Lost my brother Dennis the other week…….driving home after “celebrating” his life (I was sober) I put the radio on……RIDE ON was just starting……it said it all really….thanks…..Steven
Christy's reply
sorry to read your news Steven……but its good to read that ,in sobriety, you could be part of that celebration of your brother’s life
Hi Christy,
here two of your Belgian fans !
we are so happy to have packed for our yearly visit to Ireland and to come to your gig. Our Donegal best friends Pat & Francis will join us again for the concert in Pettigo, like they did in the great northern in Bundoran two years ago. Pettigo will be for us again a new place, a new venue to see you. We’re so lucky you are still keeping up the good work for us, fans. We have no special requests, we’ll go with the flow.
Looking forward to a great gig on Saturday and also meeting some 4711ers.
in the meantime all the best !
Els & Piet
Christy's reply
safe journey Eastwards…from the Flatlands of Belgium to The Hills of Donegal….
Time to set the compass to N/NW , or the Satnav nowadays I guess. Yeah Buncrana is always very welcoming …….but I can tell you now there is huge anticipation and excitement building in Pettigo. They are over the moon there that Christy is coming to town. . . . Looking forward to both gigs.
” Inishowen could then be known for its multimillionaires,
Where Donald Trump would have a chunk and live in solitaire ”
The Goats….@ 1991 I think
Christy's reply
Hard to believe that Trump is in a 2 candidate race for the driving seat…he makes our Healy Rae buachaills look like men of foresight,compassion and wisdom….
hope The Goats are still grazing..I’ve listened to them betimes and liked them…tried a song of theirs a few years back but could not conquer it..
I’m looking forward to Pettigo..always a treat these days to play a new town…
all upcoming dates are “northerly” hope we catch some good weather along the way..thanks for your ongoing support
Christy, I will be coming to Ireland to see you and Van Morrison play during the week of September 15th in the Belfast area. . I am going to be at the Slieve Donard show and the 17/9/16 show at the Waterfront in Belfast. I was hoping you might play “Shine on Crazy Diamond.” I love your version of it. It’s like a whole new song. Also, if I could make one more request it would be “A pair of Brown Eyes”. Thank you, I look forward to both concerts with great anticipation. I was fortunate to see you in Tullomore last year and it was a brilliant show! I also had one question for you. Are you familiar with Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt? They are both from Texas and I wondered if you ever covered any of their songs. Like yourself they were both great songwriters. Thanks again, Patrick
Christy's reply
OK Patrick…both those songs have featured over the past few months…our set evolves as the gig progresses..I have noted your requests and, if poss, we’ll roll em out on the night but no guarantees !!
I believe that Van’s gigs have been scintillating of late and The Slieve Donard is a really good room…take time to walk along the Seafront in Newcastle…also if you are interested , the Silent Valley is worth a walk and Slieve Gullion worthy of a trek
I just wanted to say that I’m looking forward to being at your gig in Buncrana. I’ve liked your music for quite a while now and have wanted to see you perform…
Christy's reply
always a great welcome for songsters and listeners in Buncrana…I still recall many happy nights at The White Strand when Pat Barron ran gigs there in the 70s…In the 80s I played there with Moving Hearts…our gigs back then were held in The Lake of Shadows Hotel where late one night a beautiful melody was written by Donal, Eoghan and Declan who decided to call it after the Venue…its featured on the first Moving Hearts Album
Now the Olympics are all over, we’ll all be twiddlin our thumbs at night until 4am…and big Congratulations to our medalists…but I’ve started on The Box Set 1964-2004…a long standing agreement I had with meself to do so…Lay with me…100 Miles from his home…Ships in the Forest…so many, many I’d love to hear live…but sure…lucky to have these down and to be able to listen…there’s All I Remember …(Mick Hanly in Booterstown 7th Oct)
I love reading the notes on the booklet…the songs mean lots more..
Anyways, hope all is great, glad the music is good in Bantry..
Two CDs a night til we get back to normal hours…A Bolt of lightenin from the heavens….
Christy's reply
always nice to hear that the Old Box is still getting a spin…..fair play to “Luke The Drifter” who curated the project with skill,patience, encouragement, dexterity, subtlety, humour, diligence and drink..we had planned to release a follower upper box set which was to have been titled “Box set mebollix Vol 2″….we had hoped to launch it in the GPO at Easter time of this year which ,of course, subsequently became impossible..we have now put it back to May 2045 which gives us a little more time to pull various strands together….any suggestions for tracks to be included will ,gratefully, be given due consideration by the adjudicating panel which may include Sean Donnellan, Patrick Hickey,John “head-the-ball” Delaney, Bertie Aherne, Michael Lowry, Pádraic Flynn, Liam Fay,Donald Trump, The Kilgarvan-Global-Warmers, Nora-Ban-The-Mickey-Mac-mo-gúna, éilish ban de craic ni tremble agin the doorawáin,
Good man Larr…keep doin the press-ups
movin anna groovin gonna satisfy ma soul
Hi Christy.
