Hi Christy, a new friend of mine introduced me to your music and concerts last January. Wow! I was completely blown away by my first ever concert in Vicar Street in January this year. My good friend has been to all your concerts since her first one in 1979.! ( i was only 4 then!) We have been to all your concerts so far this year, Vicar St, Mullingar, Naas and really looking forward to tomorrow night in the concert hall. I met my good friend through her tireless amount of charity and voluntary work. My daughter has severe special needs, (this is how I met Ger) non verbal, wheelchair user, daily seizures but loves music. (Her face lights up) Needless to day Christy Moore is added to her playlist and I can tell from her eyes and beaming smile she approves. My friends is 70 this year and her lifelong dream is to meet Christy Moore. I’d love to be able to make her dream come through in appreciation for all she has done for me and my daughter and so many other charities. I know this may not be possible but even if u could give her a shout out omorrow night in the concert. Ger from the Moate whose very first concert was 1979. Thanks Christy and looking forward to the concert tomorrow night.
Hi Christy,
Mesel an Mrs B giving yet another spin to
No Flowers In Cement Gardens by A Lazarus Soul
The Dealers is some bit of songwriting …
But Factory Fada – feck me
They were the only two who never said cheese
Wouldn’t have never heard of them only for yoursel
Nicey McNiece got tickets for their Vicar St show
Probably the second best gig we’ve seen there.
Enjoy the good weather and the gigs
Bourkey
How ya Christy hope all is well with you well the Massey 165 is primed and facing east we are heading to the NCH on Saturday night really looking forward to it I ve never been to a concert there before
It’s good weather for ground hurling so face puck out
Love your story about the Hey Ronnie Reagan listener.
I’m back in Dublin and very much looking forward to your gig on Saturday evening.
Tonight I am going to Ralph McTell’s gig, also at the NCH. Ralph’s 80th birthday concert at the Festival Hall in January was great. Rather in the same way as Tom Robinson’s Up Close and Personal gigs, he performed a selection of songs that tell the story of his life and career. Just to think it’s been almost fifty years since I went to Ralph’s “farewell” gig at Fairfield Hall in Croydon, I’m so glad he didn’t stay away for long.
Earlier today I went along to show my support for Martin Leahy at his anti-homelessness protest outside the Dáil. He hadn’t started singing because he didn’t want to disturb the speeches at another protest about childcare provision that was happening at the same time, so we had a good chat. What a lovely person.
Hey Christy
After Dunlavin FairGreen this morning we went to Ardscull Motte where Edward , brother of Robert the, Bruce defeated some English Baron in 1315.
Some Iron behind the velvet followed by a burst of Dougie MacLean’s Caledonia and now at the races whistling the Ballad of Ruby Walsh.
Lapping it up.
Rory
Hi Christy! Your story about being ‘attacked’ after a show reminded me of a story Brendan Behan told
He was walking along Broadway after the premiere of the Borstal Boy when suddenly he was blattered by an umbrella wielded by an irate woman. You monstrous liar she cried. Those sort of things never happen in Ireland! Where are you from he asked. Leitrim she said. Ah well, you could be right so, nothing happens there Brendan replied!
Christy's reply
my favourite riposte was in America , my first visit…cant remember the venue ..after I sang:
“Hey Ronnie Reagan I’m black and I’m pagan
I’m gay and I’m left and I’m free”
An irate inebriated listener stormed the stage with “get outa my country you goddamn, cock-suckin,mother-fuckin pink mick”
I had nothing but admiration for his poetic alliteration, I thanked and praised him but he was havin none of it….
Hello Christy. How are you doin’? I’m glad to see your gigs are running great.
50 years ago on May 1st in 1975 I first time attended an Irish Folk Concert. In Bonn.
Ted Furey and Micho Russell came on stage as a duo and thrilled the audience. Also performing were Jerry Bourke, The Buskers and Clannad. What an enthusiastic night and a passion for life since then. There is a 2 LP live recording of it.
