Ardmulchan.Perhaps you might like to see it.
PS…on reflection I recall that my Mother attended Packy Tullys ordination..they were good pals before he “took the cloth” ( and after)…I recall my Grandmother having a photograph of “Fr Packy” taken with his parents…
Evening Christy
All well with you I hope. Just sat and watched your documentary and wanted to congratulate you and the team that put it together. Mind you the old pen in the T-shirt collar is a look that might not catch on. I have always been interested in what makes creative people tick. I’m not trying to say I know you well but I know you better than I did a few hours ago. Great feed between some of the events you have learned of and the songs you have either written or found to put some colour to those events. I was really moved by the whole 2 hours. In fact when you sang Veronica in the newspaper office a little warm tear slowly crept down my cheek. Even my wife looked up from the Amazon pages of her iPad,where she had no doubt bought something that wouldn’t fit or she didn’t need and said to ‘Frankie, you’re a big softie. So well done and maybe see you along the way.
Health and happiness to your family
Frankie
Christy's reply
Good man Frankie…..this time 50 years ago I was driving a vegetable van and based on Oldham Road in Rochdale….my old mate Derek McEwan had a green grocer shop and I was his Van Driver. Come 5 o’clock he became my “manager” and we trawled the Folk Clubs of Manchester as I tried to get the start. In ’67 we decamped, rather hurriedly, and moved thru the Pennines til we came to Halifax.Thats where the next leg of the journey commenced..
The Journey film was an interesting project. In the main it was very well recieved.
We just got back to the US and we are still riding high from seeing you live in Dublin! My wife and I really enjoyed your concert and your soulful songs really touched our hearts. It was a special treat to see your son on stage with you as well. May God always bless you and your family and Ireland!!!
Best Regards,
Boni & Mary Bruno
Christy's reply
Its a great buzz for me to sing with my Son….he has been listening to these songs all of his life
Hi Christy,
Did you ever get to finish that song about Pecker Dunne, I recall a bit of it. I never meet bob Dylan but I sang with pecker dunne & when we drank loch erne dry we went looking for loch dan. As a young lad going to school I can remember him coming into the house singing songs & telling stories. He was an old character & he is sadly missed, He though me to sign the ould Morris van & the cocky farmer.
Christy's reply
“I never met Bob Dylan but I sang with Pecker Dunne
When we drank Lough Éireann dry went went lookin for Lough Dann
One Winter’s night in London, my heart was filled with joy.
When Maggie Barry called me up to sing The Wild Colonial Boy”
This verse is part of a song called “If I get an Encore” which recently re-entered the set after a long absence.
The Pecker was a great Knight of The Road. We became friends years back.
Yeah! You’re heading to Cashel! Catch up long overdue! Hope all well! xx
Christy's reply
a long time coming, great to be heading back
lots of good memories from early days in Cashel
played Rugby ( and drank porter) for Cashel in 1964
only gigged there twice before,
both occasions over 30 years ago
……is that yourself Eileen?
Hello dear Christy,
Now we are looking forward to see you, Seamie, Jimmy and some 4711ers friends again soon. If all goes well we’re crossing the water tomorrow night.
Hope the Gardener will find his way to Carrick on Shannon or Tullow …
Best wishes, Traudel + Horst
Christy's reply
now that Spring is here, the gardener is as busy as a bee
Hi Christy, sorry to report that Sonser is dead a few years now.
Christy's reply
sorry to hear that…I remember Sonser..knew him 60 years ago..there used to be a boxing club in the Old British Legion Hall ..it was an old timber and galvanised construction where the Credit Union now stands…my Father took me there circa 1954 to learn the pugilistic arts..after 3 or 4 weeks skippin and shadow boxing I was eventually gloved up and put in the ring with Sonser….I can still see him coming at me…he hit me a box and put me in the middle of the following week…I can still see the stars…but we remained friends after and we always had a bit of a laugh about it…I remember his Father too…
To whom it may concern, My name is Seamus noone, i am 29 years old, and i am a singer-songwriter from Inishowen, Donegal. I recently wrote a song about depression, called ‘We all are clowns”, and i would really like you to hear it. You are a hero and an inspiration to me!