Myself and my son are coming to Ireland next week, and looking forward to seeing you in Pettigo next Sat.
I went to the Lisdoonvarna Festival a couple of times in the early 80s. Then last saw you in the Somerville Theater many years ago. when I got married we had the Voyage as our wedding song. It has a special meaning for me.
My son Ciaran plays Irish music here, He took lessons in Guitar and Mandolin from a Dubliner Patsy Whelan. So we are doing a music trip and he will be visiting family and playing in sessions around the country.
Hoping for good weather.
Maria
Christy's reply
Pettigo here we come…Yipee…a new town is always greatly anticipated….hoe you both have a great trip Home
How ya Christy, Just came across this tonight, its brilliant to see how one of the biggest boy bands in the world get their inspiration!!!!
Was also going through some of the pictures in the gallery there and a couple really stood out was the 1959 U-14 County Champions, the amount of lads on that team that I went to school with their sons, Tom keogh went on to win an All Ireland medal for Kildare U-21s . You taught him alot!!!
Seen John Coffey in another couple of frames there. I only met john a couple of years back and love listen to his stories. this year we used to meet after the kildare matches in “cons” and talk about the town and the barracks, good times roll on January!!
The tickets are got for vicar street in September really looking forward to this one. I hoping to hear a good few songs from the new album. Again what a fantastic album. mandolin mountain is my gem from that album i nearly have off tee and I’ll be spinning it out soon.
Fair Play to ya Christy.
Christy's reply
Greetings to Moorefield Road this damp and dirty August morning…still down here on Bantry Bay marinating in Jigs, Reels, Strathspeys,Ragas and Mazurkas with a couple of double jigs thrown in alongside some beautiful slow airs plus a brace of morpheus lullabies.
Most memorable was a set from Bríd Harper, Dermot Byrne and Steve Cooney who performed a master class of Music.Steve opened proceedings last night with a beautifully chosen selection from Rúaidhri Dall Ó Cathain, O’Carolan and from The Goodman Collection
That 1959 County Champions team also featured Quinner Cash and Liam Casey both of whom pulled on the Lily White Jersey. If memory serves Quinner was the star of that 1959 team but Barry Woodgate was a tireless battler, Joe Jones at corner forward was skilful and tricky..they were heady days…our coach was Bro Alphonsus and our Team manager was Bro Aiden….we beat Caragh in the County Final and I was marking Pat Dunny who went on to become a legendary player in both codes….he played for Leinster in both Hurling and Football ( as did Babs Keating for Munster)
I get to meet John Coffey occasionally, always a pleasure to meet John and Gráinne (of the Lunny Clan) John is a great historian and archivist of all things Newbridge…a Town-loving exile (a bit like myself)
I keep meaning to ask him…what ever happened to Coffey’s Clock ?? any clues?
I am getting ready now to play the Lily tracks at upcoming gigs…I have gigged 9 of the songs so far but that was in twos and threes at various gigs..The Lost Tribe has not been gigged yet but I’m nearly there.
The Vicar Street,Dublin gig looks like being a sell out..funds are badly needed for The Rape Crisis Centre whose funding was severely cut back…..bizzare funding priorities exist in our beautiful country when victims of violent sexual abuse take second place to myriads of trophy projects…
Talk of Tom (Rubber) Keogh reminds me of his son Paul Keogh a stalwart of the ongoing music heritage of Newbridge. Along with Lenny Cahill and King Modo they continue to create their music and to keep the flag flying. Recently met Ciaran Dwyer over in London. He is on his own music journey and moved to London after his successful gig at this years June-Fest…
A long reply to your post Sonsar but its pissin down rain here in Bantry and I left me rubber boots in San Francisco
Well done, Sue, I’d half forgotten On a Single Day, and how chilling an effect it has on me.
It was a beautiful programme, Christy, as you rightly say. I’ve listened to it a couple of times now – in combination with On a Single Day, it creates a sombre mood. Thinking aloud, about Lovely Young One, hasn’t that also got the feel of a keened song?
