Thanks to Dave for pointing to the holocaust centre in Huddersfield
It’s just up the toad from me.
I had a look at the link. Hoping this one might work https://holocaustcentrenorth.org.uk/
Rebecca
The presenter emphasised the normality of life for German Jews,until the 1930s…powerful points via her family photos and stories.Her grandfather arrived in England age 9,via Kindertransport…he settled and had a happy,long life in the Manchester area.
I thought I’d email the presenter to say thanks and ask a follow up question. Looking at the website,I’m struck by the content and it’s use as a resource. ..but,most staff names show forename and initial of surname…that security reality pulled me up sharp…
Christy, it struck me we should all today be playing The Pogues song ‘Greenland Whale Fisheries’ a song from 1725, some 50 years before america even existed!
America stole the Native Americans’ land centuries ago, here he goes again ….
Sing up.
Rory
Hi Christy
Matt McGinn of the Mournes has a good song about Tramp/Trump, as does Mick Blake.
They’d no doubt see that Oceania, Eurasia and Eastasia are just America, Russia and China.
A new version of Hey Ronnie Reagan perhaps, or a new verse onto I hate Politicians?
Rory
Christy really enjoyed your show at Killashee on Jan 15.We travelled over from Liverpool , walked up the road from the Osprey and walked back! Being of a similar age group to yourself the walk and mastering of the digital technology on the travel etc was worth every minute of your entertainment! We hope to manage another trip before too long. Many thanks. Particularly loved “Sail on Jimmy”. Libby and Arthur from Scouseland.
As I walked down to the city one morning
There, at Portland Road I knew something was wrong
I spied a masked fella all dressed like a soldier
All dressed like a soldier, his gun it was drawn
He eyes a young woman, parked there for a moment
She rolls down the window and speaks plain and clear
“I don’t bear no anger, you’ve no cause to stop me
Commin’ home from the school, just passin’ through here”
She moves away slowly, he roars out his order
She steers away from him, as he swirls around
Takes aim and fires three times through the windows
In seconds it’s over, she’s dead on the ground.
Within a few moments, Trump and his stooges
Lay blame on the victim, this mother of three
Denying the witness, the truth of the camera
Denying the truth that their own eyes did see.
Say her name, Renee Good, say it over and over
Say her name, Rene Good, say it over again
For the heart that lay bleeding, the hearts that are broken
For a woman cut down by ICE, to their shame.
I saw you in concert for the first time last Thursday in the Kilashee. Myself and my husband were blown away. Although I was only 10 when Joxer goes to Stuttgard was written for some reason it always brings a tear to my eye when Ray Houghton put the ball in the net. Hearing it live was unbelievable, tears rolled down my face for the whole song. You also sang the voyage which was my father’s favourite song and it was played on the flute at his funeral, I’m so grateful I heard you sing it live. We are so glad we bought the tickets and had the chance to see you live.
Wishing you continued good health and good luck!
Bernie
Christy's reply
Thanks Bernie….always good to hear from Athy…a grand spin up to Kilashee…over 60 years ago I cycled from Moorefield to Athy to hear Johnny Cash in Dreamland
Congratulations to the Highstool Prophets, what a great first tour on the bif island. I’m going to keep my ear closer to the ground so I’ll hopefully not miss them next time. Been listening to them on YouTube.
You know you had trouble finding the chords to Lemon Sevens? I was playing about with some drones and Ride On, yesterday. Noticed that Ride On and Lemon Sevens share the same chords. Lovely!
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Thank You for posting Johnny Doran’s beautiful playing..
I’ve taken to performing Lemon 7’s with the old goatskin
I was reading “Small Things Like These” just now, and a character sings “The Croppy Boy” to Bill, the main character. Having not heard it before, I looked up Liam Clancy’s version and it has absolutely floored me.
Isn’t it just incredible when a song and performance has you completely locked into it that it just engrosses every part of you.
My god, what a song.
Hope you’re doing well.
