I’m officially scared for Ireland’s future. And that’s saying something given the prospect of Hilary or Trump being at the microphone for America…
Christy's reply
us worriers spend most of our time worrying about things that never happen..its the fellows who dont give a shite that I’d be worried about..them hoors know somethin but keep it to themselves….are ye missing Joe Biden over there in America?
Christy, I have to say I am quite excited about your new album. Ha, I have a very limited income now. But I will buy it very soon, I can assure you. Ha, no sucking up here, it is just the truth. Thanks for the links to the originals. After hearing them that is why I want to really buy your new album. I saw you on RTE too. And loved that you played the rebel song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XMnbyMIk1c
Christy's reply
thank you for braving the storm to send me your words of encouragement…..I’m playing in Westport County Mayo tonight..they have just had Mr Joe Biden here for two days….even the seagulls are sporting stars and stripes
Hi Christy hope all is well with ya congrats on the album its a constant companion in the car I know its taken a while to sign in I ‘ve been keeping me head down footing turf , we have started back in O Connors Salthill for the summer season on Mondays and Tuesdays its good to be back I thought I might get to see you in Furbo tomorrow night but a small matter of an Under 10 camogie county semi final has to be sorted best of luck anyway and face the puck out
Christy's reply
hope ye have a great Camogie game tonight ..that your daughter enjoys herself and plays her heart out…its so important for you to be on the sideline..much more so then then goin to hear some baldy auld fella singin a few ballads!!! I still remember my Ma on the sideline in 1958 when I was playing for our National School…..
Since I know you’re a fan of the Irish team, I would like
to congratulate you and all you Irish people with
the victory over the Azzurri.
Now I want to you succeed against “Les Bleus”.
What will be your next song? 1988 in Germany you won against E.
Have fun.
Christy's reply
who knows whats next…..it will all come out in the wash….shine on
…Until Rob Brady got the ball and stuck it in the net …..
Christy's reply
They played their hearts out…this squad are finding their feet, they are gaining the spirit that will drive them on to greater things..it was wonderful to hear them talk after the game last night….their pride and passion in representing their country…Martin and Roy and all the squad have done great work….bring on The Blues and we’ll have a good crack at them…savage weekend ahead with Leinster C’Ship in the GAA,U20 World Cup Final V England and Ire v SA at Rugby and then IR v France at the Soccer…I’m glad I’m not gigging !!!
Good afternoon Christy,
Glad to hear you’re on the road again and your summer tour started well!
Summer has come to our region finally, after endless wet weeks, and suddenly it’s terrible hot – not the best time for gardeners.
Have had some computer troubles recently so I’m late to tell you I received wonderful LILY (thanks to your shop) – and I love it!!!
With a little help from our (4711ers)friends we were able to watch the recordings of LLS Special and also “Journey” a bit delayed but enjoyed them enormously. Many thanks to all the people involved. Thank you too for your latest great Chat – always a pleasure to read!
Summer greetings, Traudel
Christy's reply
Hey Traudel..thanks for your note, glad to hear that recent recordings and film have found their way to you…it has been a busy time getting LILY and Journey away on the air…now its back to the gigs ..out on the road with the team ..trying out the songs live….playing with different lineups..its an interesting time…I’ve gigged all the songs except “Wicklow Tribe” which is proving elusive (just like The Tribe itself!)
Bejeebers Christy that is an exhausting list of people attending on the 24th!!!! Is it the air drawing them there? I always remember listening to Radio 1 and wishing they would read out my dedication. Once I rang up and asked Hank Marvin of the Shadows how he managed to look so youthful. He said it was clean living. Give it some welly. Adelante!!! xx
Christy's reply
and now they’re telling me that US Vice-Pres Joe Biden is gonna be in Westport this week….
Dia dhuit Sir Christy,
It’s me again Charlotte you sent the birthday wish for my Boyfriend Ryan Mulligan an the shout out at the Dome in Brighton. I hope your Tour going well .. Just wondered if you could maybe say a few words for good luck for MR Mulligan as he’s got 8 horticulture EXAMS tomorrow/Tuesday! He’s been working super hard, would make him happy if he had a few words from his ROLE MODEL!!! To smash these exams as I know he can.
