It is a shame that you never made it over to the Island, it is a beautiful spot, steeped in history, such a mix of nationalities living together.
As a ‘Crown Dependency’ we have never been in Europe. We lay claim to the oldest continuous Parliament in the world. Being a Scot myself and spending many happy years in the Deise, I am used to Island hopping but this one I think has stolen my heart. The Celtic and Viking roots have brought me home. At least I can listen to you wherever I am in this world.
Hopefully you will make the step across to the Island someday, see it in its glory, see what the Craic is like.
Plenty talk of pucs, pints and the GAA round here.. I’m reminded of one of Martin Carney’s famous lines to Ger Canning when tensions would lift around Croke Park… “Ohh it’s heating up now Ger!”
Been listening to your spoken word piece about MDH. It’s music to our ears in itself. The video is just brilliant too. Have or will you performed it at gigs?
Roll on the McKenna cup….
Christy's reply
Dont know Kevin….
I’ve only spoken Johnny b’s words once…that was in Gavin Murphy’s when we recorded it ….”Music To Our Ears” is spoken across Gavin’s soundscape….same as two tracks on the last album ( Sunflowers and Life & Soul)….I’ve not yet figured out how to include these tracks at gigs..same applies to many “Spoken”tracks on The Box Set(1964-2004)……there was some talk a while back about a spoken word collection….but new songs always take priority here in the work room…a new cluster gathering here as we speak ….
Meath totally outplayed by Donegal…..no apparent favourite for Sam now but two great Finals in the offing….we’ll be gathered round the wireless after the dinner for the next few Sundays…..The Ball is in and The Game is on…
Hi christy, what a day for sport.
Ireland’s Ben Healy becomes only the 4th Irishman to wear the yellow jersey in Le Tour. Magnificent solo effort, worthy of a couple of my cycling heroes Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche ( while local Scottish Borders youngster Oscar Onley is 7th on overall time after 10 days).
In rugby 2 Hawick men in Rory Sutherland and Darcy Graham get the Lions call-up.
I read the Kildare men lifted the Tailteann.
The rain mattered not a jot in Hawick today.
Rory
Christy's reply
I’ve pumped the tyres up on the old Rudge…oiled the chain and checked the Sturmey-Archer…. bicycle clips on the ready as we prepare once more to cycle to Croke Park…
Hi Christy,
Congrats to the Lilly Whites, great to see them back where they belong.
We will have to keep a low profile for the 2 finals…. 4711ers involved all over the place. Drimoleague, will be hopping if the Rebels succeed…. That’s if Dave ever gets home 😂.
The Kingdom & Donegal is a hard one to call . May the best team win. No matter how it goes there will be happy 4711ers.
Ride on
Patsy
Christy's reply
when it comes to The Finals,there are no neutrals….we’re all inter connected…I have distant cousins in all 4 counties, The Premier, The Rebel, The Kingdom and The Hills…win lose or draw I’ll be rolling in clover, dreaming of past glories, scallion sandwiches, pints in Rathcoole, the Old Hogan, Cusack & Nally Stands, The Hill and The Railway End, The Leinster Final of 1956, the All Ireland of 1998, O’Hehir and O’Muiracartaigh, The Bishop of Cashel, The Artane, tea and sambos out of the boot of an auld Ford Prefect, the lonely drive home,
Hi C. Well that second TLT gig was totally different from the previous one, the similarities were the gem – filled setlist, the singing of the choir and the sheer positive vibes, but I guess ” you cannot step into the same river twice ” The same goes for the Donegal Kerry match on 27th. I think J.B. may be a secret agent working for Kerry he has certainly done us some favours, with that comment about Donaghy and again more recently saying that D.C. is ” the only Kerry footballer worthy of the name.” May the best team win on the day, the friendship with Ger & Marty and the other 4711ers from the Hills won’t be affected. In the meantime we have the INEC to look forward to, another lively gig guaranteed !! It’s thrilling to think that Bob will follow you onto that stage for 2 gigs in Nov, bring on his Rough and Rowdy ways, perfect for An Riocht. Safe travelling all. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
we’re focusing on Killarney now… practicing Barr na Sráide, St Brendan, Casey and The Cliffs….
