Christy
We are back in the UK after having a superb evening in Limerick last night.
My son Christy really enjoyed being mentioned by yourself and loved the show as it was his first time to see you.
We really appreciate your music and humour. Last night you were on top form and we wish you continued good health and happiness.
God bless
Christy hi, We have an infestation of the wee critters, my stepson caught 12 last night, trouble is that ‘er indoors insists they are caught alive and let out by the shed. As they can find their way back from 2 miles, the shed being only 10 yards away means we will have 24 tonight !
Anyway that pointless information leads me to thinking of the Handsome Family song ‘peace in the valley once again’ which is such a lovely sound, and to be fair an overdue return to those other species ruling with peace where our species so obviously fail.
Rory
On Thursday just gone there was in item on the radio remembering Ray Houghton’s famous goal in Stuttgart in 1988 (I think it was RTE 1). I had an instant flashback to seeing you perform live on a program on RTE TV some years after you’d written your tribute to that day, and apologising to the producer that you were about to perform a different song to what you had rehearsed because you had just spotted Jack Charlton in the audience. Two great memories there that made me smile.
Thanks,
Ciaran
Christy's reply
37 years later…we still celebrate Ray Houghton’s goal….
now we can also celebrate Amber Barrett’s in Hamden Park in 2022….
Up Down….Lilys for the McCarthy Cup in 2026..Face The Puc-Out
Hello Christy Brilliant Night In Chuck Feeneys Loved the New Verse in The DTS THANKS FOR all the songs see you again soon hopefully
Christy's reply
John…. I rehearsed it before the gig..was all set to give it a blast…dont know what became of it….all sorts of songs appeared last night…sadly Duffy never made the cut !!…hopefully next time our paths cross…its a great song…another classic from Wally Page’s classic legacy
Sounds like a few jolly ravers at sea with Fin.. “So Do I” is my favourite song, and as it pours down today I think of the line “when the rain puts a shine on the chestnut spikes”.. pure magic in Wally’s writing..
finbar
June 12, 2025 at 1:13 pm
Location: Somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea between Roma and Barcelona
Hi Christy, hope you a doing well. On a cruise ship sing a few songs with Tommy Makem’s two sons and a bunch of musicians from Boston. The last time I sang on a ship was with the Pecker Dunne on a B&I from Holyhead to North Wall over 34 years ago. My son Les is with me which is lovely, I’ve 3 gigs over 10 days at sea. 34 years ago , Fiddler’s Green, Shoal’s of Herring,&The Good Ship Kangaroo were go to songs, they still are when nudged, today all I can think suitable is Wally Page’s “ So do I” as we sail from Napoli to Florence, Lord Baker is a movie in my head these days for some reason. When we anchor in Barcelona, Viva La Quinte Brigade no doubt will rise up into the sea air. I’m very grateful for the support and encouragement along the road Christy, just turned 54 and I’m doing what I love, when I think back to our first chat , side door of the Hammersmith or backstage with mammy at the point depot or the Bronx gig you always gave me a boost . I hope to meet up for a chat in August if your about and I’ve a special gift for you that I had commissioned here in Boston, it’s my way of saying thank you , and don’t fret it’s not a painting of “The Git”, I’m off to tune the Bodhran fecking sea air reaks havoc on the goat .
Love Fin 💚🎶
Christy's reply
You have reminded me of the man who wrote “Fiddler’s Green” John Connolly was a resident in the Grimsby Folk Club…I played there twice in the late 1960s where I met John and his Mother….I stayed with Dr Tom & June Fahy who lived nearby in a place called Healing…would welcome any info of what became of Tom & June..they were good friends to me all those years ago but I lost touch with them
Hi Christy.