Yours sincerely,
Seamus Noone
Christy's reply
Hi Seamus..have you got a recording of your song ?..Christy
Hi. Grand night last wed in vicar st. Would have liked to do the second by all accounts second night was even beter . always great gigs in vicar street. All the best Adam
Hi Christy,
We are back in Holland again, we enjoyed our stay in Dublin and the highlight of our tour was your concert in Vicar Street theatre. We have seen you a lot of times in Holland and it was very special to enjoy your gig between your Irish public. Special thanks from us for playing our requests. We really enjoyed it and the complete concert was perfect.
Stay healthy, keep going the good way.
Best regards, Nico, Els en Lenie
Christy's reply
your email caused Butterfly to emerge once more….its beautiful song to sing…one of many from The Handsome Family
The Journey was powerful, “caused a stir” as they say down here.
Christy's reply
a stir around Clogh…always a good thing John…..hope ye are all well down around the mining region….the tempus doth fugit somethin fierce….hi to Gráinne…still rattlin the box here and chasin the ballads
can anyone tell me how many copies where made of paddy on the road for record store day .I was lucky enough to get a copy after going to 4 different shops .
Christy's reply
from what I have heard 500 were issued ..the same number as the original release back in 1968….
“O I’ve won a hero’s name with McAlpine and Costain
with Fitzpatrick Murphy Ashe and Wimpey’s Gang”….( Dominic Behan)
Christy –without wishing more work on you, as it seems to be on the busy side for you at the moment! -It occurs to me reading some of these entries lately –and your responses to them, (fair play to you for all the work you put into that btw), that there is something here beyond the information sharing and the banter. Something deeper, that connects into an interactive conversation about the songs and the way they connect us to place and memories, the nature of your audience, who have also been on their own journeys, and how their life stories intersect with your own. Shame really to see these disappear into the virtual ether over time? So, have you ever thought about lifting some of this material into book form (subject to the necessary permissions of course) –perhaps using a tour/ new album, to structure it and provide some chronological or thematic form to the narrative? I can see a really interesting publication here, that would allow you to draw out and preserve this conversation with your audience (the serious, the biographical, the funny, the sad …and the plain surreal) and connect it into the songs and wider context.
Just a thought for the ideas box – though that’s overflowing I’m sure.
All best, Feargal
Feargal…..for me its conversational….as a young lad starting out on this road I would meet up with the audience after every gig…would talk and drink and sing ’til dawn….at the other end of the journey now and its not always possible to have these conversations..the gigs are very different, life itself ,for me, is very different…..I resisted this medium until 10 years ago when I opened this site….since then, it has been enjoyable to have contact with a number of listeners…..with certain posts it is easy to engage….when I am out on the road and lingering between gigs it keeps me occupied for an hour or so….conversationally..
with regard to your idea, I have considered the ramblings but there is not enough there to develop a skeleton….the publishers of “One Voice” have expressed interest in another volume…I did point them towards these ramblings but there was no response…..
That book came about at a time of illness when I was off the road for two years….as long as I have my health and strength I will prioritise gigging….thats my purpose,my work, my hobby, my obsession…finding songs to sing for those who wish to listen….and doing that with such fine players at my side, such good people in our crew, such great listeners prepared to come out and support our efforts..still Feargal, I hear what your are saying….
Thanks for your suggestions and interest…let the music keep our spirits high
Hi Christy you don’t know me from Adam,wondering if your sister Anne remembers a friend of hers from new bridge barbra mc cluskey am her son in law she always speaking about Anne .. If you could I be very great full if you could pass on my email Deckycarroll@gmail.com she lives in London just want to pass on some information to Anne cheers thanks …..
thats sorted Decie….we all remember Barbara…we heard the sad news
Good memories Christy, of Sonser and the old British Legion Hall just down from your house across the road. Did Mr. Joe McGowan ref. that contest ?