I have me tickets got for both Sundays…
having hurled with Theo in Marlfield, marked Babs in Cahir and supped Danno’s with Larry Kiely in the Officer’s Mess in Cluan Meala I must confess to slight bias in the sliotar… I’m all but neutral in The Sam but (contd p 94)
Hi Christy, hope all is well.
I’ve been expanding my music abilities as i’ve been inspired by a combination of artists, irish and worldwide, modern and traditional. I’ve a mandolin on the way to add to the collection. Hopefully it comes handy but i enjoy the challenge.
I met a man, a bodhranist, a Gaeilgeoir and an entertainer at bunratty castle. Was caught talking to the fella for upwards of an hour on the tour. His bodhran sparked a conversation between us, he played a tune as gaeilge and really brought a bit of hope for the language into me as he told me about his music and his sister who had their music spread worldwide.
With him in mind as much as the many other artists ive interacted with i have been attempting to write songs, maybe i should learn more focal to use in the lyrics. To try and bring a bit of pride to the land in music..
As you head to the Kingdom to round of the season of gigs….. and the locals there are getting set for another trip to Croke Park…
I hope City of Chicago gets things started in fine fashion. In 2014 , after Kerry took Sam from our grasp , at a gig in the Forum in Derry, I recall you remarking ” what do you think about that Joe Brolly …? “For the bould Joe had the temerity to suggest that the kingdoms footballers were in decline.
P.s.
Hey Patsy….. I hope you didn’t bet too much on the Royals yesterday….. it just didn’t click for them at all….there will be other days for them.
Christy's reply
Good on ye Marty….the world is in an awful state but we’ll hould on for next two Sundays…
that Joe Brolly moment was in Enniskillen ….Fr Brian was there the same night and gave me absolution after the gig
Hello Christy, thanks for a lovely gig in the TLT last night. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. I was listening to a Stitch in Time yesterday morning and it appeared by magic. It was a beautiful set, your voice and playing was just incredible, the crowd were in fine form and young Harry heard his song! It was nice to see John wave out to the crowd and over the years I have such admiration for your team. I’m sure there’s a hive of activity to make these gigs seem so smooth. The sound, the lights, the smoke machine, the whole vibe. Then Mick brings your book out, a flash of the torch and we know it’s time to buckle in for another fine set. Thank you, Kevin
Christy's reply
Morra Kevin….
that TLT has the magic ingredient….wonderful acoustics, I love the way its situated in an Industrial Estate with Tom Leddy’s Music shop situated next door…so many Irish Musicians purchased instruments from Tom… I got a second hand Yamaha FG180 back circa 1984…
Yes… we gotta good team together, all very experienced and focused , long haul music men who have become friends…we rely upon and trust each other
Good morning Christy. Long time since I was able to access this site fully but somehow managed to register again.
Myself and my two daughters have been long time Christy fans and attended many concerts together over the years. Our youngest daughter Rosie got married on June27th in Richmond Yorkshire and I walked her down the aisle to this is the day/ so do I. I had no idea that this was her plan and it was fabulous. You sang that song for her at St David’s hall in Cardiff for her 21st birthday ten years ago.
We had an amazing day and I ended my speech with a rendition of the voyage. Not a dry eye in the house. Hopefully not because the singing was so bad😂. It’s good to be back
Christy's reply
Young Hayes from Bansha,…
thar nais arís, fáilte romhat…
lovely countryside up there around Richmond/Ripon/Thirsk….some good Folk clubs way back, lotsa squaddies too….
Incredible set and brilliant craic tonight. Most songs meant so much personally, especially performed with such passion. Thank you. Lovely touch calling young Harry up. I was in front row and have a short video and some great stills that I’d like to get passed on to his folks. Can someone contact me at profile email and I’ll send them for someone to pass on if that’s ok?