I unfortunately missed the first Planxty period and came in contact with your music when I bought ‘Live in Dublin’ 1978 and Planxty’s ‘After The Break’ the following year. This gives both albums a special personal meaning. I still know where I got them.
Thank you, Christy, for your music, the ongoing gigs and all…
Good luck and best wishes
Günter
Christy's reply
Thanks Gúnter…Ted and Micho opened many doors for Irish in Germany….
The Galtee Mountain Boy Being sung by the song’s writer Patsy O’Halloran in Chalke’s pub Clonmel. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1584944175526268 The youth of today will never meet and come across great characters that we have interacted with in our lifetime and they are the poorer for it.
Christy's reply
I first heard Patsy sing this song in Donie Ryan’s pub , The Bridge, Clonmel backin 1963…..Patsy was a great auld singer and character , we drank a fair few large bottles across the 18 months I spent in that finest of Towns, Cluain Meala, perhaps the most beautifully named… until invader’s did their dirty work
This morning I came across Spanish Civil War photos by a South African woman, Vera Elkan…when I googled her for more info (she lived to 100),I was led to the following superb website…
Hello Christy,
Looking forward to hearing your new verses in the Big Marquee. Hearing the songs evolve is one of the best bits
Allende and The dark Eyed Sailor both made it to the Topic Club Zoom session on Monday night
In the mid session break I heard someone say
Is Rebecca in America? Was that a Trump campaign song? I was relieved when everyone else seemed to know what it was about. I’m so careful to try to be clear with the words…
Rebecca
Christy's reply
One night after a gig Co Mayo I was verbally assaulted by an irate American visitor….she took great offence that I sang Morrissey’s “America, You are not The World”…. told me that she planned to write to Time Magazine, that I would never be allowed into America again, her final words…”Who is this Allende guy you say we killed “?
The promoter wanted to return her money…I objected and pointed out that were 28 songs in the set, only two she found offensive….he tried to give her 5 euro………I suggested she write to Reader’s Digest as well….
Well Christy I hope all is well with you and the clann.
Just letting you know I’ve 3 gigs coming up in The Four Provinces in May.
The wonderful Colum Sands is in on May 3rd, the fiddle sensation Frankie Gavin is in May 9th and May 16th is a double header with Buddy Mondlock (Direct from Nashville) and from Waterford Martyn Travis and his Dock Road Band.
Last day in Spain here, was scary with the lights out !!
Christy's reply
Thanks JL
great to see that you have those gigs lined up for The Four Provinces venue in May….its a great room …
Fantastic to see Frankie Gavin’s name on your poster..one of the true Masters of our Music
you’ll be glad to get home from Spain….
Hi Christy,
How do Dr Hook and their cover of The Rolling Stone.
The cover of The Ireland’s Own is where it’s at.
La breithe shona duit.
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
Christy's reply
Thanks Bourkey,
I’d forgotten about that..
I did that Ireland’s Own interview ages ago to mark the 80th …
I’ve always enjoyed chatting with Maxi…having worked on the road herself She understands the rigours and the joys of the traveller troubadour….used to listen to her early morning radio show on sleepless restless mornings…always a good choice of Music to get the day started did a piece for the New York Times recently…dont know when thats going to run
I’m gonna head out now and get my Ireland’s Own….
Hi Christy,
We were over in Dublin at the NCH last Sunday from Manchester. I’d just like to say thank you for bringing us such a great evening with the wonderful set you played. The final song you played was my Mums favourite and it was lovely to hear it live. You mentioned you’re going to be 80 this week. Well a big Happy Birthday from us and please keep on doing what you’re doing.
We’ll be back over to see you in June in Limerick but wondering would you ever come over to do any gigs in UK at all?
All the very best, Martin & Claire x
Christy's reply
Thank you both for feedback ….and for travelling to hear the songs…happy too that The Cliffs emerged at the end..Liam Óg was mentioned in the 2nd last song which inspired me to sing The Cliffs….( or perhaps there was someone whispering in my ear !!!)