If anyone else is interested, the podcast is now available:
“O My Lovely Young One
O my Lovely Young One
Gone from Tír na nÓg to Tír na nÓíche”
Just back in from an evening of music and song in Bantry where
John Flanagan
Colm Gannon
Máíre ní Gráda
Conal Ó Gráda
Steve Cooney
Colm Mac Con Iomaire ….all blest us with their divine talents
we are dizzy with music and song…it was an evening of pure beauty assembled by Martin Hayes on the third night of this years Masters of The Tradition Festival which is now in its 14th year.There was not a dull moment in the 4 hours.
Colm Gannon just blew us all away….his accordeon (and melodeon) playing were as good as anything I have ever heard and Steve Cooney was stuck to him the whole way……I feel blest to have heard it all, to have the health and hearing to be there… Colm Mac Con Iomaire cast a late night spell upon us all…John Flanagan set the ball rolling with two beautiful (allegorical) songs. The Ó Grada set was beautiful, brother and sister on Uileann Pipes and Flute …..
I’m still buzzing from it all….I need to sing a few quiet lullabies to myself here and perhaps find some sleep
Hi Christy
A bit slower off the mark than Helen I’m afraid, and I won’t provide the link as she’s been good enough to do so. I’d never win gold in the Olympics would I? But it is a very interesting programme, and I may be wrong, but I think you may have featured one of the keeners on the programme, Brigid Mullin, On “On A Single Day”. Thought the new album was great by the way, and looking forward to hear you gig the new songs as soon as I can.
Take care.
Sue
Christy's reply
well spotted Sue..it was a lovely moment when Brigid’s voice came keening from the wireless….thanks to BBC radio Ulster for this precious documentary..it was made with love and care
Thanks Helen, it has taken me a day to get to hear this beautiful programme…really appreciate you pointing it out to us…anyone else listening??? Ochón is Ochón
I’ve found a great record of yours not listed on your discography as it is a promo for use in the United States. It’s dated 1988, and I must say that you look good in a purple scarf. I’ll post front and back photos to your Facebook; you’ll enjoy I’m sure.
Thanks for all the great music.
Christy's reply
Thanks for sharing Gabe. That was a compilation album released by Atlantic Records in New York when I went over to play Carnegie Hall.I remember the staff at Carnegie particularly well. Also remember the album sleeve. The Green Báinín was knitted by a woman in Glenties, Co Donegal, the portrait by Amelia Stein of Dublin….all the music gleaned from Warners albums of the 80s and compiled by the Label.
This coming Tuesday 16th, we have a great guest to look forward to on Sin é radio show. Davóg Rynne joins us for some chat and music. Davóg is a bit of an all-rounder…singer, actor, poet, promoter, Bodhrán player extraordinaire…we know it’ll be interested…9-11pm on 103.2fm 103.2 Dublin City FM. Thank you.
How ya christy. Since our last chat I went out for a bit for digging on how “Chinatown” got its name. Now it’s not made in stone which I suppose adds to the character and the myth of the town.. but word on the street has it that many years ago an English man known as “China”Harbridge lived in the town. His residential area became locally known as Chinatown and there is a few explanations how it got its nickname.
1: He was fond of using the term, “my old china” in conversation
2: He used to play an old song on the trumpet called “Chinatown my old Chinatown”
3: Most of the “old boys” insisted that the real reason he was known as China was because of his yellow complection. From which is probably the most likely explanation! Known the newbridge rumour..
So I’m gonna head up the town next to find out where rosies Lane got its name, (I always knew it as dunne stores Lane way!) But leave it with me. But before I do head up a bit about “cons”. There is never officially music in cons any night but the guitar is always ready come out out when ever anyone calls for it. It’s one of them unique places where the vibe is just always right. I’ve seen a man utd v liverpool match on a Sunday been turned off the telly because a song had to sung and no one batted an eyelid.
Another one was kildare beat Derry on a Saturday night and our president Michael D. Higgins came in to do some poetry and you could hear a pin drop during it even though we all taught that kildare where going to do it that year too!! Michael came down because his dad served his time in the army in newbridge and had digs in cons for a time believe it or not.
It’s a great meeting place full of chat,banter and song and the proprietor “young con” is an absolute gem full of information and a great singer. He does a mighty version of “some where over the rainbow” on the ukulele.!!
Chat soon christy and thanks for listening..
Christy's reply
Rosie lived in Rosie’s lane.First house on the right from the Moorefield end…she was a permanent fixture on “Neesons Corner” always there with a friendly greeting ..she used to call me Christoford…she’s keep “nix” for Hugh Neeson at closing time and rap the window if the Guards on the street..back then we had Guards Lawlor, Bradley, Kirwan, Creedon, Enright ( The Mitching Guard) and Smith ( the man on the motorbike)…Most of them lived in Artillery Place and I knew all the families well
I keep hearing great reports of singing sessions in Cummins….I believe that my own Father used sing a song there nearly 80 years ago…my brother-in-law, Peter Byrne ( a very good singer)visits there regular
great to get a bit of chat from the Old Home Town…thanks Sonsar
CM (71)
JOHNNIE M
Bord na mona man lyrics http://4711ers.prophpbb.com/topic3302.html
Enjoyed the O Donovan brothers rowing today fair play to them ….they did great.
