Dia duit Críostóir, great to have a second home county gig to start the new year. Our band started the year with a hometown gig last week with a full house at the Hotel Kilmore. Did you ever play it? This weekend we play Liverpool, London and Birmingham (o2 Academy venues) and glad to report numbers are good. Never imagined when I started learning guitar, playing along to your stuff that I’d be playing such places. Been listening to “I Wish I Was in England”.. did you write it?
Fair play,Christy…for being inspired to write songs…by Woody and Ewan…I let the likes of them and ‘ the greats’ put me off…things I wrote never seemed good enough…certainly,not fit for an audience!
But, working on the ‘covers’,often in the Nightshift workroom ie Fred’s back room…wow…magic times,then on gigs as a song came together and got an audience ..a wonderful process…
So,spirits being kept high…enjoy gigs and travels,all
Hi Christy
A close friend and myself are making our annual pilgrimage to the kilashee to listen to you on Thursday, this will be our fifth show and we look forward to seeing you there. Each show never fails to get better and better thankyou for the memories, Adam
Christy's reply
Thanks Adam..
your monnikor reminds me of this old song first gleaned from Colm O Lochlainn’s collection of Irish Street Ballsads”
“In the Year of One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Eight
a sorrowful tale the truth unto you I’ll relate
of Thirty Six heroes ,to the world they were left to be seen
by a false information shot down on Dunlavin Green”
Can’t write songs to save my life,but love to ‘cover’ and listen to words and rhythms…
Currently playing a Joni Mitchell bootleg…a gig in Canada c 60 years ago…it’s fascinating to hear a few songs that became ‘classics’ eg Both Sides Now and The Circle Game…young Joni wrote and played them immaculately. Whilst admiring her craft,it struck me that the audience that night were likely to be some of the first to hear such gems.The rest is history…
Words and music,keeping spirits high.
Dave
Christy's reply
I used to feel the same way about writing songs..
never thought I could write one
there are so many different kinds of songs
abstract, poetic,lullabies, skipping, agit prop, rise the hackles, hymns, operatic, blues,
most people who like songs could have a song in them to write
Woody & Ewan inspired me to have a go
my approach is very basic, kinda journalistic
Gonna be one helluva year for my music bucket-list: you in Mullingar in March and Emmylou Harris in Brussels in September – two legends in one year!
Again (you did say to me to remind you when I first wrote on here in October) I’m gonna beg you to dance again the Reel in the Flickering Light on 25 March. When my wife and I lived in Canada in the 80s/90s there was a DJ on Public Service radio who every Saturday morning on his show would play either The Reel or Lisdoonvarna. Heaven knows I wish I’d danced more when I was young; I’m a lot older now, but I’d love to dance that Reel one more time.
Christy's reply
hey Doctor….
make that the 26th of March and we’ll do our best
Hi Christy,
Ordinary Man getting a good ould spin these nights.
Minded of gigs in CJs of Salthill from back in the day.
The songs have stood the test of time.
Most still stalwarts in set lists.
But Quite Desperation is the one for me.
Not featured too often in concerts these days alas.
There’s a mighty version on Live at Vicar Street
with Yoursel, Doh and Dec. But the recording on
Ordinary Man with Liam Ōg, Donal, Arty and Enya is
the one for me. I like to think that someone, somewhere
is tipping the skin on the bodhrán Nicky Kelly made
In prison that you gifted to Floyd Red Crow Westerman.
But Jaysus, Christy I like to think that Texans that die
just go up to Willie Nelson’s house agus sin a bhfuil …
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
Christy's reply
The recording of the Ordinary Man Album was a special time….Nicky Ryan’s studio in Artane had a great vibe….Nicky an outstanding talent….I’d been aware of Arty McGlynn for years, got to know him during this project and to form a friendship that lasted…
In the late 80’s, when I was about 20, I saw you sitting beside Gay Byrne on the Late Late Show. You sang Nancy Spain and I was blown away. I went to the public library the next day and took out a few guitar books and dusted off an old 6-string that was lying around the house just so I could learn that song. Nancy Spain is still one of my go-to songs if I am ever cornered into singing a song for anyone.