RE UK gigs…I’ve not left the 32 counties since 2019….I’ve not flown for 23 years nor ferried for 6….its a combination of factors…that said, I find it impossible to say NEVER again….I have so many great memories from a thousand gigs played “over” ..I constantly get reminders of gigs played from Thurso right down to Torquay…
My father, Seamus Dobbin, and my mother, Frances, are lifelong Christy superfans. They’ve been following you all over the country for the past 30 years and have passed on their love for your music to me and my sisters.
They’re heading to their favourite place to see you — your hometown — on the 10th of May. It would absolutely make my dad’s year if you could dedicate a song to him for his 55th birthday. And while you’re at it, you’d better give a shout-out to my mum too, or we’ll never hear the end of it!
If you could dedicate a song, it would mean the world to them. He loves The Contender and Spancil Hill, but The Voyage would also be a beautiful tribute to both of my parents.
Keep her lit, Christy bai!
Christy's reply
In Glenravel’s Glen there lived a man whom some would call a God
Thanks Christy glad to hear it’s still hanging together. Life gets in the way – twin granddaughters born in the Coombe early March. Watched December Bride again – brooding and visibly sumptuous. Just discovered Thaddeus also directed The Woman Who Married Clark Gable set in Dublin so there you go. All well in the meadow and if the you’re back on the road again a nod would be really appreciated.
Christy's reply
best wishes to the two Wee Ones, to their Ma and Grandma
Hello Christy,
Thankyou for putting your setlists on here. They seem to be getting more and more personal. Good!
Had a shifty at Patrick’s Arrival after Mary asked about it and you responded. It’s got a brilliant rhythm to it, hasn’t it. 3 lots of 3 per bar (slip jig?) Then 9 lines per verse. It’s enough to keep me fascinated for a long while. Takes me back to walking along as a teenager with rhythm whirling round my head and steps.
Love the bit about the salmon.
“And the leg most politely complied…”
Eileen Og, for that me darling’s name is
Through the Barony her features they were famous
If we loved her who was there to blame us
For wasn’t she the Pride of Petrovore.
Sorry for mistakes, it’s from memory
Rebecca
Christy's reply
“It was at the Fair of Ballintubber
Eileen met McGrath the cattle jobber
if I could lay me hands upon the robber
that stole away the Pride of Petravore”
….on of Percy French’s classic ballads… a favourite of my Father’s….he’d sing as he drove the old green Hillman Huskey around the roads of Co Kildare
I loved every second of the NCH gig last night. Firstly, happy birthday to Christy next week. He looks so well, fit, strong, nimble and the voice is as good as ever. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen Christy… maybe 30 or 40 times. First time was The Mean Fiddler around 1997 (Damien Dempsey supported(, The Royal Spa gigs with Donal and Declan in early 2000’s on multiple occasions, Ennis, Galway, Limerick, Vicar Street, RDS (Lisdoonvarna festival). Hard to believe I’m still saying..”he’s getting better”. Last night was mastery and I feel privileged to have had a ringside seat.
Magic nights is right. . . The audience singing from the start – in front and behind. City of Chicago, Viva la Quinta, Johnny Boy/, Ride on – 3 songs from Wally Page. Sitting with my 18 year old son – boy in the wild hit me right in the heart. Songs from our great songwriters Ringing the bell, Gortatogert – I was in dreamland back to my own Gortatogert (Ballyferode, Gleann Rua, Co. Limerick, where the red fuschia weeps).
Place, people, family, scandal, fun, joy, despair, injustice, poignance, nonchalance, pride it had it all. In the company of a sage. Christy keeps simplifying, and it gets better. Absolute norouishment for the soul. He held us together. It was fabulous.
The songs flowed throught you, through us and throughout the great hall. The opposite of Hull and Halifax and Hell. Heaven Sunday 27th April at the NCH then I’ll start
Wishing you continued health and happiness.