There’s a teacher in the school I work in and although we come from different generations, it was our love for your music that has created an amazing friendship between us. Maria has always taking her love for music into the class room, from the beginning, working in Basin Lane N/S with children (such as myself) from difficult backgrounds and one parent families. Maria would help us guide our angers and frustrations into something creative, ”just like Christy did” she would say. Students loved her so much and would come to visit her even after graduating college, she’s one of the best. After leaving Basin Lane she spent 12 years teaching in Turkey where she made life long friends and they’ve travelled to Ireland on many occasions to take in a Christy Moore gig with her. Over 15 years she has been with us at Harold’s Cross N/S as a teacher and councillor and is our English as a second language teacher too. All the children idolize her and as do we the staff and parents of Harold’s Cross. In two weeks when that final bell rings, this school is going to feel so different. We’re putting together a video compilation of students (past and present), parents and faculty. We would love nothing more than a video message from the man who has tightened this beautiful friendship between Maria and myself and I’m sure 100s of people that have encountered this incredible woman. Your music travelled through Maria and into the hearts of us all and for that I thank you.
Hello Christy,
We were making bread yesterday. A big malted round splat of a loaf. It’s always my job to cut the top. I usually do a kind of a cross. Yesterday I turned up to do the honours and it had already been done. And not by Steve. A big rough set of cuts in the top of the loaf. Like an arrow with a pointy bit at the top. Looks like I’ve been shown how to do it. It will be an arrow with a pointy top bit from now on.
Very interesting to read that the story of Duffy’s Cut seems to be even bigger than at first thought, with a further suspected 120 bodies found at Mile 48 – believed to have been infected by a railroad worker running from Mile 59 & infecting others with cholera. I often think of the families left behind who never heard of their loved ones again after they left to seek a better life. Wally’s song never fails to move me, bringing to mind a family member & namesake who left to work on the railroads as a blacksmith only to be killed by the kick of a horse. https://www.dailylocal.com/2025/06/11/mass-grave-of-irish-railroad-workers-likely-discovered-in-downingtown/
Christy's reply
“From Ballyshannon and The Glenties they sailed right into Hell
They suffered like the weepin Christ down Duffy’s Cut they sweat their blood…
Into his wishing well
Were they taken by the sickness? were they hunted down like scum?
Was there poison in the water? was it cholera or murder.?……
The smoke that hid the bullets from the barrell of the bosses gun”
(chorus from Wally Page’s “Duffy’s Cut” )
Another of Wally’s classic songs…..his unique style of writing so distinctive…I sometimes wonder how such a talented write/musician/singer escaped the notice of all those broadcasters, journalists, industry honchos….Wally Page was there, right beneath their noses , yet they paid no heed., to busy waiting for the next overseas speil….
My life was enhanced by my friendship with Wally….phone calls to chat about the turn of a line, about a possible rhyme, always chuckles and laughs, gentle laughs emanating from a good hearted talented artist and friend….adiis amigo
Hi Christy, just sitting here with (too much) time on my hands and came across the official UK Parliament web site. An official government statement made after the killing of 500,000 Tutsi in Rwanda read as follows ” No western country in hindsight is proud of its role during the genocide. We frankly did not do enough”.
An official government statement made after the killing of over 35,000 Croats in Bosnia read as follows: ” We also continue to urge political leaders to condemn any glorification of the perpetrators of war crimes and to take action against genocide denial” These are the same governments who will be preparing similar ‘crocodile tear’ statements for release in the future whilst currently insisting that Israel has the right to defend itself. “I hate politicians” 2DC John .
Just a few lines to let ypou know your old pal, the Cork Troubadour, Jimmy Crowley will be lauching his new album “life” in The Four Provinces, Kimmage on Saturday night June 14th and to add cream to the cake, the fabulous Niall Toner will be along for a few tunes before Jimmy takes the stage, all set for a great night.
PS. Great to see the big fella in France back beating the goat skin.
Take care and mind yourself,
Jason.
Christy's reply
Thanks Jason..
that sounds like a cracker in The Four Provinces…Jimmy Crowley and Niall Toner…Kimmage will be rockin….2 mighty players in a great venue…fair play to you…
Hi Christy,
Our old friends from The Record Fair were in Sally Longs
this Saturday. Treasure was thin on ground. The dealers were
saying the good stuff is getting harder to source. It seems,
folks are holding on/hoarding their precious vinyl.