CS (11)
Christy's reply
ta tú ar an liathród ansin a mhaicín….maith an fear…
the O’Donovan Brothers are the stuff of life…great to see them do so well in Brazil
Hi Christy, thanks for the reply, it’s the Bord Na mona man version off the boxset(yellow disc) thanks!!
I’ll get the lily album now that lady town gets a mention!! Looking forward to it! Nice one!
Jonnie
Christy's reply
lookin into it Jonnie ……
I’d forgotten about the “hidden”tracks on that box set
“blindfold up the North face, backstroke round The Horn”
Hi Christy,
Thanks for your feedback on the excitement of the Cambridge Folk Festival performance, which was also enjoyed by thousands of others on the night.
You were wondering about my connection with Droichead Nua – well I am a “blow in”, only here 40 years and working for Bord na Mona all that time – I knew Donal’s father Frank before he retired from BNM. I live at the Moorefield end of town but am neutral on GAA matters!
Apart from vinyls, CDs and videos, we have enjoyed seeing you singing locally at the Riverbank and memorably on a Junefest walk across the Curragh to Gibbet Rath.
Best wishes, may you continue to inspire your audiences for many more years.
Christy's reply
That was a great Curragh Walk 2 years back…I learned more history and local geography in those few hours then across all my school years…
Frank Lunny Senior was a great supporter of the music…Lunny’s was always a great rambling house and a lot of music came from those four walls……we are all blow-ins !!
Hi Christy
I think you have toured the UK and Ireland sufficiently by now. Time to come to Belgium…
Any plans?
An impatient fan
Paul
Christy's reply
I will forward your observation to the relevant authorities..it would worry me were I to cause any impatience in Belgium. I have always recieved hospitality and good vibrations there ,from Ghent to Aarschot..but do remember that I am only the singer in this operation..there are many other vital elements to draw together…fear not Paul…we are on the case
Hi Christy,
Just a quick one, I’m trying to work out the chords to Bord Na Mona man, and as I’m not a great guitarist, I can’t get it.. Any chance of a dig out??
Great to hear (just now) of your new album, I’m still wrapped up in the big black box set.. And I might never escape its grip!! I don’t even know if I want to escape it.. It’s amazing! As are you. Thanks for all the years entertainment, and here’s to many more years.
Cheers., Jonnie
Christy's reply
a call from Ladytown..happy to hear from that sweet Townland…slept in a haybarn there one night many years ago..
Jonnie,I’ll be happy to give you a dig out but I’ll need more info
What version of Bord na Móna man are we talking about ?
great to get a mention of the 2004 Box-Set..it was a lovely project about which I have good memories
Ladytown nearly gets a mention on LILY
Hi C. I strolled through the Horse Fair at Puck yesterday it has really grown in popularity over the years, so much so that it now held in a massive field on the edge of town of Killorglin. The cattle fair is on since early morning, this has remained on the streets of the town as is traditional and is not likely to ever move if the dealers have their way, thankfully it has not rained !!. So I listened to the King Puck album , it’s got some real gems and wonderful photos with great inputs from Pat Crowley and the late Jimmy Faulkner. I believe you prepare meticulously for everything you do and I know in One Voice you have spoken of the challenge to record Me and The Rose for this album. So I’m wondering how do you choose the titles for your Albums ? is King Puck an homage to the bodhrán or to goats ? or maybe a nod to the Travelling Community who always gather for Puck ? Or maybe its something different altoghter ? Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
Bodhráns,Goats and Shakespeare…
Neil MacColl joined us on some tracks, Máire Breathnach too, I was in Ballyvourney for a few weeks with King Puck… dropped into Peader Ó Ríada for frequent pots of tea, to listen to the birds and the bees,
I was not sure about including Johnny Connors….
myself and The Painter Maguire were going into the IFC to view the launch of Joe Comerford’s Film “High Boot Benny”..There was a young lad sitting on the pavement looking for the entrance fee…I asked him his name….”Johnny Connors Sir” sez he and in doing so solved my dilemna
Went to Puck Fair 40 years ago….Val and I with our infant Son, Davoc Rynnne and Mickey Carroll ( the greatest whistle player ever to come out of Allenwood)…have not been back since
I suppose you are in Football mode these days..its well for you that always gets such long runs in The Championship
Lost my brother Dennis the other week…….driving home after “celebrating” his life (I was sober) I put the radio on……RIDE ON was just starting……it said it all really….thanks…..Steven
sorry to read your news Steven……but its good to read that ,in sobriety, you could be part of that celebration of your brother’s life
Hi Christy,
here two of your Belgian fans !
we are so happy to have packed for our yearly visit to Ireland and to come to your gig. Our Donegal best friends Pat & Francis will join us again for the concert in Pettigo, like they did in the great northern in Bundoran two years ago. Pettigo will be for us again a new place, a new venue to see you. We’re so lucky you are still keeping up the good work for us, fans. We have no special requests, we’ll go with the flow.