Thank you
Hi Christy
Just felt like logging on to tell you about last weekend in Doolin.
It was all I’d hoped for and much more.
Such great music and a wonderful atmosphere. Even the weather defied the forecast to give us plenty of sunshine!
My friend and I went to the launch of your sister, Anne’s CD and enjoyed every song. She sings with such feeling and has a lovely, rich voice,much like yourself and her and Luka went together perfectly. She seemed overwhelmed by how much everyone enjoyed her. It was lovely.
Later, I was walking over to buy a CD, when, who did I almost walk into but Finbar Furey! I couldn’t speak!
We even managed to fit in Sunday mass, a visit to Doolin Cave and a trip across to Inisheer, where I sang Ride on sitting on a horse and trap near ‘Craggy Island’.
On Sunday evening, Finbar was on and he was absolutely magic!
I got to have a quick chat afterwards and he was so lovely and so genuine.
None of this would have come to be if it wasn’t for me hearing ‘Ride on’ on the radio in 1984 when I worked in Shannon.
I’m so glad I did and so glad I learned of Christy Moore, always my absolute favorite.
God bless and take care
Gail x
Christy's reply
Hey Gail, Thank you for taking the time to share your Doolin experience….great reports from this Mecca of Irish Music…long may Fisher Street resound to the echoes of those gone before, to the tunes of those yet to come…..as well as those you mention,I hear that Aldoc rocked the joint,that Mairtín O Connor’s Band had sparks flying, that Wallis Bird charmed the hearts of those in attendance……
My Uncle and Aunt just got married a few days ago and are flying all the way out to Ireland, from Colorado, to see your show on June 24th. I was wondering if you could do something for the newly wed couple, Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Nicole Murphy! (They played “The Voyage” at their wedding)
Much thanks,
-Zoe
Christy's reply
Zoe….we will see what can be done when the time comes….your request will be added to the inundations already in place for Westport..my mailbox is straining at the seams with requests for callouts…nuns home from Tanzania looking for “Casey”…Fishermen from Killybegs calling “16 Jolly Ravers”, Gay Honeymooners from Brighton seeking “So Do I” and, now, Murphys from Colorado celebrating the knot……not forgetting a train load of Ravers due in from Connolly all stone mad for the crack, Rusty Rifles from the occupied territories, spoiled priests and defrocked doctors seeking the healing balm of ancient ballads, saddle sore jockeys with the little arses rode off them round Ballybrit and Ascot ( Ride on Mick Halford)…there’ll be hurlers from Urlinford, Prop Forwards from Creggs, butchers from Basingstoke,Reporters from Fleet Street (with hidden agendas), plainclothes deputies with permanent hard-ons, visionaries from Knock with miraculous eyesight…we might even have Enda out from Islandeady if he can find his way after the card game….Joe Biden has promised to drop in but Donald has pulled the plug (thank fuck for small mercies)
Hello Christy
Taking the plane to Eire tomorrow, and looking foreword to see you in Furbogh and Westport. Hopefully we can buy your new CD.
We are both also Pink Floyd fans and going to the gig of David Gilmore in July . You’re version of Crazy Diamond is also wonderful any chance you will play it?
See you Chris
Christy's reply
see you out West next week…. “Shine On” has been on my wish list for years since we recorded it 7 years ago…since then I have only gigged it thrice..perhaps its time to bring it into the set.. its a noble call..have a good trip
Hi Christy any dates for Glasgow yet? Missing ya about here x
Christy's reply
Hey John…..we try and come to Scotland every 18 months or so….thats been the pattern for the past 20 years….gives me time to have a few new songs ready for Mags McIvor’s…..that should have us back there early next Spring…dont have confirmed dates but I’m doing my press-ups and joggin on the spot…..