Any amount of ELO, Rod Stewart and Chris De Burgh
for some reason. Anyways on I searched and glad I was,
for I found mysel a copy of Whatever Tickles Your Fancy.
He was asking for twelve. I gave him fifteen.
Shite at this haggling am I. Five songs on side one and
five more on side two. All magically pressed on vinyl as
black as ink. Gave it a clean and it’s had several spins since.
For fifty years old it holds up really well. Side one is faultless.
and has two of your best The January Man and
Go Move Shift (unfortunately still as relevant today)
Side two sounds where the seed for Moving Hearts might
have been sown and how bad ? My favourite track
Van Diemens Land brings proceedings to a close.
“Young men all be aware,
Lest you be drawn into a snare”
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
PS Praise be the powers that be for adding
a second night to The Hanger this September
Christy's reply
I really like that version of Van Diemens Land. Learnt it from the late Mike Waterson same night he gave me Lakes of Pontchartrain back in 1967. I’d just played the Waterson’s club at The Old Blue Bell pub and stayed with Mike and Anne. I seldom sing either song now but they are firmly ensconced i mo shean ceann, always ready to pour forth if the key is turned….
The seed for the Hearts was sown when I heard Fairport Convention.My first attempt at the Bass ‘n Drums ‘n Electric was on that album….it was an exciting exploration ,put aside and rekindled with Hearts some years later….
I was happy myself to hear about the 2nd night in The Hanger….53 years since I first played there with Plangcity….( aka Plantex, Planataxi)…we were called allsorts until Gay Byrne started playing Planxty on his morning programme…gradually our name began to become familiar…(thanks to Turlough O’Carolan)
ps you’ll need to reverse your haggle
Christy hi
I see that the Travelling folk are causing consternation on the Old Vic.
Surely there is enough space for us all in this world. The lads n lassies will be gone in time and anyway ‘we all belong here, this is our native shore’ might just apply.
Now i like a thoroughbred as much as the next person, the Old Vic on the Curragh Kildare is a fabulous place but the silk and leather may just have to be swapped for tinkered tin and old pine meantime.
Rory.
Christy's reply
“taken everything you’ve thrown at me
now I’m gonna make a stand”
Hello Christy,
Your brother’s new album A Second Wind arrived here yesterday and I’m finding it very beautiful. Makes me think of space and solitude and the seashore. It will be getting a second outing in an hour or two.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
he continues to develop his guitar sounds, to weave his verse to melody…I’m proud of my brother
Dear Christy, i have something to confess to you. At your 80th birthday I sponsored an olive tree for you, which will be planted in Palestine next planting season (December until Marche). I had a certificate of sponsoring for you and a birthday card, but I did not know how it could get to you. Then I got a brilliant idea(!!) and I, stupid woman, I sent everything to RTE in Dublin, with the request to deliver it to you. Of course I got no answer.
I am letting you know this so that you are aware. You can get more information on https://www.planteenolijfboom.nl/english-info
On your next birthday you can see in the database by who and where your olive tree is planted.
Sorry….
Christy's reply
may your special birthday gift take root…Thank You
I have a poster advertising your Planxty “After the break” album which has a photo of a village scene with a jarvey waiting for a passenger. The text says “If you’ve been waiting for it, you can relax now.” Was that poster an official one and does it belong in a dedicated Planxty museum? I have NEVER seen it anywhere else, I took it off a pub wall in Montreal in 1979, it is now framed on my hall wall – proudly! Thanks for the multiple years of enjoying your music. Stay well Christy.
Christy's reply
Dear Cha…I’ve never seen this poster…. as far as I know, there is no “dedicated Planxty Museum”….lovely to read that you have a Planxty Poster in your hall….thats a wee Planxty museum in itself !!
Christy
We are back in the UK after having a superb evening in Limerick last night.
My son Christy really enjoyed being mentioned by yourself and loved the show as it was his first time to see you.