I also write the occasional song and after watching the TG4 documentary recently I thought I would send you one I wrote recently and maybe you can give me some feedback. I wrote this after returning to Ireland from a 30-year holiday in Central America. The lyrics are below and you can hear a rough recording on BandLab (https://www.bandlab.com/track/3047e84d-d2ef-f011-8d4d-002248444940)
It means a lot to me so I hope you like it.
Where Ash and Oak Trees Grow
It feels so good to be back home again
To hear the sweet red robin and the wren
And like the mighty kings of old
And the faerie folk so bold
To wander over mountain and through glen
And through glen, and through glen
To wander over mountain and through glen
The wind it whispers tales of long ago
The land hides secrets that we’ll never know
Of battles lost and won
And heroes long unsung
Who haunt the woods where ash and oak trees grow
Where oak trees grow, where oak trees grow
Who haunt the woods where ash and oak trees grow
In song her long sad history is told
Times of shame and suffering unfold
Of struggle and of duty
But also songs of beauty
To warm your heart against the bitter cold
The bitter cold, the bitter cold
To warm your heart against the bitter cold
The wild Atlantic sea reshapes her shore
Some things are not as once they were before
Like me, all things must change
Renew and rearrange
As sure as winter turns to spring once more
To spring once more, to spring once more
As sure as winter turns to spring once more
Still, there’s nowhere that’s quite like dear Ireland
And I’ve seen sights both wondrous and grand
Warmth and grace abound
On this her hallowed ground
And wash over me like waves upon the strand
Upon the strand, upon the strand
And wash over me like waves upon the strand
Upon the strand, oh, upon the strand
And wash over me like waves upon the strand
Christy's reply
Hi P.Dermody…I’m listening to you sing as I write these few words….its a lovely song and I really like the way you sing it …nice finger picking too….I’ll listen again…thanks for sharing
Hi Christy,
My wife and I had the pleasure of seeing you on her birthday last Sept 12th in Salthill. We drove smiling and humming tunes all the way home to Meath.
I thought I’d let you know that there will be 3 generations of the family coming to see you this Thursday in Killashee. My wife’s mom Nana Bríd, my wife Áine and our 11yr old daughter Liadha. You spread joy, cheer and shine a soulful light on people right across the generations. Myself and Liadha’s good friend Juliette are of course going too!
Thanks so much for the joy throughout the years and for being such a custodian of our nations precious songs and stories.
Is mise le meas,
Leo
Christy's reply
Lucky Man Leo…travelling with Áine,Bríd,Líadha agus Juliette from Condae na Mí go dtí Cill na Sí in aice Nás na Rí… 3 generations !!! these old (& new) songs have garnered a great spread….way beyond the wildest dreams of a young lad who started strummin 65 years ago
“I’ve travelled this wide world all over
and now to another I go
for I hear there’s good quarters a waitin
to welcome bould Rosin The Bow”….. (Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem)
that film was directed by the late Tony McMahon…..himself an iconic musician and broadcaster….Tony had an enlightened approach to the recording and transmission of our music on TV and Radio….always a controversial figure, never totally at peace, he is often quoted and sadly missed by many…
I recall that gig clearly…we were firing on all four cylinders…Nicky Ryan ,our sound engineer, mixing it perfectly ………….
A bit late in wishing a happy New Year to you and all of the crew & all the 4711ers. Still processing the amazing Cartlann film and the amazing amount of memories it brought to mind/ A wonderful tribute such a special programme. Great to read the positive reviews of the 2026 gigs too – still hitting the bullseye. Keep well and hop to see you along the road.
Christy's reply
never too late to send a good vibe John and greatly appreciated…we wish the very same to your good self and all belonging to you
Stayed home to watch the Late Late Show last night….what a great show it was too.
Beautiful to hear Peggy Seeger sing ” The First Time….” and then the award and tribute to Donal… well done and most deserved.