Hi Christy,
I had the oppurtunity to see you in the Mount Wolsley Hotel in April. My Fiancè & I thoroughly enjoyed the show! I really enjoyed the songs from your new album Lily particularly the song “the gardener”.I would love to have a copy of the lyrics as the song really resonated with me. Claire
Christy's reply
Claire….all the lyrics are in a booklet contained in the sleeve…hope that works for you…it is indeed a beautiful song which was written by Paul Doran…I still recall hearing it for the first time when Paul sent it to me 12 years ago…I’m hoping it will become popular in the live set for its a joy to sing
I spent some time recently looking up online material on the great Sandy Denny, Dagrab informed us here online of the passing away of Dave Swarbrig, ex-Fairpor Convention. In Dagrab, we’ve a great ‘student’ of the old ballads and folk music; I like his contributions. A few days ago marked the anniversary of the death of Frank Ryan, died in 1944. Doubtless on Saturday next you’ll sing a song or two remembering the great Clancys as you play in their home town.
Christy's reply
back in 1964 I was working in Clonmel…I went to hear Bobby and Peg Clancy play in Hearns Hotel….they told me of a weekly session they ran in Carrick, I went there a few Saturday night 52 years ago….I certainly will remember Tom,Paddy, Liam, Bobby,Peggy and Tommy Maken come Saturday….what The Clancys did all those years ago still resonates around this land…they shook us up, they unveiled what was hidden away from many of us…. 20 years later I met them for the first time in a TV Studio in Scotland…..10 years after that I met Liam at a “Cherish The Ladies”gig in Dublin……I told him how he had inspired me… I first heard him at a Fleadh Ceol in Bunclody circa 1962…he was singing “The Streams of Bunclody”..that day I decided I wanted to be a Ballad Singer..
Yes, Dave’s notes from Manchester are always welcome…sorry to hear about Swarb’s passing..had a few ales with him years ago…Carthy & Swarbrick were scintillating when I heard them in the 60s…Martin is still batin it out
Hi Christy,
My wife Monica and I are leaving Melbourne tomorrow and have booked tickets to your show at Cashel 1 July. Last saw you at Barrowlands in I think 2008 and can’t wait to see you again. It’s a long way to go to a concert but we think it’s worth every kilometre! Take care and sing well.
Terry Poulton
Christy's reply
from The Garden State to The Rock of Cashel…may ye travel safe and have a great trip to The Premier County ( at Hurling )
Myself and some friends, Irish and English but all supporting Martin O’Neill’s team during Euro 2016 are heading over to Lille in a couple of weeks. I was inspired by some of your ingenuity i.e. The Craic was 90 in the Isle of Man and Joxer Goes to Stuttgart and so wrote down what may happen during this time.
To the tune of The Craic Was 90 In The Isle of Man. Loses it’s tune every so often but hopefully you’ll enjoy it never the less. 🙂
PS – My wife and I saw you, Declan and Jimmy in the Southbank Theatre in May. Captivating! Christy, you seem to live every song you sing. Amazing talent, amazing man! All the best to you all for the future.
Thanks for everything!
The Green Eurosvan
The ball went in off Walters peg
The next thing Disco was designing a fleg
Texts went round every man
The Plasterer rang the Flynner fella up
“Here hey we’re heading for a sup”
Tommy Caulfield got some more time off work
He mapped the whole thing out in a plan
Oh the craic was 90 in the green Eurosvan!
Drove ‘er down to the Dover port
Smoke bellowed ‘neath the hood
We thought the mission we’d have to abort
But in Flynner we had the man!
He tinkered and he footered and he muttered some sounds
We all agreed for his good work he’d have to buy no rounds
Oh the craic was 90 in the green Eurosvan!
Stopped at Calais to fill up with biere
Just to had some oomph to our cheer
Carried on down the Route
To the metal Jinky put his foot
As he took the wheel of the green Eurosvan
Time came to calm the music down, in went Christy followed by The Corrs
The oul thing she was up on all fours
Oh the craic was 90 in the green Eurosvan!
In the eve arrived at the game in Lille
Tommy man of the world talked us all some food
To be sure sir the mood it was good
She kicked off brave and sharply when we got in
The green brigade were making the most din
Just what we had expected
Oh the craic was 90 in the green Eurosvan!
On the way home we laughed and cheered
As the game we reflected on
It hadn’t turned out just as we’d feared
All five gave their post commen-tary
In between shouts of Ole! Ole!