Christy's reply
I learned that song over 60 years ago…I think from the PW Joyce collection…I sing it here in the work room..dont think I’ve ever gigged it..probably wont…
” so fare well Father and Mother too
my sister Mary, I have but you
if ever I chance to return home
I’ll whet my Pike in some Yeoman’s bones”
Dear Christy I hope you are well. Islington was indeed sweaty. Maybe I’m getting old for this but I had a cracking night with the Prophets. The joints were out of sorts today but the mind was alive. Can you imagine that this is the same young lad Kevin who I first met all those years ago outside Barrowlands or in Vicar Street. Shine on Kevin you stepped in the ring. And the crowd joined you and the lads. All power to those including your goodself Christy who grab a guitar and take a leap of faith. Our lives are rewarded greatly. Keep warm. Safe travels to all troubadours. Xx
Christy's reply
Anuk, its vital that you keep excercising those joints…keep sending good vibes towards the stage… good JuJu drives the band, inspires players to reach the higher plain,
its quiet here this monday morning, I’ll play, I’ll practice, I’ll plan…it will be calm, sedate, level headed,
very different to what can happen when faced with a room full of enthusiastic listeners…thats when it gets interesting…plugging into the energy created by all you mighty songsters..
You travel, sing, applaud and inspire
” It was early Springtime, the Strike was on,
they drove us miners out of our homes
out of Houses that the Company owned
into the camps at Little Ludlow”….( Woody)
Wheeling it back to base again a grand night in Islington.. they came from Norway, Belgium, Cork and even Swanlinbar! The energy was up in the room before we hit the stage, you could hear the crowd singing.. Our banjo player spotted his 2nd class teacher in the audience..set included “Rainy Night in Soho”, “The Fields of Athenry” and a slow air on flute called “Gabriels Oboe”.. Attention turns to Birmingham Sunday night before the trip home.. ní bheidh sé i bhfad anois (it won’t be long now)
Christy's reply
Good man Kevin…
you remind me gigs when we leapt into the van, tore up the road to catch a midnight Ferry from Fishguard,Holyhead,Heysham,Liverpool or Cairnryan…
sometimes we landed in home for the breakfsast…other times we lorryied into porter at an early house in Capel Street…
the glorious youthful excitement of it all…
Ride On You Highstool Prophets….lash it out…send ’em home sweatin
I think at the end of the night one song comes to mind and everyone thinks they can sing Spancil Hill..the song does has passion but Back home in Derry is on a different level 👌🏻
Christy's reply
Betimes we’re all on different levels “at the end of the night”
Both songs written under dark circumstance..
Albeit a century apart.
Yet they have one thing in common.
One was written by Michael Considine from Spancilhill in Co.Clare.
Aged 22 Michael was forced to emigrate shortly after the genocide of The Great Irish ‘Famine.’
He died in a mining disaster in California.
The other was written by Bobby Sands of Co. Antrim.
Bobby died on Hunger Strike in Long Kesh.
A POW, He died demanding political status in the H.Blocks.
When elected as an MP to Westminister Bobby received more votes then Thatcher…
Hi Christy,
Thanks for posting the Naas set list.
John Spillane’s The Ballad of Patrick Murphy
doesn’t feature too often. You mention in the notes
how you sang it for his two grandsons one night
in The Big Marquee …
Maireann cuimhní maithe I bhfad.
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
Christy's reply
I dont know where it came out of the other night…
as I pulled in after “cabaret” it almost started itself…
no request, no intention,
then Spillane got a hoult on me and away we went…
myself and Patrick Murphy were beyond the Múcán Shore
Just delighted to be able to join the group and wishing Christy all the best. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for so many years of music, wisdom and wit, and especially standing up for the people who are marginalized and oppressed, even when it was not the popular thing to do.