Christy's reply
Last night in the TLT worked out well for me…it is a great venue….after the first two songs the set unfolded, I simply followed the power of the collective….apart from Harry’s request there were 3 others I had planned to do, Tyrone Boys, Hattie Carroll and The Honda 50,also planned to sing Burning Times, Boy in The Wlid,The Big Marquee, Lyra but once the wheel of fortune began to turn I simply followed the rotation…. I’m at a time now when every gig is precious…as the number of remaining gigs begins to dwindle I’m beginning to throw caution to the wind…to glide upon the energy of the night….last night “The Good Ship Kangaroo” emerged ..last time I sang that was the final Planxty gig in London in 2005….”Oblivious” was sparked by a single word in the previous song… a lone voice in the audience sang every word with me, that was special….there were beautiful sounds emanating from my right…. a man’s voice emanating from a deep place, someone expressing themselves in a very special way…I value these special communications….
Last night’s set
Chicago
Quinte Brigada
How Long
RingingThe Bell
Bright Blue Rose
Delerium
Beeswing
Michael Hayes
Good Ship Kangaroo
Only Our Rivers
Lingo Politico
Shovel
Voyage
Cumann na Mná
Johnny Boy
Ride On
Oblivious
Palestine
Yellow Triangle
McIlHatton
Om The mainland
back Home in Derry
Magdalene Laundry
Stitch in Time
Johnny Jump Up
Ordinary man
Snowflakes
No Time For Love
Joxer
Time has Come
Lisdoonvarna
Hi. I m curious how tonight’s gig will go, last week the audience were so welcoming & mellow, with great singing. Most sensible people escape from The 6 this week, like Kevin & Janice Cowan who will be at the gig tonight, but Patsy heads North ! Whatever way the games go there will be some variation of Green n Gold in Croker in 2 weeks time. Best of luck to Cill Dara.Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
The TLT
The Lily Whites
The Kingdom
Katie Taylor
4 in a row
Hi Christy,
I was having breakfast in a small café on the Lisburn Road, Belfast on Wednesday morning. there was various Irish music on the tannoy, when next up was your good self…”Ordinary man”, and “Beeswing” loud and clear. Got chatting to the lady behind the counter who told me herself and her Dad are massive fans of yours…….It is indeed a small world !!! Any odds on a Royal & Kingdom double this weekend ?
Ride on.
Patsy
Christy's reply
I have many great friends up around The Hills
Our Mother came from The Yellow Furze and our Cousins are still holding The Fort in Stackallen
Good morning, Christy. On TV I was watching an Irish sporting success yesterday. Ben Healy won the Tour de France stage after a long solo in the Normandy. Remarkable.
Have a good night in Drogheda.
Success and joy.
Günter
Hey Christy, I hope you are doing well. I wanted to stop by and say thanks for Cork last week, I started out the week in Belfast with a curmudgeonly old Van Morrison, then on to Dublin for some tourist trap trad in Temple Bar (for the Yanks but it was ok) then… all together in the big marquee, we raised the roof singing with you, I remember gigs where I wouldn’t sing cause the audience neighbors didn’t want to hear me, I remember nights at the Barras where sure we’d sing along but it was so raucous we couldn’t even hear you. But the Marquee 25 was different, unique in my opinion, it was outstanding, all the big songs and actually all the songs… all of us with you, thank you for setting it up and inviting us to join. Afterwards, we went to the Woodford in Cork for a late night “hammer it home gig” with Hank Wedel and his band. Thanks again Christy and see you soon I hope. Brian C.
Christy's reply
Thanks for your support and feedback Brian….we greatly appreciate our long haul listeners…love the sound of ” Hammer it Home with Hank ”
…………..”Listen To The Whisper of Moonlight On The Water……………
……………….Close Your Eyes And Listen”………………………………
My thoughts today are of the broken hearted Palestinian children who have had their dream of a trip of a lifetime, a small break from the IDF murder gangs, shattered by some stiff neck pen pusher. How do these people sleep at night?
Christy's reply
hard to believe that we have Irish citizens who consider your thoughts to be anti-semitic…..as they quietly support the IDF……I think of Rachel Corrie this morning
Hi Christy,
It is a shame that you never made it over to the Island, it is a beautiful spot, steeped in history, such a mix of nationalities living together.
As a ‘Crown Dependency’ we have never been in Europe. We lay claim to the oldest continuous Parliament in the world. Being a Scot myself and spending many happy years in the Deise, I am used to Island hopping but this one I think has stolen my heart. The Celtic and Viking roots have brought me home. At least I can listen to you wherever I am in this world.
Hopefully you will make the step across to the Island someday, see it in its glory, see what the Craic is like.
