Wally Page is doing his monthly gig in The Annesley House pub on the North Strand Rd this coming Friday at 9pm…with Johnny Mulhearn and band, he’ll be knockin spots off the hits…
Christy's reply
“Mammies and Daddies and skipping ropes
lectures from Holy Men living in hope
that they’ve not mistaken the brand of their coats
paid for by their spiritual teachings”
………From “Smoke & Strong Whiskey”,the first Wally Page song I learned and recorded 30 years ago.We first met when I ran a series of gigs n The Meeting Place, Dorset St., Dublin circa 1976.Wally was in a Band (The Tara Band, I think) and his songs and singing really shone through.40 years later I still consider him to be one of our greatest songwriters.
Hi Christy, Memory coming under pressure but would put money on Convery’s being a pub. You have me on the Teddy Boy. The shoemaker’s shop opposite Coffey’s side door was MP Roach. Nesty Dolan/Dowling was from Chinatown and was in my class in the N.S. The Black Arrow was a Barrack’s gang from the top end and the Super Six were from the bottom end. I remember that I would not delay passing Super Six territory by Doody’s and Noone’s on my way to Parkinson’s/Eddie’s or Cox’s (where we dealt). You mentioned Breen’s shop and I remember Mr. Jack Breen had the hardware on one side and Mrs. Breen had a drapery on the other side. I bought my fish hooks there at an old halfpenny each. Children were Anne, Seamus and Tom. Around the corner was Capt. Murrihy and I think that you are correct about his son playing in goal for the county. His name was Morny. Tim Clarke was the GAA Co. Sec. for many years and he could be relied on for a chase out of St. Conleth’s Park during the week. Never knew him to be the Town Clerk, only Tom Corcoran.
Christy's reply
great to get confirmation of Black Arrow and Super Six who have occupied a corner of my memory for 60 years…
Not sure about the first Teddyboy , but Christy “Nestie” Dowling was our man. Converys had homemade icepops, Buns sold single cigs` and you got a lend of a match. The Army were on the bridge for a while in the late 50s ( the other army lads were in the Curragh Jail), my Father could pick up the army walkie talkies on the old wireless, ” will you get five bags of Mrs Dunnes chips, over and out”. Tim Clarke lived by the river, we often called in to borrow the County leather football, I was well in. Were you in the Black Arrow ?
Christy's reply
Hey John ..I remember Nesty Dolan..was there 2 Nestie’s ? Indeed I was not in The Arrow ,they were before my time…I think Blacky King was one of the Commanding Officers…. The first full teddy boy I remember was when Turlough McGowan came home from England circa 1960. He had the full gear..drainpipes, suede shoes and the bootlace tie. ( and he brought some Spangles )….one of the Rooneys ( Frankie’s Brother ?) was an early Teddier too..I remember Nesty having the gear but not in the early stages…..was Convery’s a pub ???…was there a Mr Roche, bootmaker down Coffey’s Lane past O’Brien’s Cycles?
Hi Christy, Just to jog your memory and John’s. Johnson’s was Convery’s in the late 50s and early 60s (son Brendan would have been a year or two younger than you). Paddy (Boiler) White also had it for a while. I think that it was called The Liffey Arms in his time. Frankie……
Christy's reply
hey Frankie…I remember Convery’s shop but did not realize it was a licensed premises…I recall Mr Convery..he wore distinctive glasses….I recall Brendan too…I also fondly remember Breen’s Hardware…Mr and Mrs Breen, Jack and Tom who was in the same class as myself….and Paddy Murrihy around the corner was the Town Clerk ( or was that Tim Clarke, Tom Corcoran had that gig too..him of the beautiful daughters ) I could be wrong but I think Paddy Murrihy’s son played in Goal for the county (or was it for The Sash?)…I’m having a serious bottom-of-the-town reminisce here..back when Bun Higgins was the best eatery in town..long before Andy Fusciardi or Joe McTernan showed up….but no one has ever matched Mrs Dunne (back street) for chips AND ,let us not forget, the first Juke Box in Newbridge…. OK Frankie, heres one for you…who was the first real Teddy Boy in Newbridge…do you remember “The Black Arrow” and the “Super Six” (not sure about the 2nd one)…..is Paddy Cullen still “over ” the altar boys, Guard Enright and his mitching bike with the twin crossbars….The Mons Miller (“its not my school, its your school, each and every one of your schools” and he tearing into us from the pulpit with his eyes closed) Bro Ultan, Michael,Raymond, (feckin hard chaw),Aiden, Alphonsus, Brendan ( Kerry Boaster) and Lazerian, ( come out ye dyin fish)….I’ll save the Nuns for another night !!