Oh the craic was 90 in the green Eurosvan!
To summarise events on the park
Whelan gave your man with the tan the slip
Played the ball out to the line
Everything was going fine
Long came short for the ball
Behind him we roared one and all
Raced and raced towards the Azurri
“Ah go on Shane son ya hoo ye”
Smacked the ball with the outside of his right boot
Hit the curtains off Buffon’s buffon
Next thing the poor Italians they were gone
Oh the craic was 90 in the green Eurosvan!
Christy's reply
“Round and around the tune will ring
the melody reverberating
mesmerising and absurd
more like an angel then a bird” ( Declan O’Rourke)
I first heard “Crack was 90” in 1968 when I met its author Barney Rushe at the Jersey Island Folk Club in St Helier.That same night he sang Nancy Spain for me and both songs have since entered the national repertoire of balladry. Countless songs have since been shaped in the form of “Crack was 90 in I.O.M.” Now your song joins the list. My favourite is Paul McCormacks “Weekend in Amsterdam”. I must confess to having altered the lyrics of both the original and the subsequent plagiarised version. The late Pete Seeger claimed that plagiary was an essential tool in songwriting..we’re all at it….Lennon McCartney, Dylan, Tchaikovsky,John Coltrane, Ewan MacColl, Dominic Behan, right down to some of my own efforts.
Enjoy yourselves in Lille…be careful with Pernod and Pastis..tis feckin looney soup
Another wonderful Chat, Christy…and thanks for the Links; Mick Blake really got it right with the perfect match of pictures for the lyrics. Oh how truthful a story he weaved; it is just a wonderful Song.
The Cats were purring in O’Moore Park last night…the Dubs are on the run again…Joxer is gone to Paris…Mick has dispatched the BOSS………..what could be next; oh the never ending Tour, hope the Togs are washed and the Gear Bag ready, as you set off across the country again.
Wishing you safe Miles and great Gigs.
See you along the way.
Ride On.
Patsy
What a great night in Newbridge last night Christy. It’s great to see the spirit of music and tales is alive and well. The town has changed but in many ways it stays the same.
It’s even better when your musical heroes are your old school friends.
Some incredible talent on show locally
Christy's reply
great turn out for Ciaran Dwyer and friends….fair play to JUNEFEST and all the volunteers who work so hard to make it happen…love the colours on the River Side…looking forward to attending a few more events…and to seeing the refurbished Town Hall, I believe Johnny Peters had it rockin the other night….we danced there in the 50s and 60s…Jimmy Dunnys Orchetra and Tom Wilmots Ceili Band (in the supper room) Jack Barnes and Joe Wolf did security…..Funky up the Front St ,Groovy down the Back Street..Vegan on the Green Road….Heavy metal up The Cutlery Rd….Trad at the Back of The Barracks……Tintawn on The Ropes…Bord na Móna for the Bale out… Rosy Murphy standing guard at Neesons Corner….Barney Gallivan sneezing..Paddy Cullen Ringin…Sylvester Carr with his torch in his hand..the Mons Miller blessing all round him…
Hi Christy,
You’re right to recall young and innocent times in this city of change that cherishes its roots.
The catalyst of Wednesday’s Central Library/Manchester Ballads session wasn’t born when the folk revival kicked off.But she’s caught up fast…Jennifer Reid,’the Langley linnet’,was a great host as library staff laid out volumes of ballads for people to read.Jennifer burst into song on numerous occasions,much to the delight of fellow enthusiasts and fascination of customers in the nearby café.
Its heartening that there’s a vibrance to so much of the old material.A broadside ballad printed in green ink,decorated with harps and shamrocks ,was sold on the Manchester streets around St Patrick’s day in the late 1800s.Many post famine refugees had left Ireland for this city- to exist in ‘dwellings’ and toil in the sweatshops.This ballad must have been a poignant reminder of ‘home’…
I’m officially scared for Ireland’s future. And that’s saying something given the prospect of Hilary or Trump being at the microphone for America…
us worriers spend most of our time worrying about things that never happen..its the fellows who dont give a shite that I’d be worried about..them hoors know somethin but keep it to themselves….are ye missing Joe Biden over there in America?