Christy's reply
Morra Marty & Ger…
you made the right decision with roads being treacherous in some areas…it went very well…last nights set ran;
Chicago
Quinte Brigada
Curragh of Kildare
Newbridge or Nowhere ( Lily)
Blue Rose
Welcome to cabaret
Veronica
Lawless
Ordinary man
Beeswing
Amsterdam
Ride On
Smoke & Whisky
Black & Amber
Delerium Tremens
Palestine
Yellow Triangle
McIlhatton
Ruby Walsh
Voyage
Lisdoonvarna
Cliffs od Dooneen
Joxer
I think you’re after unlocking something Christy…
January gigs in the short grass hit differently I think!
The energy, the excitement, the hunger for the gig to continue… sure we’ve no homes to go to! Thoroughly enjoyed it, loved Joxer and the high energy it brought but Bright blue rose was delicate and simply beautiful. And I can’t not mention Maud beside us and her favorite, Beeswing. She was like a little canary singing along word for word, it was so heartwarming. No January blues here…
Christy's reply
There’s a beautiful Bog near Allenwood
where Johnny Doyle is King
Listen to the distant Corncrake
hear the Lark and the Curlew
Where the heather and the moss grow
and the turf lies row after row
out there in the Sun to dry
I breathe it as I walk on by
where the kids and the dogs
all muck in together
bringin home the turf
no matter what the weather
…..I’m a Bogman, deep down
…..its where I come from…………( Luka Bloom)
Yesterday,Joan Baez hit 85…interlinked with Dylan in many ways,mighty in her own right.
Joan’s early songs and read ballads are ready to play here…first ‘Diamonds and Rust’…and,as ever,loving her guitar playing.
Have a good day
Dave
Christy's reply
I first hear Joan’s singing and playing back in 1964..I was living in Askeaton Co. Limerick…a fellow resident in Mrs Nolan’s lodging house had two Joan Baez Albums…the purity of her voice and her finger-style guitar accompaniments were an inspiration
…………Joan Baez…Warrior Woman……
Christy i love how songs drift into one another on the live sets, particularly of old, such as the Hamburg medley and the Ewan McColl tribute both on the unrivalled Box Set.
I assume the feeling for what to move into comes spontaneously ,but even if preplanned its a joy.
Rory
Christy's reply
we start with Chicago and Brigada every night…
once listeners are settled and singing…
we switch to spontaneous mode…
no two gigs ever the same….
loose and unscheduled…
keeps me on my toes…
Lets hope we have no repeat of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge saga below in New Ross…..
what sort of a sleeveen, brown-nosin, cap-doffin committee created such a stomach churning name for that fine structure…
here’s hoping that Cork not will repeat such an embarrassing fiasco….so many names more worthy of remembrance in that region
Nicky Rackard, Eileen Gray, Fr John Murphy, Eileen Flynn
Hi Christy, following the killing of an innocent unarmed mother of three in Minneapolis it’s terrifying how relevant ”The Yellow Triangle’ still is. All you need to do is replace Hitlers Gestapo with Trumps ICE Agents and Black, Pink, Green & Blue with Muslim, Hispanic, Latino and Liberal. Hope you continue to sing it loud and sing it proud.
Hi Christy,
Vanessa will be with us in the Killashee tonight….her very first Gig ( where has she been al these years). It’s also her Birthday. It will the best Birthday ever for her.
Ride On.
Patsy
Christy's reply
Twas great to be back on the home turf last night…
100 years ago that Hotel was a school….our Father was taught by Nuns there
Hello Christy,
Hoping the weather is kind to you all on your ways to and from Naas. I’m cuddling a guitar near the wood fire here. Practising finger picking like there’s no tomorrow.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
you are goin about the right way
I hope your fire “stayed in” overnight
Thanks for mentioning a new song,moulded in the workroom…intriguing and eagerly awaited.
Bon voyage to you and all travellers to gigs
A diversion here….10/1 is the 10th anniversary of David Bowie’s death…BBC radio six have ace tributes…also,plays here of ‘Black Star’…released just after his death. The most wonderful epitaph.
All the best
Dave
Christy's reply
Reqiescat in Pace….David Bowie….The Man who fell to Earth…..
Dia duit Críostóir, great to have a second home county gig to start the new year. Our band started the year with a hometown gig last week with a full house at the Hotel Kilmore. Did you ever play it? This weekend we play Liverpool, London and Birmingham (o2 Academy venues) and glad to report numbers are good. Never imagined when I started learning guitar, playing along to your stuff that I’d be playing such places. Been listening to “I Wish I Was in England”.. did you write it?