Christy, thank you kindly for your prompt response, it says a lot that you take the time to respond personally. Regrettably, John Morley passed away a couple of years ago but the good folks in ballyhappiness are delighted that your departure from our little town may have in a small way contributed to your succces and the significant contribution you have made Irish music. Thank you sincerely and as special request will you remember to do the Diamantina Drover for the cattle folk in ballyhappiness when you hit Mayo..powereful song.
Christy's reply
Hugh McDonald who wrote that beautiful song pass away last month..catch him on YouTube
Christy, top class show in the Brandon last night. Travelled down from Ballyhaunis – a place you might remember! Think your in Claremorris in March – hope to catch you then.
Christy's reply
I will never forget my year in Ballyhaunis back in 1964….used to take the odd pint in John Morleys bar beside the Old National Bank..used to sing ballads in the digs ( Mrs Nestor’s above the Barber Shop.. a real home away from home)
20 years later I returned to play The Midas Club for Paul Claffey..always a good night there but the gig never started til 11.30 even tho it said 9pm on the poster….the Ballyhaunis listeners knew that I would not start without them…is Paul Claffey still sending turf to Manhattan ?
Hi Christy,
Thanks for a great night in The Brandon Hotel last night. It was myself who shouted up about Coilldubh and the request for Tyrone Boys. It was brilliant being called up and getting the Plectrum and a handshake!
Also thanks for the photo afterwards, It only took about 10 years to finally meet you!
Christy's reply
hope you got back safe to Castletownbere… a tastie spot no doubt..see you along the way Ruairí…..
Thanks for a wonderful night of Moores melodies last night in the Brandon.It was musical pleasure from start to finish Timeless classics from your hit factory.A lovely venue for a gigThanks again Christy.Nollaig shona dhuit.
Christy's reply
Fair play Daithí..you braved it over the top and freewheeled down into Killarney…Yes, The Brandon is a good room and I was glad to play there again….last time was 2003…must nearly be time for a shufty back to your neck of the woods….its been a few years since we visited Bobby’s
Dear Christy, rumours came around that another Germany (or EU?) tour is not out of the question … Now THIS would be great news to brighten up this end of a (in some aspects) miserable year!! Going down the autobahn to Stuttgart with Joxer, dipping in the Amsterdam Grachten, tasting Belgium chocolates and Swiss Toblerone, hear you play in Hamburg’s brandnew Elbphilharmonie hall – sweet dreams …
Christy's reply
or the Musichalle or Markethalle or Faberge or Sviebel or Fasan’s Kneipe
Hi All… Well ” my hometown gig ” was only mighty….I could be biased but I did think the welcome was warm and the singing and listening was pretty good too,,,the gig had a something for everyone,, “Songs for glory, songs for fun, sad songs ” ,,maybe not in the native tongue but we did hear a cupla focal !! maybe nothing with forty verses but there was Lisdoon and Joxer,,,, and Bright Blue Rose,,and some wonderful Kerry songs or songs with Kerry connections,,and recognition of songwriters like Martin Egan, Sigerson Clifford and our Rebel neighbours Jimmy Mac and John Spillane, the rendition of Boys of Barr na Sraide was emotional,,,there were dedications to young listeners and a nod to the mighty gigs in Knocknagoshel in July 2013 The preperation that goes into all gigs was very evident,,,.Mile buiochas Christy. Beir bua agus Beannacht. H
Christy's reply
I cannot understand singers who fail to attribute songwriters…..particularily songwriters who might be unknown to the general public….songwriters sometimes need singers but singers always need songwriters…….
You Biased concerning Kerry !! Never !! Are’nt Kerry people justly renowned for their modesty when it comes to discussing their native sod ?..more then can be said for a certain nearby county whose name I could not even dare to mention….