Looking forward to a great gig on Saturday and also meeting some 4711ers.
in the meantime all the best !
Els & Piet
safe journey Eastwards…from the Flatlands of Belgium to The Hills of Donegal….
Time to set the compass to N/NW , or the Satnav nowadays I guess. Yeah Buncrana is always very welcoming …….but I can tell you now there is huge anticipation and excitement building in Pettigo. They are over the moon there that Christy is coming to town. . . . Looking forward to both gigs.
” Inishowen could then be known for its multimillionaires,
Where Donald Trump would have a chunk and live in solitaire ”
The Goats….@ 1991 I think
Hard to believe that Trump is in a 2 candidate race for the driving seat…he makes our Healy Rae buachaills look like men of foresight,compassion and wisdom….
hope The Goats are still grazing..I’ve listened to them betimes and liked them…tried a song of theirs a few years back but could not conquer it..
I’m looking forward to Pettigo..always a treat these days to play a new town…
all upcoming dates are “northerly” hope we catch some good weather along the way..thanks for your ongoing support
Christy, I will be coming to Ireland to see you and Van Morrison play during the week of September 15th in the Belfast area. . I am going to be at the Slieve Donard show and the 17/9/16 show at the Waterfront in Belfast. I was hoping you might play “Shine on Crazy Diamond.” I love your version of it. It’s like a whole new song. Also, if I could make one more request it would be “A pair of Brown Eyes”. Thank you, I look forward to both concerts with great anticipation. I was fortunate to see you in Tullomore last year and it was a brilliant show! I also had one question for you. Are you familiar with Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt? They are both from Texas and I wondered if you ever covered any of their songs. Like yourself they were both great songwriters. Thanks again, Patrick
OK Patrick…both those songs have featured over the past few months…our set evolves as the gig progresses..I have noted your requests and, if poss, we’ll roll em out on the night but no guarantees !!
I believe that Van’s gigs have been scintillating of late and The Slieve Donard is a really good room…take time to walk along the Seafront in Newcastle…also if you are interested , the Silent Valley is worth a walk and Slieve Gullion worthy of a trek
Hi there.
I just wanted to say that I’m looking forward to being at your gig in Buncrana. I’ve liked your music for quite a while now and have wanted to see you perform…
always a great welcome for songsters and listeners in Buncrana…I still recall many happy nights at The White Strand when Pat Barron ran gigs there in the 70s…In the 80s I played there with Moving Hearts…our gigs back then were held in The Lake of Shadows Hotel where late one night a beautiful melody was written by Donal, Eoghan and Declan who decided to call it after the Venue…its featured on the first Moving Hearts Album
Now the Olympics are all over, we’ll all be twiddlin our thumbs at night until 4am…and big Congratulations to our medalists…but I’ve started on The Box Set 1964-2004…a long standing agreement I had with meself to do so…Lay with me…100 Miles from his home…Ships in the Forest…so many, many I’d love to hear live…but sure…lucky to have these down and to be able to listen…there’s All I Remember …(Mick Hanly in Booterstown 7th Oct)
I love reading the notes on the booklet…the songs mean lots more..
Anyways, hope all is great, glad the music is good in Bantry..
Two CDs a night til we get back to normal hours…A Bolt of lightenin from the heavens….
always nice to hear that the Old Box is still getting a spin…..fair play to “Luke The Drifter” who curated the project with skill,patience, encouragement, dexterity, subtlety, humour, diligence and drink..we had planned to release a follower upper box set which was to have been titled “Box set mebollix Vol 2″….we had hoped to launch it in the GPO at Easter time of this year which ,of course, subsequently became impossible..we have now put it back to May 2045 which gives us a little more time to pull various strands together….any suggestions for tracks to be included will ,gratefully, be given due consideration by the adjudicating panel which may include Sean Donnellan, Patrick Hickey,John “head-the-ball” Delaney, Bertie Aherne, Michael Lowry, Pádraic Flynn, Liam Fay,Donald Trump, The Kilgarvan-Global-Warmers, Nora-Ban-The-Mickey-Mac-mo-gúna, éilish ban de craic ni tremble agin the doorawáin,
Good man Larr…keep doin the press-ups
movin anna groovin gonna satisfy ma soul
Hi Christy.