I keep seeing thon Ferry…it winks at me
Plenty talk of pucs, pints and the GAA round here.. I’m reminded of one of Martin Carney’s famous lines to Ger Canning when tensions would lift around Croke Park… “Ohh it’s heating up now Ger!”
Been listening to your spoken word piece about MDH. It’s music to our ears in itself. The video is just brilliant too. Have or will you performed it at gigs?
Roll on the McKenna cup….
Dont know Kevin….
I’ve only spoken Johnny b’s words once…that was in Gavin Murphy’s when we recorded it ….”Music To Our Ears” is spoken across Gavin’s soundscape….same as two tracks on the last album ( Sunflowers and Life & Soul)….I’ve not yet figured out how to include these tracks at gigs..same applies to many “Spoken”tracks on The Box Set(1964-2004)……there was some talk a while back about a spoken word collection….but new songs always take priority here in the work room…a new cluster gathering here as we speak ….
Meath totally outplayed by Donegal…..no apparent favourite for Sam now but two great Finals in the offing….we’ll be gathered round the wireless after the dinner for the next few Sundays…..The Ball is in and The Game is on…
Hi christy, what a day for sport.
Ireland’s Ben Healy becomes only the 4th Irishman to wear the yellow jersey in Le Tour. Magnificent solo effort, worthy of a couple of my cycling heroes Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche ( while local Scottish Borders youngster Oscar Onley is 7th on overall time after 10 days).
In rugby 2 Hawick men in Rory Sutherland and Darcy Graham get the Lions call-up.
I read the Kildare men lifted the Tailteann.
The rain mattered not a jot in Hawick today.
Rory
I’ve pumped the tyres up on the old Rudge…oiled the chain and checked the Sturmey-Archer…. bicycle clips on the ready as we prepare once more to cycle to Croke Park…
Hi Christy,
Congrats to the Lilly Whites, great to see them back where they belong.
We will have to keep a low profile for the 2 finals…. 4711ers involved all over the place. Drimoleague, will be hopping if the Rebels succeed…. That’s if Dave ever gets home 😂.
The Kingdom & Donegal is a hard one to call . May the best team win. No matter how it goes there will be happy 4711ers.
Ride on
Patsy
when it comes to The Finals,there are no neutrals….we’re all inter connected…I have distant cousins in all 4 counties, The Premier, The Rebel, The Kingdom and The Hills…win lose or draw I’ll be rolling in clover, dreaming of past glories, scallion sandwiches, pints in Rathcoole, the Old Hogan, Cusack & Nally Stands, The Hill and The Railway End, The Leinster Final of 1956, the All Ireland of 1998, O’Hehir and O’Muiracartaigh, The Bishop of Cashel, The Artane, tea and sambos out of the boot of an auld Ford Prefect, the lonely drive home,
Hi C. Well that second TLT gig was totally different from the previous one, the similarities were the gem – filled setlist, the singing of the choir and the sheer positive vibes, but I guess ” you cannot step into the same river twice ” The same goes for the Donegal Kerry match on 27th. I think J.B. may be a secret agent working for Kerry he has certainly done us some favours, with that comment about Donaghy and again more recently saying that D.C. is ” the only Kerry footballer worthy of the name.” May the best team win on the day, the friendship with Ger & Marty and the other 4711ers from the Hills won’t be affected. In the meantime we have the INEC to look forward to, another lively gig guaranteed !! It’s thrilling to think that Bob will follow you onto that stage for 2 gigs in Nov, bring on his Rough and Rowdy ways, perfect for An Riocht. Safe travelling all. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
we’re focusing on Killarney now… practicing Barr na Sráide, St Brendan, Casey and The Cliffs….
I have me tickets got for both Sundays…
having hurled with Theo in Marlfield, marked Babs in Cahir and supped Danno’s with Larry Kiely in the Officer’s Mess in Cluan Meala I must confess to slight bias in the sliotar… I’m all but neutral in The Sam but (contd p 94)
Re Comment:
his name was MacDara Ó Conaola
if its any interest to you, he’d appear on TG4 and the likes..
Hi Christy, hope all is well.