No worries Christy. I knew I was chancing my arm a bit.
Did you ever come across a Dylan song called ‘Percy’s Song’? Powerful stuff. It’s an out an out folk song, not one for the rockers.
Only looking in here now – as I’ve brother Barry (‘Be Well’) playing on my headphones. Thanks for reply C, anytime I’m asked that Q where would you ‘stop that video [of ones life]’ for me it will be the entire Ballisodare Folk Festival ’78 and ’79. There were festivals, great folk festivals and Ballisodare Folk Festival, you’re right,they were top-notch especially the early ones.
Christy's reply
it was Chuck Berry that put the kibosh on it…a but like putting Joe Heaney on in Castle Donnington
Hi – long time fan along with wife (Octagon concert @UWA Perth).
Have a question regarding live at the point DVD – is it available anywhere at all?
Wish you would be able to tour down under again as we miss your concerts.
Regards
Lee
Christy's reply
there was a “Live at The Point” CD ( circa1990) but no DVD……there was a DVD called ” Live in Dublin” which was recorded in 2006..that is still available on Amazon and ebay…..
I miss the trips to OZ myself…Perth and Fremantle were always good….
(if you bump into Maura from Dublin,we send love and best wishes)
Hi Christy, it’s great to have you in Kerry again on Friday night. Never heard you playing in the Brandon hotel before. Any hope of singing The Curragh of Kildare or Alende , they are 2 great songs. Really looking forward to the concert and the Best of Luck to you, Declan and Jim on Friday night. It should be another great night.
Christy's reply
OK Mike…I’ve taken note..we’ll see what way the wind blows..its 13 years since I last played The Brandon….and 30 years since I played out front in The Dome….. ( God Blasht it) with Gaybo and The Pretty Polly tights..and beauty Queens from Tashkent and Istanbul, Long Kesh and Liverpool…. with lotsa gay bachelors from Ballybunion to protect their Rosy virtues
Another year nearly over Christy,enjoyed the gig in Pontio cracking night,Getting ready for the winter, stocked the cupboards got the wood in for the stove,made plenty of Bara Brith.
Christy's reply
sure thing Geraint…a strange year….we bade farewell to many special friends… watched the arrival of some with shock and horror..
still we carry on, as best we can, one day at a time…..baking the brith, bagging the logs, chording the songs,rhyming the words, finding the tunes, tying the flies, casting the lines…
we gained a beautiful new grand-daughter yesterday….and we lost a dear friend….the highs and lows.. and all the bits between
Enjoying reading Guts by Roddy Doyle…..at one part the lads are debating who to see at the Electric Picnic in 2012…..they decide to see none other than our beloved Christy…..the classic quote from one of them “everyone loves Christy Moore, it’s like having one of your neighbours playing up on stage”!!!
Just an ordinary man, nothing special, nothing grand……(though few on this forum would agree…….)
BearClancy
Christy's reply
Thanks Bear….Roddy is a great writer…
its the songs Bear…..I only deliver them…all part of the act Bear….just like The Clancys, The Dubliners and all who went before…we learn the lines… we go out and deliver them…its the songs, the melodies, the night, the light, the chords, the passion betimes, the shapes , the state of the state,
OK, many of us do our act with sincerity,passion, varying degrees of skill, supporting musicians, supporting technicians and crew…. for that we gain many and varied rewards….any love gleaned is for the work…
“I’m a Messenger Boy bringing my love to you ” ( Christie Hennessy)
Just because the yanks go and do something ridiculous…..do we have to follow suit….
” Bertie dear don’t come any near to me,
Bertie dear don’t come any near to me,
Bertie dear don’t come any near to me,
Maybe I shouldn’t sez Bertie…………….”
I remember you singing it but not exactly where or when !!
Hard to believe they’re serious about asking him back into F.F.