Myself and my son are coming to Ireland next week, and looking forward to seeing you in Pettigo next Sat.
I went to the Lisdoonvarna Festival a couple of times in the early 80s. Then last saw you in the Somerville Theater many years ago. when I got married we had the Voyage as our wedding song. It has a special meaning for me.
My son Ciaran plays Irish music here, He took lessons in Guitar and Mandolin from a Dubliner Patsy Whelan. So we are doing a music trip and he will be visiting family and playing in sessions around the country.
Hoping for good weather.
Maria
Pettigo here we come…Yipee…a new town is always greatly anticipated….hoe you both have a great trip Home
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrWmRddqlGE
How ya Christy, Just came across this tonight, its brilliant to see how one of the biggest boy bands in the world get their inspiration!!!!
Was also going through some of the pictures in the gallery there and a couple really stood out was the 1959 U-14 County Champions, the amount of lads on that team that I went to school with their sons, Tom keogh went on to win an All Ireland medal for Kildare U-21s . You taught him alot!!!
Seen John Coffey in another couple of frames there. I only met john a couple of years back and love listen to his stories. this year we used to meet after the kildare matches in “cons” and talk about the town and the barracks, good times roll on January!!
The tickets are got for vicar street in September really looking forward to this one. I hoping to hear a good few songs from the new album. Again what a fantastic album. mandolin mountain is my gem from that album i nearly have off tee and I’ll be spinning it out soon.
Fair Play to ya Christy.
Greetings to Moorefield Road this damp and dirty August morning…still down here on Bantry Bay marinating in Jigs, Reels, Strathspeys,Ragas and Mazurkas with a couple of double jigs thrown in alongside some beautiful slow airs plus a brace of morpheus lullabies.
Most memorable was a set from Bríd Harper, Dermot Byrne and Steve Cooney who performed a master class of Music.Steve opened proceedings last night with a beautifully chosen selection from Rúaidhri Dall Ó Cathain, O’Carolan and from The Goodman Collection
That 1959 County Champions team also featured Quinner Cash and Liam Casey both of whom pulled on the Lily White Jersey. If memory serves Quinner was the star of that 1959 team but Barry Woodgate was a tireless battler, Joe Jones at corner forward was skilful and tricky..they were heady days…our coach was Bro Alphonsus and our Team manager was Bro Aiden….we beat Caragh in the County Final and I was marking Pat Dunny who went on to become a legendary player in both codes….he played for Leinster in both Hurling and Football ( as did Babs Keating for Munster)
I get to meet John Coffey occasionally, always a pleasure to meet John and Gráinne (of the Lunny Clan) John is a great historian and archivist of all things Newbridge…a Town-loving exile (a bit like myself)
I keep meaning to ask him…what ever happened to Coffey’s Clock ?? any clues?
I am getting ready now to play the Lily tracks at upcoming gigs…I have gigged 9 of the songs so far but that was in twos and threes at various gigs..The Lost Tribe has not been gigged yet but I’m nearly there.
The Vicar Street,Dublin gig looks like being a sell out..funds are badly needed for The Rape Crisis Centre whose funding was severely cut back…..bizzare funding priorities exist in our beautiful country when victims of violent sexual abuse take second place to myriads of trophy projects…
Talk of Tom (Rubber) Keogh reminds me of his son Paul Keogh a stalwart of the ongoing music heritage of Newbridge. Along with Lenny Cahill and King Modo they continue to create their music and to keep the flag flying. Recently met Ciaran Dwyer over in London. He is on his own music journey and moved to London after his successful gig at this years June-Fest…
A long reply to your post Sonsar but its pissin down rain here in Bantry and I left me rubber boots in San Francisco
Well done, Sue, I’d half forgotten On a Single Day, and how chilling an effect it has on me.
It was a beautiful programme, Christy, as you rightly say. I’ve listened to it a couple of times now – in combination with On a Single Day, it creates a sombre mood. Thinking aloud, about Lovely Young One, hasn’t that also got the feel of a keened song?
If anyone else is interested, the podcast is now available:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02pc9qx/episodes/downloads
“O My Lovely Young One
O my Lovely Young One
Gone from Tír na nÓg to Tír na nÓíche”
Just back in from an evening of music and song in Bantry where
John Flanagan
Colm Gannon
Máíre ní Gráda
Conal Ó Gráda
Steve Cooney
Colm Mac Con Iomaire ….all blest us with their divine talents
we are dizzy with music and song…it was an evening of pure beauty assembled by Martin Hayes on the third night of this years Masters of The Tradition Festival which is now in its 14th year.There was not a dull moment in the 4 hours.