Christy, I have to say I am quite excited about your new album. Ha, I have a very limited income now. But I will buy it very soon, I can assure you. Ha, no sucking up here, it is just the truth. Thanks for the links to the originals. After hearing them that is why I want to really buy your new album. I saw you on RTE too. And loved that you played the rebel song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XMnbyMIk1c
thank you for braving the storm to send me your words of encouragement…..I’m playing in Westport County Mayo tonight..they have just had Mr Joe Biden here for two days….even the seagulls are sporting stars and stripes
Hi Christy hope all is well with ya congrats on the album its a constant companion in the car I know its taken a while to sign in I ‘ve been keeping me head down footing turf , we have started back in O Connors Salthill for the summer season on Mondays and Tuesdays its good to be back I thought I might get to see you in Furbo tomorrow night but a small matter of an Under 10 camogie county semi final has to be sorted best of luck anyway and face the puck out
hope ye have a great Camogie game tonight ..that your daughter enjoys herself and plays her heart out…its so important for you to be on the sideline..much more so then then goin to hear some baldy auld fella singin a few ballads!!! I still remember my Ma on the sideline in 1958 when I was playing for our National School…..
Dear Christy,
Since I know you’re a fan of the Irish team, I would like
to congratulate you and all you Irish people with
the victory over the Azzurri.
Now I want to you succeed against “Les Bleus”.
What will be your next song? 1988 in Germany you won against E.
Have fun.
who knows whats next…..it will all come out in the wash….shine on
…Until Rob Brady got the ball and stuck it in the net …..
They played their hearts out…this squad are finding their feet, they are gaining the spirit that will drive them on to greater things..it was wonderful to hear them talk after the game last night….their pride and passion in representing their country…Martin and Roy and all the squad have done great work….bring on The Blues and we’ll have a good crack at them…savage weekend ahead with Leinster C’Ship in the GAA,U20 World Cup Final V England and Ire v SA at Rugby and then IR v France at the Soccer…I’m glad I’m not gigging !!!
Good afternoon Christy,
Glad to hear you’re on the road again and your summer tour started well!
Summer has come to our region finally, after endless wet weeks, and suddenly it’s terrible hot – not the best time for gardeners.
Have had some computer troubles recently so I’m late to tell you I received wonderful LILY (thanks to your shop) – and I love it!!!
With a little help from our (4711ers)friends we were able to watch the recordings of LLS Special and also “Journey” a bit delayed but enjoyed them enormously. Many thanks to all the people involved. Thank you too for your latest great Chat – always a pleasure to read!
Summer greetings, Traudel
Hey Traudel..thanks for your note, glad to hear that recent recordings and film have found their way to you…it has been a busy time getting LILY and Journey away on the air…now its back to the gigs ..out on the road with the team ..trying out the songs live….playing with different lineups..its an interesting time…I’ve gigged all the songs except “Wicklow Tribe” which is proving elusive (just like The Tribe itself!)
Bejeebers Christy that is an exhausting list of people attending on the 24th!!!! Is it the air drawing them there? I always remember listening to Radio 1 and wishing they would read out my dedication. Once I rang up and asked Hank Marvin of the Shadows how he managed to look so youthful. He said it was clean living. Give it some welly. Adelante!!! xx
and now they’re telling me that US Vice-Pres Joe Biden is gonna be in Westport this week….
Dia dhuit Sir Christy,
It’s me again Charlotte you sent the birthday wish for my Boyfriend Ryan Mulligan an the shout out at the Dome in Brighton. I hope your Tour going well .. Just wondered if you could maybe say a few words for good luck for MR Mulligan as he’s got 8 horticulture EXAMS tomorrow/Tuesday! He’s been working super hard, would make him happy if he had a few words from his ROLE MODEL!!! To smash these exams as I know he can.
Thank you
Charlotte
giz a break
Hi Christy
Just felt like logging on to tell you about last weekend in Doolin.
It was all I’d hoped for and much more.