Christy's reply
I read this morning that “he knew nothing about it” yeah bert….nothing but the same old story
Wally Page is doing his monthly gig in The Annesley House pub on the North Strand Rd this coming Friday at 9pm…with Johnny Mulhearn and band, he’ll be knockin spots off the hits…
“Mammies and Daddies and skipping ropes
lectures from Holy Men living in hope
that they’ve not mistaken the brand of their coats
paid for by their spiritual teachings”
………From “Smoke & Strong Whiskey”,the first Wally Page song I learned and recorded 30 years ago.We first met when I ran a series of gigs n The Meeting Place, Dorset St., Dublin circa 1976.Wally was in a Band (The Tara Band, I think) and his songs and singing really shone through.40 years later I still consider him to be one of our greatest songwriters.
Hi Christy, Memory coming under pressure but would put money on Convery’s being a pub. You have me on the Teddy Boy. The shoemaker’s shop opposite Coffey’s side door was MP Roach. Nesty Dolan/Dowling was from Chinatown and was in my class in the N.S. The Black Arrow was a Barrack’s gang from the top end and the Super Six were from the bottom end. I remember that I would not delay passing Super Six territory by Doody’s and Noone’s on my way to Parkinson’s/Eddie’s or Cox’s (where we dealt). You mentioned Breen’s shop and I remember Mr. Jack Breen had the hardware on one side and Mrs. Breen had a drapery on the other side. I bought my fish hooks there at an old halfpenny each. Children were Anne, Seamus and Tom. Around the corner was Capt. Murrihy and I think that you are correct about his son playing in goal for the county. His name was Morny. Tim Clarke was the GAA Co. Sec. for many years and he could be relied on for a chase out of St. Conleth’s Park during the week. Never knew him to be the Town Clerk, only Tom Corcoran.
great to get confirmation of Black Arrow and Super Six who have occupied a corner of my memory for 60 years…
Not sure about the first Teddyboy , but Christy “Nestie” Dowling was our man. Converys had homemade icepops, Buns sold single cigs` and you got a lend of a match. The Army were on the bridge for a while in the late 50s ( the other army lads were in the Curragh Jail), my Father could pick up the army walkie talkies on the old wireless, ” will you get five bags of Mrs Dunnes chips, over and out”. Tim Clarke lived by the river, we often called in to borrow the County leather football, I was well in. Were you in the Black Arrow ?
Hey John ..I remember Nesty Dolan..was there 2 Nestie’s ? Indeed I was not in The Arrow ,they were before my time…I think Blacky King was one of the Commanding Officers…. The first full teddy boy I remember was when Turlough McGowan came home from England circa 1960. He had the full gear..drainpipes, suede shoes and the bootlace tie. ( and he brought some Spangles )….one of the Rooneys ( Frankie’s Brother ?) was an early Teddier too..I remember Nesty having the gear but not in the early stages…..was Convery’s a pub ???…was there a Mr Roche, bootmaker down Coffey’s Lane past O’Brien’s Cycles?
Hi Christy, Just to jog your memory and John’s. Johnson’s was Convery’s in the late 50s and early 60s (son Brendan would have been a year or two younger than you). Paddy (Boiler) White also had it for a while. I think that it was called The Liffey Arms in his time. Frankie……
hey Frankie…I remember Convery’s shop but did not realize it was a licensed premises…I recall Mr Convery..he wore distinctive glasses….I recall Brendan too…I also fondly remember Breen’s Hardware…Mr and Mrs Breen, Jack and Tom who was in the same class as myself….and Paddy Murrihy around the corner was the Town Clerk ( or was that Tim Clarke, Tom Corcoran had that gig too..him of the beautiful daughters ) I could be wrong but I think Paddy Murrihy’s son played in Goal for the county (or was it for The Sash?)…I’m having a serious bottom-of-the-town reminisce here..back when Bun Higgins was the best eatery in town..long before Andy Fusciardi or Joe McTernan showed up….but no one has ever matched Mrs Dunne (back street) for chips AND ,let us not forget, the first Juke Box in Newbridge…. OK Frankie, heres one for you…who was the first real Teddy Boy in Newbridge…do you remember “The Black Arrow” and the “Super Six” (not sure about the 2nd one)…..is Paddy Cullen still “over ” the altar boys, Guard Enright and his mitching bike with the twin crossbars….The Mons Miller (“its not my school, its your school, each and every one of your schools” and he tearing into us from the pulpit with his eyes closed) Bro Ultan, Michael,Raymond, (feckin hard chaw),Aiden, Alphonsus, Brendan ( Kerry Boaster) and Lazerian, ( come out ye dyin fish)….I’ll save the Nuns for another night !!