Le grá
Peter C
Christy's reply
Morra Peter,
Thank you…Thats as good a review as a fellow could hope for…I enjoyed it myself, great listeners in the room…its uplifting to have such an audience…..lovely to read that you had your Son with you last night….I love to sing Wally Page’s songs….top man, good companero, great songwriter,
Last night’s set:
City of Chicago
Viva la Quinte Brigada
Johnny Boy
Ride On
Black & Amber
Smoke & Whiskey
Boy in The Wild
Goin to hear Bob Dylan
Ringing The Bell
Beeswing
Welcome to the cabaret
Gortatagort
The Big Marquee
Cumann na Mná
Dalesman’s Litany
Ordinary Man
They never came home ( Stardust)
On The mainland
Back in Derry
Palestine
Yellow Triangle
Nancy Spain
Bogman
Honda 50
Magdalene Laundry
Lisdoonvarna
if I get an encore
Cliffs of Dooneen
Mixed emotions heading to NCH tonight, first time at a gig since my father passed away in January. Despite his Alzheimer’s, the music kept his spirits high…he never forgot your music especially Nancy Spain! He sang his heart out when he lost his speaking voice, Silent Night, I’ll tell me Ma and Nancy Spain.
Christy's reply
In the midst of heartbreak, it is a beautiful thing when those afflicted with Alzheimers recall songs, join in, express recognition in the midst of their confusion…I’m reading your post 30 minutes before tonight’s gig starts…I think of my own father…he died in October 1956 when I was 11…I’m remembering him now…how he used to sing The Kerry Dances and The Pride of Petravore….songs contain and unleash many emotions…
I hope you have a good night here in The National Concert Hall…..
Hi Christy, a new friend of mine introduced me to your music and concerts last January. Wow! I was completely blown away by my first ever concert in Vicar Street in January this year. My good friend has been to all your concerts since her first one in 1979.! ( i was only 4 then!) We have been to all your concerts so far this year, Vicar St, Mullingar, Naas and really looking forward to tomorrow night in the concert hall. I met my good friend through her tireless amount of charity and voluntary work. My daughter has severe special needs, (this is how I met Ger) non verbal, wheelchair user, daily seizures but loves music. (Her face lights up) Needless to day Christy Moore is added to her playlist and I can tell from her eyes and beaming smile she approves. My friends is 70 this year and her lifelong dream is to meet Christy Moore. I’d love to be able to make her dream come through in appreciation for all she has done for me and my daughter and so many other charities. I know this may not be possible but even if u could give her a shout out omorrow night in the concert. Ger from the Moate whose very first concert was 1979. Thanks Christy and looking forward to the concert tomorrow night.
thank you
Hi Christy,
Mesel an Mrs B giving yet another spin to
No Flowers In Cement Gardens by A Lazarus Soul
The Dealers is some bit of songwriting …
But Factory Fada – feck me
They were the only two who never said cheese
Wouldn’t have never heard of them only for yoursel
Nicey McNiece got tickets for their Vicar St show
Probably the second best gig we’ve seen there.
Enjoy the good weather and the gigs
Bourkey
A Lazarus Soul
Top Shelf
How ya Christy hope all is well with you well the Massey 165 is primed and facing east we are heading to the NCH on Saturday night really looking forward to it I ve never been to a concert there before
It’s good weather for ground hurling so face puck out
safe travels Iggy
Hello Christy,
Love your story about the Hey Ronnie Reagan listener.
I’m back in Dublin and very much looking forward to your gig on Saturday evening.
Tonight I am going to Ralph McTell’s gig, also at the NCH. Ralph’s 80th birthday concert at the Festival Hall in January was great. Rather in the same way as Tom Robinson’s Up Close and Personal gigs, he performed a selection of songs that tell the story of his life and career. Just to think it’s been almost fifty years since I went to Ralph’s “farewell” gig at Fairfield Hall in Croydon, I’m so glad he didn’t stay away for long.
Earlier today I went along to show my support for Martin Leahy at his anti-homelessness protest outside the Dáil. He hadn’t started singing because he didn’t want to disturb the speeches at another protest about childcare provision that was happening at the same time, so we had a good chat. What a lovely person.