We really appreciate your music and humour. Last night you were on top form and we wish you continued good health and happiness.
God bless
John o
Christy hi, We have an infestation of the wee critters, my stepson caught 12 last night, trouble is that ‘er indoors insists they are caught alive and let out by the shed. As they can find their way back from 2 miles, the shed being only 10 yards away means we will have 24 tonight !
Anyway that pointless information leads me to thinking of the Handsome Family song ‘peace in the valley once again’ which is such a lovely sound, and to be fair an overdue return to those other species ruling with peace where our species so obviously fail.
Rory
Hi Christy,
On Thursday just gone there was in item on the radio remembering Ray Houghton’s famous goal in Stuttgart in 1988 (I think it was RTE 1). I had an instant flashback to seeing you perform live on a program on RTE TV some years after you’d written your tribute to that day, and apologising to the producer that you were about to perform a different song to what you had rehearsed because you had just spotted Jack Charlton in the audience. Two great memories there that made me smile.
Thanks,
Ciaran
37 years later…we still celebrate Ray Houghton’s goal….
now we can also celebrate Amber Barrett’s in Hamden Park in 2022….
Up Down….Lilys for the McCarthy Cup in 2026..Face The Puc-Out
Hello Christy Brilliant Night In Chuck Feeneys Loved the New Verse in The DTS THANKS FOR all the songs see you again soon hopefully
John…. I rehearsed it before the gig..was all set to give it a blast…dont know what became of it….all sorts of songs appeared last night…sadly Duffy never made the cut !!…hopefully next time our paths cross…its a great song…another classic from Wally Page’s classic legacy
Sounds like a few jolly ravers at sea with Fin.. “So Do I” is my favourite song, and as it pours down today I think of the line “when the rain puts a shine on the chestnut spikes”.. pure magic in Wally’s writing..
Hi Christy, hope you a doing well. On a cruise ship sing a few songs with Tommy Makem’s two sons and a bunch of musicians from Boston. The last time I sang on a ship was with the Pecker Dunne on a B&I from Holyhead to North Wall over 34 years ago. My son Les is with me which is lovely, I’ve 3 gigs over 10 days at sea. 34 years ago , Fiddler’s Green, Shoal’s of Herring,&The Good Ship Kangaroo were go to songs, they still are when nudged, today all I can think suitable is Wally Page’s “ So do I” as we sail from Napoli to Florence, Lord Baker is a movie in my head these days for some reason. When we anchor in Barcelona, Viva La Quinte Brigade no doubt will rise up into the sea air. I’m very grateful for the support and encouragement along the road Christy, just turned 54 and I’m doing what I love, when I think back to our first chat , side door of the Hammersmith or backstage with mammy at the point depot or the Bronx gig you always gave me a boost . I hope to meet up for a chat in August if your about and I’ve a special gift for you that I had commissioned here in Boston, it’s my way of saying thank you , and don’t fret it’s not a painting of “The Git”, I’m off to tune the Bodhran fecking sea air reaks havoc on the goat .
Love Fin 💚🎶
You have reminded me of the man who wrote “Fiddler’s Green” John Connolly was a resident in the Grimsby Folk Club…I played there twice in the late 1960s where I met John and his Mother….I stayed with Dr Tom & June Fahy who lived nearby in a place called Healing…would welcome any info of what became of Tom & June..they were good friends to me all those years ago but I lost touch with them
Hi Ya Christy Looking Forward to Limerick Tomorow Night It would Be Mighty if you could Play Duffys Cut
whallup John
Hi Christy.