Christy, thank you kindly for your prompt response, it says a lot that you take the time to respond personally. Regrettably, John Morley passed away a couple of years ago but the good folks in ballyhappiness are delighted that your departure from our little town may have in a small way contributed to your succces and the significant contribution you have made Irish music. Thank you sincerely and as special request will you remember to do the Diamantina Drover for the cattle folk in ballyhappiness when you hit Mayo..powereful song.
Hugh McDonald who wrote that beautiful song pass away last month..catch him on YouTube
Christy, top class show in the Brandon last night. Travelled down from Ballyhaunis – a place you might remember! Think your in Claremorris in March – hope to catch you then.
I will never forget my year in Ballyhaunis back in 1964….used to take the odd pint in John Morleys bar beside the Old National Bank..used to sing ballads in the digs ( Mrs Nestor’s above the Barber Shop.. a real home away from home)
20 years later I returned to play The Midas Club for Paul Claffey..always a good night there but the gig never started til 11.30 even tho it said 9pm on the poster….the Ballyhaunis listeners knew that I would not start without them…is Paul Claffey still sending turf to Manhattan ?
Hi Christy,
Thanks for a great night in The Brandon Hotel last night. It was myself who shouted up about Coilldubh and the request for Tyrone Boys. It was brilliant being called up and getting the Plectrum and a handshake!
Also thanks for the photo afterwards, It only took about 10 years to finally meet you!
hope you got back safe to Castletownbere… a tastie spot no doubt..see you along the way Ruairí…..
Thanks for a wonderful night of Moores melodies last night in the Brandon.It was musical pleasure from start to finish Timeless classics from your hit factory.A lovely venue for a gigThanks again Christy.Nollaig shona dhuit.
Fair play Daithí..you braved it over the top and freewheeled down into Killarney…Yes, The Brandon is a good room and I was glad to play there again….last time was 2003…must nearly be time for a shufty back to your neck of the woods….its been a few years since we visited Bobby’s
Dear Christy, rumours came around that another Germany (or EU?) tour is not out of the question … Now THIS would be great news to brighten up this end of a (in some aspects) miserable year!! Going down the autobahn to Stuttgart with Joxer, dipping in the Amsterdam Grachten, tasting Belgium chocolates and Swiss Toblerone, hear you play in Hamburg’s brandnew Elbphilharmonie hall – sweet dreams …
or the Musichalle or Markethalle or Faberge or Sviebel or Fasan’s Kneipe
P.S…. Sorry I omitted to mention our very very own Christie Hennessy there,, !! H
“two big dogs and a man shouts who goes there”
Hi All… Well ” my hometown gig ” was only mighty….I could be biased but I did think the welcome was warm and the singing and listening was pretty good too,,,the gig had a something for everyone,, “Songs for glory, songs for fun, sad songs ” ,,maybe not in the native tongue but we did hear a cupla focal !! maybe nothing with forty verses but there was Lisdoon and Joxer,,,, and Bright Blue Rose,,and some wonderful Kerry songs or songs with Kerry connections,,and recognition of songwriters like Martin Egan, Sigerson Clifford and our Rebel neighbours Jimmy Mac and John Spillane, the rendition of Boys of Barr na Sraide was emotional,,,there were dedications to young listeners and a nod to the mighty gigs in Knocknagoshel in July 2013 The preperation that goes into all gigs was very evident,,,.Mile buiochas Christy. Beir bua agus Beannacht. H
I cannot understand singers who fail to attribute songwriters…..particularily songwriters who might be unknown to the general public….songwriters sometimes need singers but singers always need songwriters…….
You Biased concerning Kerry !! Never !! Are’nt Kerry people justly renowned for their modesty when it comes to discussing their native sod ?..more then can be said for a certain nearby county whose name I could not even dare to mention….
No worries Christy. I knew I was chancing my arm a bit.