Fair play,Christy…for being inspired to write songs…by Woody and Ewan…I let the likes of them and ‘ the greats’ put me off…things I wrote never seemed good enough…certainly,not fit for an audience!
But, working on the ‘covers’,often in the Nightshift workroom ie Fred’s back room…wow…magic times,then on gigs as a song came together and got an audience ..a wonderful process…
So,spirits being kept high…enjoy gigs and travels,all
Dave
forget the audience..write one for yourself Dave
Hi Christy
A close friend and myself are making our annual pilgrimage to the kilashee to listen to you on Thursday, this will be our fifth show and we look forward to seeing you there. Each show never fails to get better and better thankyou for the memories, Adam
Thanks Adam..
your monnikor reminds me of this old song first gleaned from Colm O Lochlainn’s collection of Irish Street Ballsads”
“In the Year of One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Eight
a sorrowful tale the truth unto you I’ll relate
of Thirty Six heroes ,to the world they were left to be seen
by a false information shot down on Dunlavin Green”
Hi Christy
Can’t write songs to save my life,but love to ‘cover’ and listen to words and rhythms…
Currently playing a Joni Mitchell bootleg…a gig in Canada c 60 years ago…it’s fascinating to hear a few songs that became ‘classics’ eg Both Sides Now and The Circle Game…young Joni wrote and played them immaculately. Whilst admiring her craft,it struck me that the audience that night were likely to be some of the first to hear such gems.The rest is history…
Words and music,keeping spirits high.
Dave
I used to feel the same way about writing songs..
never thought I could write one
there are so many different kinds of songs
abstract, poetic,lullabies, skipping, agit prop, rise the hackles, hymns, operatic, blues,
most people who like songs could have a song in them to write
Woody & Ewan inspired me to have a go
my approach is very basic, kinda journalistic
Joni….Premiership
Gonna be one helluva year for my music bucket-list: you in Mullingar in March and Emmylou Harris in Brussels in September – two legends in one year!
Again (you did say to me to remind you when I first wrote on here in October) I’m gonna beg you to dance again the Reel in the Flickering Light on 25 March. When my wife and I lived in Canada in the 80s/90s there was a DJ on Public Service radio who every Saturday morning on his show would play either The Reel or Lisdoonvarna. Heaven knows I wish I’d danced more when I was young; I’m a lot older now, but I’d love to dance that Reel one more time.
hey Doctor….
make that the 26th of March and we’ll do our best
Hi Christy,
Ordinary Man getting a good ould spin these nights.
Minded of gigs in CJs of Salthill from back in the day.
The songs have stood the test of time.
Most still stalwarts in set lists.
But Quite Desperation is the one for me.
Not featured too often in concerts these days alas.
There’s a mighty version on Live at Vicar Street
with Yoursel, Doh and Dec. But the recording on
Ordinary Man with Liam Ōg, Donal, Arty and Enya is
the one for me. I like to think that someone, somewhere
is tipping the skin on the bodhrán Nicky Kelly made
In prison that you gifted to Floyd Red Crow Westerman.
But Jaysus, Christy I like to think that Texans that die
just go up to Willie Nelson’s house agus sin a bhfuil …
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
The recording of the Ordinary Man Album was a special time….Nicky Ryan’s studio in Artane had a great vibe….Nicky an outstanding talent….I’d been aware of Arty McGlynn for years, got to know him during this project and to form a friendship that lasted…
Hi Christy,
In the late 80’s, when I was about 20, I saw you sitting beside Gay Byrne on the Late Late Show. You sang Nancy Spain and I was blown away. I went to the public library the next day and took out a few guitar books and dusted off an old 6-string that was lying around the house just so I could learn that song. Nancy Spain is still one of my go-to songs if I am ever cornered into singing a song for anyone.