There’s a teacher in the school I work in and although we come from different generations, it was our love for your music that has created an amazing friendship between us. Maria has always taking her love for music into the class room, from the beginning, working in Basin Lane N/S with children (such as myself) from difficult backgrounds and one parent families. Maria would help us guide our angers and frustrations into something creative, ”just like Christy did” she would say. Students loved her so much and would come to visit her even after graduating college, she’s one of the best. After leaving Basin Lane she spent 12 years teaching in Turkey where she made life long friends and they’ve travelled to Ireland on many occasions to take in a Christy Moore gig with her. Over 15 years she has been with us at Harold’s Cross N/S as a teacher and councillor and is our English as a second language teacher too. All the children idolize her and as do we the staff and parents of Harold’s Cross. In two weeks when that final bell rings, this school is going to feel so different. We’re putting together a video compilation of students (past and present), parents and faculty. We would love nothing more than a video message from the man who has tightened this beautiful friendship between Maria and myself and I’m sure 100s of people that have encountered this incredible woman. Your music travelled through Maria and into the hearts of us all and for that I thank you.
Kind Wishes
Keith
Harold’s Cross National School
Thanks for sharing Keith…
Hello Christy,
We were making bread yesterday. A big malted round splat of a loaf. It’s always my job to cut the top. I usually do a kind of a cross. Yesterday I turned up to do the honours and it had already been done. And not by Steve. A big rough set of cuts in the top of the loaf. Like an arrow with a pointy bit at the top. Looks like I’ve been shown how to do it. It will be an arrow with a pointy top bit from now on.
Rebecca
Hi Christy
End of a golden era…RIP Brian Wilson…Beach Boy.
Dave
rest in peace Brian….
Good Vibrations always resound
Very interesting to read that the story of Duffy’s Cut seems to be even bigger than at first thought, with a further suspected 120 bodies found at Mile 48 – believed to have been infected by a railroad worker running from Mile 59 & infecting others with cholera. I often think of the families left behind who never heard of their loved ones again after they left to seek a better life. Wally’s song never fails to move me, bringing to mind a family member & namesake who left to work on the railroads as a blacksmith only to be killed by the kick of a horse.
https://www.dailylocal.com/2025/06/11/mass-grave-of-irish-railroad-workers-likely-discovered-in-downingtown/
“From Ballyshannon and The Glenties they sailed right into Hell
They suffered like the weepin Christ down Duffy’s Cut they sweat their blood…
Into his wishing well
Were they taken by the sickness? were they hunted down like scum?
Was there poison in the water? was it cholera or murder.?……
The smoke that hid the bullets from the barrell of the bosses gun”
(chorus from Wally Page’s “Duffy’s Cut” )
Another of Wally’s classic songs…..his unique style of writing so distinctive…I sometimes wonder how such a talented write/musician/singer escaped the notice of all those broadcasters, journalists, industry honchos….Wally Page was there, right beneath their noses , yet they paid no heed., to busy waiting for the next overseas speil….
My life was enhanced by my friendship with Wally….phone calls to chat about the turn of a line, about a possible rhyme, always chuckles and laughs, gentle laughs emanating from a good hearted talented artist and friend….adiis amigo
Hi Christy, just sitting here with (too much) time on my hands and came across the official UK Parliament web site. An official government statement made after the killing of 500,000 Tutsi in Rwanda read as follows ” No western country in hindsight is proud of its role during the genocide. We frankly did not do enough”.
An official government statement made after the killing of over 35,000 Croats in Bosnia read as follows: ” We also continue to urge political leaders to condemn any glorification of the perpetrators of war crimes and to take action against genocide denial” These are the same governments who will be preparing similar ‘crocodile tear’ statements for release in the future whilst currently insisting that Israel has the right to defend itself. “I hate politicians” 2DC John .
they do though
don’t they ?
in anyways,
but
Well Christy,
I hope you are keeping very well.
Just a few lines to let ypou know your old pal, the Cork Troubadour, Jimmy Crowley will be lauching his new album “life” in The Four Provinces, Kimmage on Saturday night June 14th and to add cream to the cake, the fabulous Niall Toner will be along for a few tunes before Jimmy takes the stage, all set for a great night.
PS. Great to see the big fella in France back beating the goat skin.
Take care and mind yourself,
Jason.