Such great music and a wonderful atmosphere. Even the weather defied the forecast to give us plenty of sunshine!
My friend and I went to the launch of your sister, Anne’s CD and enjoyed every song. She sings with such feeling and has a lovely, rich voice,much like yourself and her and Luka went together perfectly. She seemed overwhelmed by how much everyone enjoyed her. It was lovely.
Later, I was walking over to buy a CD, when, who did I almost walk into but Finbar Furey! I couldn’t speak!
We even managed to fit in Sunday mass, a visit to Doolin Cave and a trip across to Inisheer, where I sang Ride on sitting on a horse and trap near ‘Craggy Island’.
On Sunday evening, Finbar was on and he was absolutely magic!
I got to have a quick chat afterwards and he was so lovely and so genuine.
None of this would have come to be if it wasn’t for me hearing ‘Ride on’ on the radio in 1984 when I worked in Shannon.
I’m so glad I did and so glad I learned of Christy Moore, always my absolute favorite.
God bless and take care
Gail x
Hey Gail, Thank you for taking the time to share your Doolin experience….great reports from this Mecca of Irish Music…long may Fisher Street resound to the echoes of those gone before, to the tunes of those yet to come…..as well as those you mention,I hear that Aldoc rocked the joint,that Mairtín O Connor’s Band had sparks flying, that Wallis Bird charmed the hearts of those in attendance……
My Uncle and Aunt just got married a few days ago and are flying all the way out to Ireland, from Colorado, to see your show on June 24th. I was wondering if you could do something for the newly wed couple, Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Nicole Murphy! (They played “The Voyage” at their wedding)
Much thanks,
-Zoe
Zoe….we will see what can be done when the time comes….your request will be added to the inundations already in place for Westport..my mailbox is straining at the seams with requests for callouts…nuns home from Tanzania looking for “Casey”…Fishermen from Killybegs calling “16 Jolly Ravers”, Gay Honeymooners from Brighton seeking “So Do I” and, now, Murphys from Colorado celebrating the knot……not forgetting a train load of Ravers due in from Connolly all stone mad for the crack, Rusty Rifles from the occupied territories, spoiled priests and defrocked doctors seeking the healing balm of ancient ballads, saddle sore jockeys with the little arses rode off them round Ballybrit and Ascot ( Ride on Mick Halford)…there’ll be hurlers from Urlinford, Prop Forwards from Creggs, butchers from Basingstoke,Reporters from Fleet Street (with hidden agendas), plainclothes deputies with permanent hard-ons, visionaries from Knock with miraculous eyesight…we might even have Enda out from Islandeady if he can find his way after the card game….Joe Biden has promised to drop in but Donald has pulled the plug (thank fuck for small mercies)
Hello Christy
Taking the plane to Eire tomorrow, and looking foreword to see you in Furbogh and Westport. Hopefully we can buy your new CD.
We are both also Pink Floyd fans and going to the gig of David Gilmore in July . You’re version of Crazy Diamond is also wonderful any chance you will play it?
See you Chris
see you out West next week…. “Shine On” has been on my wish list for years since we recorded it 7 years ago…since then I have only gigged it thrice..perhaps its time to bring it into the set.. its a noble call..have a good trip
Dear Christy:
I feel your song of Victor Jara is a most simple and perfect description of him.
Congratulation of me, a Chilean man.
I am Writter, I have a poem and for me will be a honor if you transform it to a song.
This is the link’s poem.
Thank you
http://by-aker.blogspot.cl/2015/09/zapatitos-mojados-zapatitos-mojados-de.html
and this is the translation: http://www.cnum.cl/aker/little-wet-shoes.png
My mail is: aker@cnum.cl
Hi Christy any dates for Glasgow yet? Missing ya about here x
Hey John…..we try and come to Scotland every 18 months or so….thats been the pattern for the past 20 years….gives me time to have a few new songs ready for Mags McIvor’s…..that should have us back there early next Spring…dont have confirmed dates but I’m doing my press-ups and joggin on the spot…..