I also write the occasional song and after watching the TG4 documentary recently I thought I would send you one I wrote recently and maybe you can give me some feedback. I wrote this after returning to Ireland from a 30-year holiday in Central America. The lyrics are below and you can hear a rough recording on BandLab (https://www.bandlab.com/track/3047e84d-d2ef-f011-8d4d-002248444940)
It means a lot to me so I hope you like it.
Where Ash and Oak Trees Grow
It feels so good to be back home again
To hear the sweet red robin and the wren
And like the mighty kings of old
And the faerie folk so bold
To wander over mountain and through glen
And through glen, and through glen
To wander over mountain and through glen
The wind it whispers tales of long ago
The land hides secrets that we’ll never know
Of battles lost and won
And heroes long unsung
Who haunt the woods where ash and oak trees grow
Where oak trees grow, where oak trees grow
Who haunt the woods where ash and oak trees grow
In song her long sad history is told
Times of shame and suffering unfold
Of struggle and of duty
But also songs of beauty
To warm your heart against the bitter cold
The bitter cold, the bitter cold
To warm your heart against the bitter cold
The wild Atlantic sea reshapes her shore
Some things are not as once they were before
Like me, all things must change
Renew and rearrange
As sure as winter turns to spring once more
To spring once more, to spring once more
As sure as winter turns to spring once more
Still, there’s nowhere that’s quite like dear Ireland
And I’ve seen sights both wondrous and grand
Warmth and grace abound
On this her hallowed ground
And wash over me like waves upon the strand
Upon the strand, upon the strand
And wash over me like waves upon the strand
Upon the strand, oh, upon the strand
And wash over me like waves upon the strand
Hi P.Dermody…I’m listening to you sing as I write these few words….its a lovely song and I really like the way you sing it …nice finger picking too….I’ll listen again…thanks for sharing
Hi Christy,
My wife and I had the pleasure of seeing you on her birthday last Sept 12th in Salthill. We drove smiling and humming tunes all the way home to Meath.
I thought I’d let you know that there will be 3 generations of the family coming to see you this Thursday in Killashee. My wife’s mom Nana Bríd, my wife Áine and our 11yr old daughter Liadha. You spread joy, cheer and shine a soulful light on people right across the generations. Myself and Liadha’s good friend Juliette are of course going too!
Thanks so much for the joy throughout the years and for being such a custodian of our nations precious songs and stories.
Is mise le meas,
Leo
Lucky Man Leo…travelling with Áine,Bríd,Líadha agus Juliette from Condae na Mí go dtí Cill na Sí in aice Nás na Rí… 3 generations !!! these old (& new) songs have garnered a great spread….way beyond the wildest dreams of a young lad who started strummin 65 years ago
“I’ve travelled this wide world all over
and now to another I go
for I hear there’s good quarters a waitin
to welcome bould Rosin The Bow”….. (Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem)
Hello Christy,
Here’s something really special
https://youtu.be/W8eykfAXMw4?si=ryu15NwudJsV4SyS
Rebecca
that film was directed by the late Tony McMahon…..himself an iconic musician and broadcaster….Tony had an enlightened approach to the recording and transmission of our music on TV and Radio….always a controversial figure, never totally at peace, he is often quoted and sadly missed by many…
I recall that gig clearly…we were firing on all four cylinders…Nicky Ryan ,our sound engineer, mixing it perfectly ………….
A bit late in wishing a happy New Year to you and all of the crew & all the 4711ers. Still processing the amazing Cartlann film and the amazing amount of memories it brought to mind/ A wonderful tribute such a special programme. Great to read the positive reviews of the 2026 gigs too – still hitting the bullseye. Keep well and hop to see you along the road.
never too late to send a good vibe John and greatly appreciated…we wish the very same to your good self and all belonging to you
Stayed home to watch the Late Late Show last night….what a great show it was too.
Beautiful to hear Peggy Seeger sing ” The First Time….” and then the award and tribute to Donal… well done and most deserved.
Morra Marty & Ger…
you made the right decision with roads being treacherous in some areas…it went very well…last nights set ran;
Chicago
Quinte Brigada
Curragh of Kildare
Newbridge or Nowhere ( Lily)
Blue Rose
Welcome to cabaret
Veronica
Lawless
Ordinary man
Beeswing
Amsterdam
Ride On
Smoke & Whisky
Black & Amber
Delerium Tremens
Palestine
Yellow Triangle
McIlhatton
Ruby Walsh
Voyage
Lisdoonvarna
Cliffs od Dooneen
Joxer
I think you’re after unlocking something Christy…
January gigs in the short grass hit differently I think!