See you on Saturday,
Anne
Everyone should Have a Home
Written and sung By Martin Leahy
Lend Him an Ear
Hey Christy
After Dunlavin FairGreen this morning we went to Ardscull Motte where Edward , brother of Robert the, Bruce defeated some English Baron in 1315.
Some Iron behind the velvet followed by a burst of Dougie MacLean’s Caledonia and now at the races whistling the Ballad of Ruby Walsh.
Lapping it up.
Rory
Hi Christy! Your story about being ‘attacked’ after a show reminded me of a story Brendan Behan told
He was walking along Broadway after the premiere of the Borstal Boy when suddenly he was blattered by an umbrella wielded by an irate woman. You monstrous liar she cried. Those sort of things never happen in Ireland! Where are you from he asked. Leitrim she said. Ah well, you could be right so, nothing happens there Brendan replied!
my favourite riposte was in America , my first visit…cant remember the venue ..after I sang:
“Hey Ronnie Reagan I’m black and I’m pagan
I’m gay and I’m left and I’m free”
An irate inebriated listener stormed the stage with “get outa my country you goddamn, cock-suckin,mother-fuckin pink mick”
I had nothing but admiration for his poetic alliteration, I thanked and praised him but he was havin none of it….
Hello Christy. How are you doin’? I’m glad to see your gigs are running great.
50 years ago on May 1st in 1975 I first time attended an Irish Folk Concert. In Bonn.
Ted Furey and Micho Russell came on stage as a duo and thrilled the audience. Also performing were Jerry Bourke, The Buskers and Clannad. What an enthusiastic night and a passion for life since then. There is a 2 LP live recording of it.
I unfortunately missed the first Planxty period and came in contact with your music when I bought ‘Live in Dublin’ 1978 and Planxty’s ‘After The Break’ the following year. This gives both albums a special personal meaning. I still know where I got them.
Thank you, Christy, for your music, the ongoing gigs and all…
Good luck and best wishes
Günter
Thanks Gúnter…Ted and Micho opened many doors for Irish in Germany….
The Galtee Mountain Boy Being sung by the song’s writer Patsy O’Halloran in Chalke’s pub Clonmel. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1584944175526268 The youth of today will never meet and come across great characters that we have interacted with in our lifetime and they are the poorer for it.
I first heard Patsy sing this song in Donie Ryan’s pub , The Bridge, Clonmel backin 1963…..Patsy was a great auld singer and character , we drank a fair few large bottles across the 18 months I spent in that finest of Towns, Cluain Meala, perhaps the most beautifully named… until invader’s did their dirty work
Apologies…sticky fingers on a phone keyboard…
http://www.womenandthespanishcivilwar.wordpress.com
D
THANK YOU DAVE……REALLY APPRECIATE THIS
Hi Christy
This morning I came across Spanish Civil War photos by a South African woman, Vera Elkan…when I googled her for more info (she lived to 100),I was led to the following superb website…
http://www.womenandthespanishcivilwar..wordpress.com
Details of photographers are in the ‘focus’ section…so much of interest across the whole site.
Huge respect to companeras.
Dave
Hello Christy,
Looking forward to hearing your new verses in the Big Marquee. Hearing the songs evolve is one of the best bits
Allende and The dark Eyed Sailor both made it to the Topic Club Zoom session on Monday night
In the mid session break I heard someone say
Is Rebecca in America? Was that a Trump campaign song? I was relieved when everyone else seemed to know what it was about. I’m so careful to try to be clear with the words…
Rebecca
One night after a gig Co Mayo I was verbally assaulted by an irate American visitor….she took great offence that I sang Morrissey’s “America, You are not The World”…. told me that she planned to write to Time Magazine, that I would never be allowed into America again, her final words…”Who is this Allende guy you say we killed “?
The promoter wanted to return her money…I objected and pointed out that were 28 songs in the set, only two she found offensive….he tried to give her 5 euro………I suggested she write to Reader’s Digest as well….