Thanks Jason..
that sounds like a cracker in The Four Provinces…Jimmy Crowley and Niall Toner…Kimmage will be rockin….2 mighty players in a great venue…fair play to you…
Hi Christy,
Our old friends from The Record Fair were in Sally Longs
this Saturday. Treasure was thin on ground. The dealers were
saying the good stuff is getting harder to source. It seems,
folks are holding on/hoarding their precious vinyl.
Any amount of ELO, Rod Stewart and Chris De Burgh
for some reason. Anyways on I searched and glad I was,
for I found mysel a copy of Whatever Tickles Your Fancy.
He was asking for twelve. I gave him fifteen.
Shite at this haggling am I. Five songs on side one and
five more on side two. All magically pressed on vinyl as
black as ink. Gave it a clean and it’s had several spins since.
For fifty years old it holds up really well. Side one is faultless.
and has two of your best The January Man and
Go Move Shift (unfortunately still as relevant today)
Side two sounds where the seed for Moving Hearts might
have been sown and how bad ? My favourite track
Van Diemens Land brings proceedings to a close.
“Young men all be aware,
Lest you be drawn into a snare”
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
PS Praise be the powers that be for adding
a second night to The Hanger this September
I really like that version of Van Diemens Land. Learnt it from the late Mike Waterson same night he gave me Lakes of Pontchartrain back in 1967. I’d just played the Waterson’s club at The Old Blue Bell pub and stayed with Mike and Anne. I seldom sing either song now but they are firmly ensconced i mo shean ceann, always ready to pour forth if the key is turned….
The seed for the Hearts was sown when I heard Fairport Convention.My first attempt at the Bass ‘n Drums ‘n Electric was on that album….it was an exciting exploration ,put aside and rekindled with Hearts some years later….
I was happy myself to hear about the 2nd night in The Hanger….53 years since I first played there with Plangcity….( aka Plantex, Planataxi)…we were called allsorts until Gay Byrne started playing Planxty on his morning programme…gradually our name began to become familiar…(thanks to Turlough O’Carolan)
ps you’ll need to reverse your haggle
Christy hi
I see that the Travelling folk are causing consternation on the Old Vic.
Surely there is enough space for us all in this world. The lads n lassies will be gone in time and anyway ‘we all belong here, this is our native shore’ might just apply.
Now i like a thoroughbred as much as the next person, the Old Vic on the Curragh Kildare is a fabulous place but the silk and leather may just have to be swapped for tinkered tin and old pine meantime.
Rory.
“taken everything you’ve thrown at me
now I’m gonna make a stand”
Hello Christy,
Your brother’s new album A Second Wind arrived here yesterday and I’m finding it very beautiful. Makes me think of space and solitude and the seashore. It will be getting a second outing in an hour or two.
Rebecca
he continues to develop his guitar sounds, to weave his verse to melody…I’m proud of my brother
Dear Christy, i have something to confess to you. At your 80th birthday I sponsored an olive tree for you, which will be planted in Palestine next planting season (December until Marche). I had a certificate of sponsoring for you and a birthday card, but I did not know how it could get to you. Then I got a brilliant idea(!!) and I, stupid woman, I sent everything to RTE in Dublin, with the request to deliver it to you. Of course I got no answer.
I am letting you know this so that you are aware. You can get more information on
https://www.planteenolijfboom.nl/english-info
On your next birthday you can see in the database by who and where your olive tree is planted.
Sorry….
may your special birthday gift take root…Thank You
I have a poster advertising your Planxty “After the break” album which has a photo of a village scene with a jarvey waiting for a passenger. The text says “If you’ve been waiting for it, you can relax now.” Was that poster an official one and does it belong in a dedicated Planxty museum? I have NEVER seen it anywhere else, I took it off a pub wall in Montreal in 1979, it is now framed on my hall wall – proudly! Thanks for the multiple years of enjoying your music. Stay well Christy.
Dear Cha…I’ve never seen this poster…. as far as I know, there is no “dedicated Planxty Museum”….lovely to read that you have a Planxty Poster in your hall….thats a wee Planxty museum in itself !!