Stephen Beausang
Durham N.C and Cloyne, County Cork
Glad to report a positive start on Merseyside.. it was hot and sweaty.. We opened with “Dirty Old Town”.. set included “The Leaving of Liverpool”, “Beeswing (up tempo)” , “Cavan Girl” for the lady in the Cavan jersey.. some great requests for “Beautiful Affair” and “Black Velvet Band” from younger people..Onwards to Islington for night 2/3.. tá sé iontach a bheith in ann, it’s great to be able!!
Christy's reply
enjoy your gigs on the road “over”
its great to see ballads come back into popular focus…may The High Stool Prophets enjoy the and contribute to this new revival….weekends in “The Big Smoke” have always been special among the rambling ex-pats
Thanks,Rebecca
D
Thanks to Dave for pointing to the holocaust centre in Huddersfield
It’s just up the toad from me.
I had a look at the link. Hoping this one might work
https://holocaustcentrenorth.org.uk/
Rebecca
Might be my dodgy link or security for the website
for readers interested…
Holocaust Centre North
University of Huddersfield
D
Hi Christy
Last night,I was privileged to be at a talk/workshop by
http://www.holocaustcentrenorth.co.uk
The presenter emphasised the normality of life for German Jews,until the 1930s…powerful points via her family photos and stories.Her grandfather arrived in England age 9,via Kindertransport…he settled and had a happy,long life in the Manchester area.
I thought I’d email the presenter to say thanks and ask a follow up question. Looking at the website,I’m struck by the content and it’s use as a resource. ..but,most staff names show forename and initial of surname…that security reality pulled me up sharp…
Dave
Christy, it struck me we should all today be playing The Pogues song ‘Greenland Whale Fisheries’ a song from 1725, some 50 years before america even existed!
America stole the Native Americans’ land centuries ago, here he goes again ….
Sing up.
Rory
Christy your friend’s great song ‘Zurich’ could be sung in davos this week. There is a fine version on the Box Set.
Rory
Hi Christy
Matt McGinn of the Mournes has a good song about Tramp/Trump, as does Mick Blake.
They’d no doubt see that Oceania, Eurasia and Eastasia are just America, Russia and China.
A new version of Hey Ronnie Reagan perhaps, or a new verse onto I hate Politicians?
Rory
Christy really enjoyed your show at Killashee on Jan 15.We travelled over from Liverpool , walked up the road from the Osprey and walked back! Being of a similar age group to yourself the walk and mastering of the digital technology on the travel etc was worth every minute of your entertainment! We hope to manage another trip before too long. Many thanks. Particularly loved “Sail on Jimmy”. Libby and Arthur from Scouseland.
I see from Facebook that Jack Warshaw is currently working on a new song about Renee Goode.
Minneapolis-
Lyrics
I’m working on melody and performance
Minneapolis
© Jack Warshaw 2026
As I walked down to the city one morning
There, at Portland Road I knew something was wrong
I spied a masked fella all dressed like a soldier
All dressed like a soldier, his gun it was drawn
He eyes a young woman, parked there for a moment
She rolls down the window and speaks plain and clear
“I don’t bear no anger, you’ve no cause to stop me
Commin’ home from the school, just passin’ through here”
She moves away slowly, he roars out his order
She steers away from him, as he swirls around
Takes aim and fires three times through the windows
In seconds it’s over, she’s dead on the ground.
Within a few moments, Trump and his stooges
Lay blame on the victim, this mother of three
Denying the witness, the truth of the camera
Denying the truth that their own eyes did see.
Say her name, Renee Good, say it over and over
Say her name, Rene Good, say it over again
For the heart that lay bleeding, the hearts that are broken
For a woman cut down by ICE, to their shame.
Ah nice one Christy, hope you sing it to yourself soon and enjoy the story.