Well Christy I hope all is well with you and the clann.
Just letting you know I’ve 3 gigs coming up in The Four Provinces in May.
The wonderful Colum Sands is in on May 3rd, the fiddle sensation Frankie Gavin is in May 9th and May 16th is a double header with Buddy Mondlock (Direct from Nashville) and from Waterford Martyn Travis and his Dock Road Band.
Last day in Spain here, was scary with the lights out !!
Thanks JL
great to see that you have those gigs lined up for The Four Provinces venue in May….its a great room …
Fantastic to see Frankie Gavin’s name on your poster..one of the true Masters of our Music
you’ll be glad to get home from Spain….
Hi Christy,
How do Dr Hook and their cover of The Rolling Stone.
The cover of The Ireland’s Own is where it’s at.
La breithe shona duit.
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
Thanks Bourkey,
I’d forgotten about that..
I did that Ireland’s Own interview ages ago to mark the 80th …
I’ve always enjoyed chatting with Maxi…having worked on the road herself She understands the rigours and the joys of the traveller troubadour….used to listen to her early morning radio show on sleepless restless mornings…always a good choice of Music to get the day started did a piece for the New York Times recently…dont know when thats going to run
I’m gonna head out now and get my Ireland’s Own….
Hi Christy,
We were over in Dublin at the NCH last Sunday from Manchester. I’d just like to say thank you for bringing us such a great evening with the wonderful set you played. The final song you played was my Mums favourite and it was lovely to hear it live. You mentioned you’re going to be 80 this week. Well a big Happy Birthday from us and please keep on doing what you’re doing.
We’ll be back over to see you in June in Limerick but wondering would you ever come over to do any gigs in UK at all?
All the very best, Martin & Claire x
Thank you both for feedback ….and for travelling to hear the songs…happy too that The Cliffs emerged at the end..Liam Óg was mentioned in the 2nd last song which inspired me to sing The Cliffs….( or perhaps there was someone whispering in my ear !!!)
RE UK gigs…I’ve not left the 32 counties since 2019….I’ve not flown for 23 years nor ferried for 6….its a combination of factors…that said, I find it impossible to say NEVER again….I have so many great memories from a thousand gigs played “over” ..I constantly get reminders of gigs played from Thurso right down to Torquay…
Hello Christy,
My father, Seamus Dobbin, and my mother, Frances, are lifelong Christy superfans. They’ve been following you all over the country for the past 30 years and have passed on their love for your music to me and my sisters.
They’re heading to their favourite place to see you — your hometown — on the 10th of May. It would absolutely make my dad’s year if you could dedicate a song to him for his 55th birthday. And while you’re at it, you’d better give a shout-out to my mum too, or we’ll never hear the end of it!
If you could dedicate a song, it would mean the world to them. He loves The Contender and Spancil Hill, but The Voyage would also be a beautiful tribute to both of my parents.
Keep her lit, Christy bai!
In Glenravel’s Glen there lived a man whom some would call a God
Thanks Christy glad to hear it’s still hanging together. Life gets in the way – twin granddaughters born in the Coombe early March. Watched December Bride again – brooding and visibly sumptuous. Just discovered Thaddeus also directed The Woman Who Married Clark Gable set in Dublin so there you go. All well in the meadow and if the you’re back on the road again a nod would be really appreciated.
best wishes to the two Wee Ones, to their Ma and Grandma
This is for your perusal. Might be of interest to some. Auctioneer based in West Limerick but I have not viewed the prints in person only online.
Two high quality Christy Moore pub concert photographs printed on canvas.
https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/lot/edacdb5527faeeccb4101d9296f862e9/0af8d24542e81eb9357e7ef448a6646f/we-have-been-instructed-to-a-private-collection-of-musi-lot-5/
lave them at it
Hello Christy,
Thankyou for putting your setlists on here. They seem to be getting more and more personal. Good!