I’ve been expanding my music abilities as i’ve been inspired by a combination of artists, irish and worldwide, modern and traditional. I’ve a mandolin on the way to add to the collection. Hopefully it comes handy but i enjoy the challenge.
I met a man, a bodhranist, a Gaeilgeoir and an entertainer at bunratty castle. Was caught talking to the fella for upwards of an hour on the tour. His bodhran sparked a conversation between us, he played a tune as gaeilge and really brought a bit of hope for the language into me as he told me about his music and his sister who had their music spread worldwide.
With him in mind as much as the many other artists ive interacted with i have been attempting to write songs, maybe i should learn more focal to use in the lyrics. To try and bring a bit of pride to the land in music..
Fire ahead Matty… hurl the bejasus out of it….
As you head to the Kingdom to round of the season of gigs….. and the locals there are getting set for another trip to Croke Park…
I hope City of Chicago gets things started in fine fashion. In 2014 , after Kerry took Sam from our grasp , at a gig in the Forum in Derry, I recall you remarking ” what do you think about that Joe Brolly …? “For the bould Joe had the temerity to suggest that the kingdoms footballers were in decline.
P.s.
Hey Patsy….. I hope you didn’t bet too much on the Royals yesterday….. it just didn’t click for them at all….there will be other days for them.
Good on ye Marty….the world is in an awful state but we’ll hould on for next two Sundays…
that Joe Brolly moment was in Enniskillen ….Fr Brian was there the same night and gave me absolution after the gig
Was it Spark?
spot on there Rebecca… the spark in Ride on led me into Oblivious
Hello Christy, thanks for a lovely gig in the TLT last night. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. I was listening to a Stitch in Time yesterday morning and it appeared by magic. It was a beautiful set, your voice and playing was just incredible, the crowd were in fine form and young Harry heard his song! It was nice to see John wave out to the crowd and over the years I have such admiration for your team. I’m sure there’s a hive of activity to make these gigs seem so smooth. The sound, the lights, the smoke machine, the whole vibe. Then Mick brings your book out, a flash of the torch and we know it’s time to buckle in for another fine set. Thank you, Kevin
Morra Kevin….
that TLT has the magic ingredient….wonderful acoustics, I love the way its situated in an Industrial Estate with Tom Leddy’s Music shop situated next door…so many Irish Musicians purchased instruments from Tom… I got a second hand Yamaha FG180 back circa 1984…
Yes… we gotta good team together, all very experienced and focused , long haul music men who have become friends…we rely upon and trust each other
Good morning Christy. Long time since I was able to access this site fully but somehow managed to register again.
Myself and my two daughters have been long time Christy fans and attended many concerts together over the years. Our youngest daughter Rosie got married on June27th in Richmond Yorkshire and I walked her down the aisle to this is the day/ so do I. I had no idea that this was her plan and it was fabulous. You sang that song for her at St David’s hall in Cardiff for her 21st birthday ten years ago.
We had an amazing day and I ended my speech with a rendition of the voyage. Not a dry eye in the house. Hopefully not because the singing was so bad😂. It’s good to be back
Young Hayes from Bansha,…
thar nais arís, fáilte romhat…
lovely countryside up there around Richmond/Ripon/Thirsk….some good Folk clubs way back, lotsa squaddies too….
Incredible set and brilliant craic tonight. Most songs meant so much personally, especially performed with such passion. Thank you. Lovely touch calling young Harry up. I was in front row and have a short video and some great stills that I’d like to get passed on to his folks. Can someone contact me at profile email and I’ll send them for someone to pass on if that’s ok?
Last night in the TLT worked out well for me…it is a great venue….after the first two songs the set unfolded, I simply followed the power of the collective….apart from Harry’s request there were 3 others I had planned to do, Tyrone Boys, Hattie Carroll and The Honda 50,also planned to sing Burning Times, Boy in The Wlid,The Big Marquee, Lyra but once the wheel of fortune began to turn I simply followed the rotation…. I’m at a time now when every gig is precious…as the number of remaining gigs begins to dwindle I’m beginning to throw caution to the wind…to glide upon the energy of the night….last night “The Good Ship Kangaroo” emerged ..last time I sang that was the final Planxty gig in London in 2005….”Oblivious” was sparked by a single word in the previous song… a lone voice in the audience sang every word with me, that was special….there were beautiful sounds emanating from my right…. a man’s voice emanating from a deep place, someone expressing themselves in a very special way…I value these special communications….