I cant remember the Trainer in The Newbridge Boxing Club but Sonser had me down and out in 30 seconds of the first round. We had some great Boxers… Two National Champions in Joe Cox and Mousie Connolly. Kevin Noone was handy too. ( I met Decker Noone in Wales 4 years ago) Do you remember the Boxing Tournaments in the Town Hall the night before the Irish Derby on the Curragh? Lugs Brannigan and Joe McGowan used to refereee. The excitement of it all ..the Aga Khan at ringside with four wives on each arm all furred up with Lipstick and Jewelry….then back out to Baroda with him… whatever the sleeping arrangements there was’nt a word about it from The Mons Miller….I rem Fred Tiedt and Harry Perry and Colm McCoy all National Champions, the Schweirs and Peacocks and Aspells from Kilcullen B.C. …I rem Dixie Brown knockin a fellow out in the first round…. Madison Square Garden was’nt in it compared to our Town Hall in the mid 50s
I’m happy that you enjoyed the Meath history ! as a kid spending time with my Grandparents in Grennan which they always told me was An Grianan in Irish, meaning a Sunny Place, I heard many stories of the two Olivers and it always struck me as a contrast between good and evil. Your poetic comment brought that into this time with the metaphor of church and state. Anyway what I really wanted to tell you is that my sister Trish shared your recollections of “the man with the cap” with my mam and it opened a grand link to the past, she’s great now with the distant past, not so good with the present or recent events……She recalled being confirmed in Yellow Furze Church in 1945 and she remembered Packy Tully’s ordination a few years before that and she was at his first mass in Kentstown. She remembered his father Dan and their home on the Slane-Dublin road. There’s a pub called the Snailbox that has some great memorabilia of the man with the cap, signed shirts and newspaper cuttings, etc. Thanks for giving us the ammunition to fire up those old memories with my mam it means alot.
At moments like this I love the parochialism of this wee Island of ours. I seldom visit Churches and when I do its to remember those gone on. in Yellow Furze they have a fine new church…bright and airy and always nice to visit…. the late Conner Brennan of Yellow Furze invited us there once and I planted a tree in the grounds in memory of my Mother Nancy Power of Ardmulchan. Her best pal was Maeve Laffan of Beauparc who was my god-mother….she always used to send me a 10 shilling note on my birthdays.
We visited the Snail Box recently for Lunch. My wife has relations who live close by.Its a grand spot to visit.
Did some filming recently. Sang “Yellow Furze Woman” at the Old Graveyard above The Boyne at Ardmulchan.Perhaps you might like to see it.
PS…on reflection I recall that my Mother attended Packy Tullys ordination..they were good pals before he “took the cloth” ( and after)…I recall my Grandmother having a photograph of “Fr Packy” taken with his parents…
Evening Christy
All well with you I hope. Just sat and watched your documentary and wanted to congratulate you and the team that put it together. Mind you the old pen in the T-shirt collar is a look that might not catch on. I have always been interested in what makes creative people tick. I’m not trying to say I know you well but I know you better than I did a few hours ago. Great feed between some of the events you have learned of and the songs you have either written or found to put some colour to those events. I was really moved by the whole 2 hours. In fact when you sang Veronica in the newspaper office a little warm tear slowly crept down my cheek. Even my wife looked up from the Amazon pages of her iPad,where she had no doubt bought something that wouldn’t fit or she didn’t need and said to ‘Frankie, you’re a big softie. So well done and maybe see you along the way.
Health and happiness to your family
Frankie
Good man Frankie…..this time 50 years ago I was driving a vegetable van and based on Oldham Road in Rochdale….my old mate Derek McEwan had a green grocer shop and I was his Van Driver. Come 5 o’clock he became my “manager” and we trawled the Folk Clubs of Manchester as I tried to get the start. In ’67 we decamped, rather hurriedly, and moved thru the Pennines til we came to Halifax.Thats where the next leg of the journey commenced..
The Journey film was an interesting project. In the main it was very well recieved.
Hi Christy,
We just got back to the US and we are still riding high from seeing you live in Dublin! My wife and I really enjoyed your concert and your soulful songs really touched our hearts. It was a special treat to see your son on stage with you as well. May God always bless you and your family and Ireland!!!
Best Regards,
Boni & Mary Bruno
Its a great buzz for me to sing with my Son….he has been listening to these songs all of his life
Have you any availability for a Charity gig for Camphill, in Kilcullen, Kildare.