Had a shifty at Patrick’s Arrival after Mary asked about it and you responded. It’s got a brilliant rhythm to it, hasn’t it. 3 lots of 3 per bar (slip jig?) Then 9 lines per verse. It’s enough to keep me fascinated for a long while. Takes me back to walking along as a teenager with rhythm whirling round my head and steps.
Love the bit about the salmon.
“And the leg most politely complied…”
Eileen Og, for that me darling’s name is
Through the Barony her features they were famous
If we loved her who was there to blame us
For wasn’t she the Pride of Petrovore.
Sorry for mistakes, it’s from memory
Rebecca
“It was at the Fair of Ballintubber
Eileen met McGrath the cattle jobber
if I could lay me hands upon the robber
that stole away the Pride of Petravore”
….on of Percy French’s classic ballads… a favourite of my Father’s….he’d sing as he drove the old green Hillman Huskey around the roads of Co Kildare
I loved every second of the NCH gig last night. Firstly, happy birthday to Christy next week. He looks so well, fit, strong, nimble and the voice is as good as ever. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen Christy… maybe 30 or 40 times. First time was The Mean Fiddler around 1997 (Damien Dempsey supported(, The Royal Spa gigs with Donal and Declan in early 2000’s on multiple occasions, Ennis, Galway, Limerick, Vicar Street, RDS (Lisdoonvarna festival). Hard to believe I’m still saying..”he’s getting better”. Last night was mastery and I feel privileged to have had a ringside seat.
Magic nights is right. . . The audience singing from the start – in front and behind. City of Chicago, Viva la Quinta, Johnny Boy/, Ride on – 3 songs from Wally Page. Sitting with my 18 year old son – boy in the wild hit me right in the heart. Songs from our great songwriters Ringing the bell, Gortatogert – I was in dreamland back to my own Gortatogert (Ballyferode, Gleann Rua, Co. Limerick, where the red fuschia weeps).
Place, people, family, scandal, fun, joy, despair, injustice, poignance, nonchalance, pride it had it all. In the company of a sage. Christy keeps simplifying, and it gets better. Absolute norouishment for the soul. He held us together. It was fabulous.
The songs flowed throught you, through us and throughout the great hall. The opposite of Hull and Halifax and Hell. Heaven Sunday 27th April at the NCH then I’ll start
Wishing you continued health and happiness.
Le grá
Peter C
Morra Peter,
Thank you…Thats as good a review as a fellow could hope for…I enjoyed it myself, great listeners in the room…its uplifting to have such an audience…..lovely to read that you had your Son with you last night….I love to sing Wally Page’s songs….top man, good companero, great songwriter,
Last night’s set:
City of Chicago
Viva la Quinte Brigada
Johnny Boy
Ride On
Black & Amber
Smoke & Whiskey
Boy in The Wild
Goin to hear Bob Dylan
Ringing The Bell
Beeswing
Welcome to the cabaret
Gortatagort
The Big Marquee
Cumann na Mná
Dalesman’s Litany
Ordinary Man
They never came home ( Stardust)
On The mainland
Back in Derry
Palestine
Yellow Triangle
Nancy Spain
Bogman
Honda 50
Magdalene Laundry
Lisdoonvarna
if I get an encore
Cliffs of Dooneen
1 hour 47 minutes
Mixed emotions heading to NCH tonight, first time at a gig since my father passed away in January. Despite his Alzheimer’s, the music kept his spirits high…he never forgot your music especially Nancy Spain! He sang his heart out when he lost his speaking voice, Silent Night, I’ll tell me Ma and Nancy Spain.
In the midst of heartbreak, it is a beautiful thing when those afflicted with Alzheimers recall songs, join in, express recognition in the midst of their confusion…I’m reading your post 30 minutes before tonight’s gig starts…I think of my own father…he died in October 1956 when I was 11…I’m remembering him now…how he used to sing The Kerry Dances and The Pride of Petravore….songs contain and unleash many emotions…
I hope you have a good night here in The National Concert Hall…..