Last night’s set
Chicago
Quinte Brigada
How Long
RingingThe Bell
Bright Blue Rose
Delerium
Beeswing
Michael Hayes
Good Ship Kangaroo
Only Our Rivers
Lingo Politico
Shovel
Voyage
Cumann na Mná
Johnny Boy
Ride On
Oblivious
Palestine
Yellow Triangle
McIlHatton
Om The mainland
back Home in Derry
Magdalene Laundry
Stitch in Time
Johnny Jump Up
Ordinary man
Snowflakes
No Time For Love
Joxer
Time has Come
Lisdoonvarna
31 songs…1 hour 54 mins
Oh that haunting whistle from Mullaghmore even had the hair on my workmates Azerbaijani arms standing : )
Nature took two million years to structure Mullaghmore
Hi. I m curious how tonight’s gig will go, last week the audience were so welcoming & mellow, with great singing. Most sensible people escape from The 6 this week, like Kevin & Janice Cowan who will be at the gig tonight, but Patsy heads North ! Whatever way the games go there will be some variation of Green n Gold in Croker in 2 weeks time. Best of luck to Cill Dara.Beir bua agus beannacht. H
The TLT
The Lily Whites
The Kingdom
Katie Taylor
4 in a row
Hi Christy,
I was having breakfast in a small café on the Lisburn Road, Belfast on Wednesday morning. there was various Irish music on the tannoy, when next up was your good self…”Ordinary man”, and “Beeswing” loud and clear. Got chatting to the lady behind the counter who told me herself and her Dad are massive fans of yours…….It is indeed a small world !!! Any odds on a Royal & Kingdom double this weekend ?
Ride on.
Patsy
I have many great friends up around The Hills
Our Mother came from The Yellow Furze and our Cousins are still holding The Fort in Stackallen
Kerry looked very strong yesterday
The Flourbags beginning to fill out
Hello Christy,
Here’s something that popped up this morning.
https://youtu.be/FH1DpbuDIm4?si=byyDigsq_D2XtPVf
Thinking of you all in Drogheda today. I attended a fine gig there with you, and also a lovely art gallery cafe and record shop.
Hugs,
Rebecca
Olaf is Liam Óg’s Nephew
Good morning, Christy. On TV I was watching an Irish sporting success yesterday. Ben Healy won the Tour de France stage after a long solo in the Normandy. Remarkable.
Have a good night in Drogheda.
Success and joy.
Günter
Get outa that saddle Ben Healy !
Hey Christy, I hope you are doing well. I wanted to stop by and say thanks for Cork last week, I started out the week in Belfast with a curmudgeonly old Van Morrison, then on to Dublin for some tourist trap trad in Temple Bar (for the Yanks but it was ok) then… all together in the big marquee, we raised the roof singing with you, I remember gigs where I wouldn’t sing cause the audience neighbors didn’t want to hear me, I remember nights at the Barras where sure we’d sing along but it was so raucous we couldn’t even hear you. But the Marquee 25 was different, unique in my opinion, it was outstanding, all the big songs and actually all the songs… all of us with you, thank you for setting it up and inviting us to join. Afterwards, we went to the Woodford in Cork for a late night “hammer it home gig” with Hank Wedel and his band. Thanks again Christy and see you soon I hope. Brian C.
Thanks for your support and feedback Brian….we greatly appreciate our long haul listeners…love the sound of ” Hammer it Home with Hank ”
…………..”Listen To The Whisper of Moonlight On The Water……………
……………….Close Your Eyes And Listen”………………………………
My thoughts today are of the broken hearted Palestinian children who have had their dream of a trip of a lifetime, a small break from the IDF murder gangs, shattered by some stiff neck pen pusher. How do these people sleep at night?
hard to believe that we have Irish citizens who consider your thoughts to be anti-semitic…..as they quietly support the IDF……I think of Rachel Corrie this morning
Hi Christy
The second clip, reference in detail to the Palestinian awfulness and our pitiful insignificance.
https://youtu.be/Fj7OZ64gZGA?si=WZgx-DONS6GS61Rs
Rory