Colm Gannon just blew us all away….his accordeon (and melodeon) playing were as good as anything I have ever heard and Steve Cooney was stuck to him the whole way……I feel blest to have heard it all, to have the health and hearing to be there… Colm Mac Con Iomaire cast a late night spell upon us all…John Flanagan set the ball rolling with two beautiful (allegorical) songs. The Ó Grada set was beautiful, brother and sister on Uileann Pipes and Flute …..
I’m still buzzing from it all….I need to sing a few quiet lullabies to myself here and perhaps find some sleep
Hi Christy
A bit slower off the mark than Helen I’m afraid, and I won’t provide the link as she’s been good enough to do so. I’d never win gold in the Olympics would I? But it is a very interesting programme, and I may be wrong, but I think you may have featured one of the keeners on the programme, Brigid Mullin, On “On A Single Day”. Thought the new album was great by the way, and looking forward to hear you gig the new songs as soon as I can.
Take care.
Sue
well spotted Sue..it was a lovely moment when Brigid’s voice came keening from the wireless….thanks to BBC radio Ulster for this precious documentary..it was made with love and care
There’s a programmes on BBC Radio 4, right now, called Songs for the Dead:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07npx1f
Now I really must pay attention to it …
Thanks Helen, it has taken me a day to get to hear this beautiful programme…really appreciate you pointing it out to us…anyone else listening??? Ochón is Ochón
I’ve found a great record of yours not listed on your discography as it is a promo for use in the United States. It’s dated 1988, and I must say that you look good in a purple scarf. I’ll post front and back photos to your Facebook; you’ll enjoy I’m sure.
Thanks for all the great music.
Thanks for sharing Gabe. That was a compilation album released by Atlantic Records in New York when I went over to play Carnegie Hall.I remember the staff at Carnegie particularly well. Also remember the album sleeve. The Green Báinín was knitted by a woman in Glenties, Co Donegal, the portrait by Amelia Stein of Dublin….all the music gleaned from Warners albums of the 80s and compiled by the Label.
This coming Tuesday 16th, we have a great guest to look forward to on Sin é radio show. Davóg Rynne joins us for some chat and music. Davóg is a bit of an all-rounder…singer, actor, poet, promoter, Bodhrán player extraordinaire…we know it’ll be interested…9-11pm on 103.2fm 103.2 Dublin City FM. Thank you.
soud as a bill
How ya christy. Since our last chat I went out for a bit for digging on how “Chinatown” got its name. Now it’s not made in stone which I suppose adds to the character and the myth of the town.. but word on the street has it that many years ago an English man known as “China”Harbridge lived in the town. His residential area became locally known as Chinatown and there is a few explanations how it got its nickname.
1: He was fond of using the term, “my old china” in conversation
2: He used to play an old song on the trumpet called “Chinatown my old Chinatown”
3: Most of the “old boys” insisted that the real reason he was known as China was because of his yellow complection. From which is probably the most likely explanation! Known the newbridge rumour..
So I’m gonna head up the town next to find out where rosies Lane got its name, (I always knew it as dunne stores Lane way!) But leave it with me. But before I do head up a bit about “cons”. There is never officially music in cons any night but the guitar is always ready come out out when ever anyone calls for it. It’s one of them unique places where the vibe is just always right. I’ve seen a man utd v liverpool match on a Sunday been turned off the telly because a song had to sung and no one batted an eyelid.
Another one was kildare beat Derry on a Saturday night and our president Michael D. Higgins came in to do some poetry and you could hear a pin drop during it even though we all taught that kildare where going to do it that year too!! Michael came down because his dad served his time in the army in newbridge and had digs in cons for a time believe it or not.
It’s a great meeting place full of chat,banter and song and the proprietor “young con” is an absolute gem full of information and a great singer. He does a mighty version of “some where over the rainbow” on the ukulele.!!
Chat soon christy and thanks for listening..
Rosie lived in Rosie’s lane.First house on the right from the Moorefield end…she was a permanent fixture on “Neesons Corner” always there with a friendly greeting ..she used to call me Christoford…she’s keep “nix” for Hugh Neeson at closing time and rap the window if the Guards on the street..back then we had Guards Lawlor, Bradley, Kirwan, Creedon, Enright ( The Mitching Guard) and Smith ( the man on the motorbike)…Most of them lived in Artillery Place and I knew all the families well
I keep hearing great reports of singing sessions in Cummins….I believe that my own Father used sing a song there nearly 80 years ago…my brother-in-law, Peter Byrne ( a very good singer)visits there regular
great to get a bit of chat from the Old Home Town…thanks Sonsar
CM (71)
JOHNNIE M
Bord na mona man lyrics http://4711ers.prophpbb.com/topic3302.html
Enjoyed the O Donovan brothers rowing today fair play to them ….they did great.