Did you ever come across a Dylan song called ‘Percy’s Song’? Powerful stuff. It’s an out an out folk song, not one for the rockers.
great song …heard Joan Baez and Sandy Denny
Only looking in here now – as I’ve brother Barry (‘Be Well’) playing on my headphones. Thanks for reply C, anytime I’m asked that Q where would you ‘stop that video [of ones life]’ for me it will be the entire Ballisodare Folk Festival ’78 and ’79. There were festivals, great folk festivals and Ballisodare Folk Festival, you’re right,they were top-notch especially the early ones.
it was Chuck Berry that put the kibosh on it…a but like putting Joe Heaney on in Castle Donnington
Hello Christy,
Do you have plans to come over to the Netherlands soon? Or do we have to come over to ireland to attend one of your gigs?
Take care,t
Martie
nothing definite Martie…still hoping it will happen
Hi Christy,
Any plans of coming over the pond and doing a gig up north? Last time you were up here was a while ago at the Sage which was a fantastic gig.
Regards
Parko76
plans are being hatched towards the end of 2017…keep an eye on the gig page….waiting for The Magpies to return home
Hi – long time fan along with wife (Octagon concert @UWA Perth).
Have a question regarding live at the point DVD – is it available anywhere at all?
Wish you would be able to tour down under again as we miss your concerts.
Regards
Lee
there was a “Live at The Point” CD ( circa1990) but no DVD……there was a DVD called ” Live in Dublin” which was recorded in 2006..that is still available on Amazon and ebay…..
I miss the trips to OZ myself…Perth and Fremantle were always good….
(if you bump into Maura from Dublin,we send love and best wishes)
Hi Christy, it’s great to have you in Kerry again on Friday night. Never heard you playing in the Brandon hotel before. Any hope of singing The Curragh of Kildare or Alende , they are 2 great songs. Really looking forward to the concert and the Best of Luck to you, Declan and Jim on Friday night. It should be another great night.
OK Mike…I’ve taken note..we’ll see what way the wind blows..its 13 years since I last played The Brandon….and 30 years since I played out front in The Dome….. ( God Blasht it) with Gaybo and The Pretty Polly tights..and beauty Queens from Tashkent and Istanbul, Long Kesh and Liverpool…. with lotsa gay bachelors from Ballybunion to protect their Rosy virtues
Another year nearly over Christy,enjoyed the gig in Pontio cracking night,Getting ready for the winter, stocked the cupboards got the wood in for the stove,made plenty of Bara Brith.
sure thing Geraint…a strange year….we bade farewell to many special friends… watched the arrival of some with shock and horror..
still we carry on, as best we can, one day at a time…..baking the brith, bagging the logs, chording the songs,rhyming the words, finding the tunes, tying the flies, casting the lines…
we gained a beautiful new grand-daughter yesterday….and we lost a dear friend….the highs and lows.. and all the bits between
Enjoying reading Guts by Roddy Doyle…..at one part the lads are debating who to see at the Electric Picnic in 2012…..they decide to see none other than our beloved Christy…..the classic quote from one of them “everyone loves Christy Moore, it’s like having one of your neighbours playing up on stage”!!!
Just an ordinary man, nothing special, nothing grand……(though few on this forum would agree…….)
BearClancy
Thanks Bear….Roddy is a great writer…
its the songs Bear…..I only deliver them…all part of the act Bear….just like The Clancys, The Dubliners and all who went before…we learn the lines… we go out and deliver them…its the songs, the melodies, the night, the light, the chords, the passion betimes, the shapes , the state of the state,
OK, many of us do our act with sincerity,passion, varying degrees of skill, supporting musicians, supporting technicians and crew…. for that we gain many and varied rewards….any love gleaned is for the work…
“I’m a Messenger Boy bringing my love to you ” ( Christie Hennessy)
Just because the yanks go and do something ridiculous…..do we have to follow suit….
” Bertie dear don’t come any near to me,
Bertie dear don’t come any near to me,
Bertie dear don’t come any near to me,
Maybe I shouldn’t sez Bertie…………….”
I remember you singing it but not exactly where or when !!
Hard to believe they’re serious about asking him back into F.F.
I read this morning that “he knew nothing about it” yeah bert….nothing but the same old story