Hi Christy,
I had the oppurtunity to see you in the Mount Wolsley Hotel in April. My Fiancè & I thoroughly enjoyed the show! I really enjoyed the songs from your new album Lily particularly the song “the gardener”.I would love to have a copy of the lyrics as the song really resonated with me. Claire
Claire….all the lyrics are in a booklet contained in the sleeve…hope that works for you…it is indeed a beautiful song which was written by Paul Doran…I still recall hearing it for the first time when Paul sent it to me 12 years ago…I’m hoping it will become popular in the live set for its a joy to sing
I spent some time recently looking up online material on the great Sandy Denny, Dagrab informed us here online of the passing away of Dave Swarbrig, ex-Fairpor Convention. In Dagrab, we’ve a great ‘student’ of the old ballads and folk music; I like his contributions. A few days ago marked the anniversary of the death of Frank Ryan, died in 1944. Doubtless on Saturday next you’ll sing a song or two remembering the great Clancys as you play in their home town.
back in 1964 I was working in Clonmel…I went to hear Bobby and Peg Clancy play in Hearns Hotel….they told me of a weekly session they ran in Carrick, I went there a few Saturday night 52 years ago….I certainly will remember Tom,Paddy, Liam, Bobby,Peggy and Tommy Maken come Saturday….what The Clancys did all those years ago still resonates around this land…they shook us up, they unveiled what was hidden away from many of us…. 20 years later I met them for the first time in a TV Studio in Scotland…..10 years after that I met Liam at a “Cherish The Ladies”gig in Dublin……I told him how he had inspired me… I first heard him at a Fleadh Ceol in Bunclody circa 1962…he was singing “The Streams of Bunclody”..that day I decided I wanted to be a Ballad Singer..
Yes, Dave’s notes from Manchester are always welcome…sorry to hear about Swarb’s passing..had a few ales with him years ago…Carthy & Swarbrick were scintillating when I heard them in the 60s…Martin is still batin it out
Hi Christy,
My wife Monica and I are leaving Melbourne tomorrow and have booked tickets to your show at Cashel 1 July. Last saw you at Barrowlands in I think 2008 and can’t wait to see you again. It’s a long way to go to a concert but we think it’s worth every kilometre! Take care and sing well.
Terry Poulton
from The Garden State to The Rock of Cashel…may ye travel safe and have a great trip to The Premier County ( at Hurling )
Hi Christy
Myself and some friends, Irish and English but all supporting Martin O’Neill’s team during Euro 2016 are heading over to Lille in a couple of weeks. I was inspired by some of your ingenuity i.e. The Craic was 90 in the Isle of Man and Joxer Goes to Stuttgart and so wrote down what may happen during this time.
To the tune of The Craic Was 90 In The Isle of Man. Loses it’s tune every so often but hopefully you’ll enjoy it never the less. 🙂
PS – My wife and I saw you, Declan and Jimmy in the Southbank Theatre in May. Captivating! Christy, you seem to live every song you sing. Amazing talent, amazing man! All the best to you all for the future.
Thanks for everything!
The Green Eurosvan
The ball went in off Walters peg
The next thing Disco was designing a fleg
Texts went round every man
The Plasterer rang the Flynner fella up
“Here hey we’re heading for a sup”
Tommy Caulfield got some more time off work
He mapped the whole thing out in a plan
Oh the craic was 90 in the green Eurosvan!
Drove ‘er down to the Dover port
Smoke bellowed ‘neath the hood
We thought the mission we’d have to abort
But in Flynner we had the man!
He tinkered and he footered and he muttered some sounds
We all agreed for his good work he’d have to buy no rounds
Oh the craic was 90 in the green Eurosvan!
Stopped at Calais to fill up with biere
Just to had some oomph to our cheer
Carried on down the Route
To the metal Jinky put his foot
As he took the wheel of the green Eurosvan
Time came to calm the music down, in went Christy followed by The Corrs
The oul thing she was up on all fours
Oh the craic was 90 in the green Eurosvan!
In the eve arrived at the game in Lille
Tommy man of the world talked us all some food
To be sure sir the mood it was good
She kicked off brave and sharply when we got in
The green brigade were making the most din
Just what we had expected
Oh the craic was 90 in the green Eurosvan!