Thanks Christy 🙂
Mary Mooney
Newbridge
I’m afraid not Mary….the diary is full for the next 2 years…cannot commit to any further fund raisers at this time
Hi Christy,
Did you ever get to finish that song about Pecker Dunne, I recall a bit of it. I never meet bob Dylan but I sang with pecker dunne & when we drank loch erne dry we went looking for loch dan. As a young lad going to school I can remember him coming into the house singing songs & telling stories. He was an old character & he is sadly missed, He though me to sign the ould Morris van & the cocky farmer.
“I never met Bob Dylan but I sang with Pecker Dunne
When we drank Lough Éireann dry went went lookin for Lough Dann
One Winter’s night in London, my heart was filled with joy.
When Maggie Barry called me up to sing The Wild Colonial Boy”
This verse is part of a song called “If I get an Encore” which recently re-entered the set after a long absence.
The Pecker was a great Knight of The Road. We became friends years back.
It is meself! Have been off the radar a while but back in the land of the living! Can’t wait to see you! It’s been too long!
Yeah! You’re heading to Cashel! Catch up long overdue! Hope all well! xx
a long time coming, great to be heading back
lots of good memories from early days in Cashel
played Rugby ( and drank porter) for Cashel in 1964
only gigged there twice before,
both occasions over 30 years ago
……is that yourself Eileen?
Hello dear Christy,
Now we are looking forward to see you, Seamie, Jimmy and some 4711ers friends again soon. If all goes well we’re crossing the water tomorrow night.
Hope the Gardener will find his way to Carrick on Shannon or Tullow …
Best wishes, Traudel + Horst
now that Spring is here, the gardener is as busy as a bee
Hi Christy, sorry to report that Sonser is dead a few years now.
sorry to hear that…I remember Sonser..knew him 60 years ago..there used to be a boxing club in the Old British Legion Hall ..it was an old timber and galvanised construction where the Credit Union now stands…my Father took me there circa 1954 to learn the pugilistic arts..after 3 or 4 weeks skippin and shadow boxing I was eventually gloved up and put in the ring with Sonser….I can still see him coming at me…he hit me a box and put me in the middle of the following week…I can still see the stars…but we remained friends after and we always had a bit of a laugh about it…I remember his Father too…
To whom it may concern, My name is Seamus noone, i am 29 years old, and i am a singer-songwriter from Inishowen, Donegal. I recently wrote a song about depression, called ‘We all are clowns”, and i would really like you to hear it. You are a hero and an inspiration to me!
Yours sincerely,
Seamus Noone
Hi Seamus..have you got a recording of your song ?..Christy
Hi. Grand night last wed in vicar st. Would have liked to do the second by all accounts second night was even beter . always great gigs in vicar street. All the best Adam
Thanks Adam
Hi Christy looking forward to the pontio gig in Bangor,its even closer than Llandudno for me.
a new town to contemplate, beneath our roof of Bangor slate
Hi Christy,
We are back in Holland again, we enjoyed our stay in Dublin and the highlight of our tour was your concert in Vicar Street theatre. We have seen you a lot of times in Holland and it was very special to enjoy your gig between your Irish public. Special thanks from us for playing our requests. We really enjoyed it and the complete concert was perfect.
Stay healthy, keep going the good way.
Best regards, Nico, Els en Lenie
your email caused Butterfly to emerge once more….its beautiful song to sing…one of many from The Handsome Family
Still in the lead Christy. You have 18 months to make up.
we’re on the home straight now….you’re in Walshestown ….any sign of Sonser Maher ?
The Journey was powerful, “caused a stir” as they say down here.
a stir around Clogh…always a good thing John…..hope ye are all well down around the mining region….the tempus doth fugit somethin fierce….hi to Gráinne…still rattlin the box here and chasin the ballads
can anyone tell me how many copies where made of paddy on the road for record store day .I was lucky enough to get a copy after going to 4 different shops .
from what I have heard 500 were issued ..the same number as the original release back in 1968….
“O I’ve won a hero’s name with McAlpine and Costain
with Fitzpatrick Murphy Ashe and Wimpey’s Gang”….( Dominic Behan)
sorry meant Fremantle