CS (11)
ta tú ar an liathród ansin a mhaicín….maith an fear…
the O’Donovan Brothers are the stuff of life…great to see them do so well in Brazil
two big Galway games today..the clash of the ash
lying low here at the moment
Hi Christy, thanks for the reply, it’s the Bord Na mona man version off the boxset(yellow disc) thanks!!
I’ll get the lily album now that lady town gets a mention!! Looking forward to it! Nice one!
Jonnie
lookin into it Jonnie ……
I’d forgotten about the “hidden”tracks on that box set
“blindfold up the North face, backstroke round The Horn”
Hi Christy,
Thanks for your feedback on the excitement of the Cambridge Folk Festival performance, which was also enjoyed by thousands of others on the night.
You were wondering about my connection with Droichead Nua – well I am a “blow in”, only here 40 years and working for Bord na Mona all that time – I knew Donal’s father Frank before he retired from BNM. I live at the Moorefield end of town but am neutral on GAA matters!
Apart from vinyls, CDs and videos, we have enjoyed seeing you singing locally at the Riverbank and memorably on a Junefest walk across the Curragh to Gibbet Rath.
Best wishes, may you continue to inspire your audiences for many more years.
That was a great Curragh Walk 2 years back…I learned more history and local geography in those few hours then across all my school years…
Frank Lunny Senior was a great supporter of the music…Lunny’s was always a great rambling house and a lot of music came from those four walls……we are all blow-ins !!
Hi Christy
I think you have toured the UK and Ireland sufficiently by now. Time to come to Belgium…
Any plans?
An impatient fan
Paul
I will forward your observation to the relevant authorities..it would worry me were I to cause any impatience in Belgium. I have always recieved hospitality and good vibrations there ,from Ghent to Aarschot..but do remember that I am only the singer in this operation..there are many other vital elements to draw together…fear not Paul…we are on the case
Hi Christy,
Just a quick one, I’m trying to work out the chords to Bord Na Mona man, and as I’m not a great guitarist, I can’t get it.. Any chance of a dig out??
Great to hear (just now) of your new album, I’m still wrapped up in the big black box set.. And I might never escape its grip!! I don’t even know if I want to escape it.. It’s amazing! As are you. Thanks for all the years entertainment, and here’s to many more years.
Cheers., Jonnie
a call from Ladytown..happy to hear from that sweet Townland…slept in a haybarn there one night many years ago..
Jonnie,I’ll be happy to give you a dig out but I’ll need more info
What version of Bord na Móna man are we talking about ?
great to get a mention of the 2004 Box-Set..it was a lovely project about which I have good memories
Ladytown nearly gets a mention on LILY
Hi C. I strolled through the Horse Fair at Puck yesterday it has really grown in popularity over the years, so much so that it now held in a massive field on the edge of town of Killorglin. The cattle fair is on since early morning, this has remained on the streets of the town as is traditional and is not likely to ever move if the dealers have their way, thankfully it has not rained !!. So I listened to the King Puck album , it’s got some real gems and wonderful photos with great inputs from Pat Crowley and the late Jimmy Faulkner. I believe you prepare meticulously for everything you do and I know in One Voice you have spoken of the challenge to record Me and The Rose for this album. So I’m wondering how do you choose the titles for your Albums ? is King Puck an homage to the bodhrán or to goats ? or maybe a nod to the Travelling Community who always gather for Puck ? Or maybe its something different altoghter ? Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Bodhráns,Goats and Shakespeare…
Neil MacColl joined us on some tracks, Máire Breathnach too, I was in Ballyvourney for a few weeks with King Puck… dropped into Peader Ó Ríada for frequent pots of tea, to listen to the birds and the bees,
I was not sure about including Johnny Connors….
myself and The Painter Maguire were going into the IFC to view the launch of Joe Comerford’s Film “High Boot Benny”..There was a young lad sitting on the pavement looking for the entrance fee…I asked him his name….”Johnny Connors Sir” sez he and in doing so solved my dilemna
Went to Puck Fair 40 years ago….Val and I with our infant Son, Davoc Rynnne and Mickey Carroll ( the greatest whistle player ever to come out of Allenwood)…have not been back since
I suppose you are in Football mode these days..its well for you that always gets such long runs in The Championship