On the way home we laughed and cheered
As the game we reflected on
It hadn’t turned out just as we’d feared
All five gave their post commen-tary
In between shouts of Ole! Ole!
Oh the craic was 90 in the green Eurosvan!
To summarise events on the park
Whelan gave your man with the tan the slip
Played the ball out to the line
Everything was going fine
Long came short for the ball
Behind him we roared one and all
Raced and raced towards the Azurri
“Ah go on Shane son ya hoo ye”
Smacked the ball with the outside of his right boot
Hit the curtains off Buffon’s buffon
Next thing the poor Italians they were gone
Oh the craic was 90 in the green Eurosvan!
“Round and around the tune will ring
the melody reverberating
mesmerising and absurd
more like an angel then a bird” ( Declan O’Rourke)
I first heard “Crack was 90” in 1968 when I met its author Barney Rushe at the Jersey Island Folk Club in St Helier.That same night he sang Nancy Spain for me and both songs have since entered the national repertoire of balladry. Countless songs have since been shaped in the form of “Crack was 90 in I.O.M.” Now your song joins the list. My favourite is Paul McCormacks “Weekend in Amsterdam”. I must confess to having altered the lyrics of both the original and the subsequent plagiarised version. The late Pete Seeger claimed that plagiary was an essential tool in songwriting..we’re all at it….Lennon McCartney, Dylan, Tchaikovsky,John Coltrane, Ewan MacColl, Dominic Behan, right down to some of my own efforts.
Enjoy yourselves in Lille…be careful with Pernod and Pastis..tis feckin looney soup
Another wonderful Chat, Christy…and thanks for the Links; Mick Blake really got it right with the perfect match of pictures for the lyrics. Oh how truthful a story he weaved; it is just a wonderful Song.
The Cats were purring in O’Moore Park last night…the Dubs are on the run again…Joxer is gone to Paris…Mick has dispatched the BOSS………..what could be next; oh the never ending Tour, hope the Togs are washed and the Gear Bag ready, as you set off across the country again.
Wishing you safe Miles and great Gigs.
See you along the way.
Ride On.
Patsy
The Cart is ready, the Pony rearing to go….
What a great night in Newbridge last night Christy. It’s great to see the spirit of music and tales is alive and well. The town has changed but in many ways it stays the same.
It’s even better when your musical heroes are your old school friends.
Some incredible talent on show locally
great turn out for Ciaran Dwyer and friends….fair play to JUNEFEST and all the volunteers who work so hard to make it happen…love the colours on the River Side…looking forward to attending a few more events…and to seeing the refurbished Town Hall, I believe Johnny Peters had it rockin the other night….we danced there in the 50s and 60s…Jimmy Dunnys Orchetra and Tom Wilmots Ceili Band (in the supper room) Jack Barnes and Joe Wolf did security…..Funky up the Front St ,Groovy down the Back Street..Vegan on the Green Road….Heavy metal up The Cutlery Rd….Trad at the Back of The Barracks……Tintawn on The Ropes…Bord na Móna for the Bale out… Rosy Murphy standing guard at Neesons Corner….Barney Gallivan sneezing..Paddy Cullen Ringin…Sylvester Carr with his torch in his hand..the Mons Miller blessing all round him…
Hi Christy,
You’re right to recall young and innocent times in this city of change that cherishes its roots.
The catalyst of Wednesday’s Central Library/Manchester Ballads session wasn’t born when the folk revival kicked off.But she’s caught up fast…Jennifer Reid,’the Langley linnet’,was a great host as library staff laid out volumes of ballads for people to read.Jennifer burst into song on numerous occasions,much to the delight of fellow enthusiasts and fascination of customers in the nearby café.
Its heartening that there’s a vibrance to so much of the old material.A broadside ballad printed in green ink,decorated with harps and shamrocks ,was sold on the Manchester streets around St Patrick’s day in the late 1800s.Many post famine refugees had left Ireland for this city- to exist in ‘dwellings’ and toil in the sweatshops.This ballad must have been a poignant reminder of ‘home’…
See you soon(ish)
Dave