The energy, the excitement, the hunger for the gig to continue… sure we’ve no homes to go to! Thoroughly enjoyed it, loved Joxer and the high energy it brought but Bright blue rose was delicate and simply beautiful. And I can’t not mention Maud beside us and her favorite, Beeswing. She was like a little canary singing along word for word, it was so heartwarming. No January blues here…
There’s a beautiful Bog near Allenwood
where Johnny Doyle is King
Listen to the distant Corncrake
hear the Lark and the Curlew
Where the heather and the moss grow
and the turf lies row after row
out there in the Sun to dry
I breathe it as I walk on by
where the kids and the dogs
all muck in together
bringin home the turf
no matter what the weather
…..I’m a Bogman, deep down
…..its where I come from…………( Luka Bloom)
Trad ballads by Joan Baez
Joan Baez…….Warrior Woman
Hi Christy
Yesterday,Joan Baez hit 85…interlinked with Dylan in many ways,mighty in her own right.
Joan’s early songs and read ballads are ready to play here…first ‘Diamonds and Rust’…and,as ever,loving her guitar playing.
Have a good day
Dave
I first hear Joan’s singing and playing back in 1964..I was living in Askeaton Co. Limerick…a fellow resident in Mrs Nolan’s lodging house had two Joan Baez Albums…the purity of her voice and her finger-style guitar accompaniments were an inspiration
…………Joan Baez…Warrior Woman……
Christy i love how songs drift into one another on the live sets, particularly of old, such as the Hamburg medley and the Ewan McColl tribute both on the unrivalled Box Set.
I assume the feeling for what to move into comes spontaneously ,but even if preplanned its a joy.
Rory
we start with Chicago and Brigada every night…
once listeners are settled and singing…
we switch to spontaneous mode…
no two gigs ever the same….
loose and unscheduled…
keeps me on my toes…
Hi.So it seems that a new bridge over The Lee could be named after Don O Leary , how fitting as a bridge builder for so many young people in Cork City.!! https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/calls-city-centre-bridge-named-33199433 Let’s hope The Rebels back the idea in big numbers. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Lets hope we have no repeat of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge saga below in New Ross…..
what sort of a sleeveen, brown-nosin, cap-doffin committee created such a stomach churning name for that fine structure…
here’s hoping that Cork not will repeat such an embarrassing fiasco….so many names more worthy of remembrance in that region
Nicky Rackard, Eileen Gray, Fr John Murphy, Eileen Flynn
Hi Christy, following the killing of an innocent unarmed mother of three in Minneapolis it’s terrifying how relevant ”The Yellow Triangle’ still is. All you need to do is replace Hitlers Gestapo with Trumps ICE Agents and Black, Pink, Green & Blue with Muslim, Hispanic, Latino and Liberal. Hope you continue to sing it loud and sing it proud.
Trump’s Murdering Fascist Pigs….
Hi Christy,
Vanessa will be with us in the Killashee tonight….her very first Gig ( where has she been al these years). It’s also her Birthday. It will the best Birthday ever for her.
Ride On.
Patsy
Twas great to be back on the home turf last night…
100 years ago that Hotel was a school….our Father was taught by Nuns there
Hello Christy,
Hoping the weather is kind to you all on your ways to and from Naas. I’m cuddling a guitar near the wood fire here. Practising finger picking like there’s no tomorrow.
Rebecca
you are goin about the right way
I hope your fire “stayed in” overnight
Hi Christy
Thanks for mentioning a new song,moulded in the workroom…intriguing and eagerly awaited.
Bon voyage to you and all travellers to gigs
A diversion here….10/1 is the 10th anniversary of David Bowie’s death…BBC radio six have ace tributes…also,plays here of ‘Black Star’…released just after his death. The most wonderful epitaph.
All the best
Dave
Reqiescat in Pace….David Bowie….The Man who fell to Earth…..