I found a video which tells a bit of the history if you’re interested;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaSisxvv7Lw&list=WL&index=4&t=135s
Hi Christy,
I saw you in concert for the first time last Thursday in the Kilashee. Myself and my husband were blown away. Although I was only 10 when Joxer goes to Stuttgard was written for some reason it always brings a tear to my eye when Ray Houghton put the ball in the net. Hearing it live was unbelievable, tears rolled down my face for the whole song. You also sang the voyage which was my father’s favourite song and it was played on the flute at his funeral, I’m so grateful I heard you sing it live. We are so glad we bought the tickets and had the chance to see you live.
Wishing you continued good health and good luck!
Bernie
Thanks Bernie….always good to hear from Athy…a grand spin up to Kilashee…over 60 years ago I cycled from Moorefield to Athy to hear Johnny Cash in Dreamland
Hello Christy,
Here’s Johnny Doran playing Sliabh na mBan, recorded in 1947.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17nxHSAZSu/
Congratulations to the Highstool Prophets, what a great first tour on the bif island. I’m going to keep my ear closer to the ground so I’ll hopefully not miss them next time. Been listening to them on YouTube.
You know you had trouble finding the chords to Lemon Sevens? I was playing about with some drones and Ride On, yesterday. Noticed that Ride On and Lemon Sevens share the same chords. Lovely!
Rebecca
Thank You for posting Johnny Doran’s beautiful playing..
I’ve taken to performing Lemon 7’s with the old goatskin
Hi Christy,
I was reading “Small Things Like These” just now, and a character sings “The Croppy Boy” to Bill, the main character. Having not heard it before, I looked up Liam Clancy’s version and it has absolutely floored me.
Isn’t it just incredible when a song and performance has you completely locked into it that it just engrosses every part of you.
My god, what a song.
Hope you’re doing well.
I learned that song over 60 years ago…I think from the PW Joyce collection…I sing it here in the work room..dont think I’ve ever gigged it..probably wont…
” so fare well Father and Mother too
my sister Mary, I have but you
if ever I chance to return home
I’ll whet my Pike in some Yeoman’s bones”
Dear Christy I hope you are well. Islington was indeed sweaty. Maybe I’m getting old for this but I had a cracking night with the Prophets. The joints were out of sorts today but the mind was alive. Can you imagine that this is the same young lad Kevin who I first met all those years ago outside Barrowlands or in Vicar Street. Shine on Kevin you stepped in the ring. And the crowd joined you and the lads. All power to those including your goodself Christy who grab a guitar and take a leap of faith. Our lives are rewarded greatly. Keep warm. Safe travels to all troubadours. Xx
Anuk, its vital that you keep excercising those joints…keep sending good vibes towards the stage… good JuJu drives the band, inspires players to reach the higher plain,
its quiet here this monday morning, I’ll play, I’ll practice, I’ll plan…it will be calm, sedate, level headed,
very different to what can happen when faced with a room full of enthusiastic listeners…thats when it gets interesting…plugging into the energy created by all you mighty songsters..
You travel, sing, applaud and inspire
” It was early Springtime, the Strike was on,
they drove us miners out of our homes
out of Houses that the Company owned
into the camps at Little Ludlow”….( Woody)
Wheeling it back to base again a grand night in Islington.. they came from Norway, Belgium, Cork and even Swanlinbar! The energy was up in the room before we hit the stage, you could hear the crowd singing.. Our banjo player spotted his 2nd class teacher in the audience..set included “Rainy Night in Soho”, “The Fields of Athenry” and a slow air on flute called “Gabriels Oboe”.. Attention turns to Birmingham Sunday night before the trip home.. ní bheidh sé i bhfad anois (it won’t be long now)
Good man Kevin…
you remind me gigs when we leapt into the van, tore up the road to catch a midnight Ferry from Fishguard,Holyhead,Heysham,Liverpool or Cairnryan…
sometimes we landed in home for the breakfsast…other times we lorryied into porter at an early house in Capel Street…
the glorious youthful excitement of it all…
Ride On You Highstool Prophets….lash it out…send ’em home sweatin
I think at the end of the night one song comes to mind and everyone thinks they can sing Spancil Hill..the song does has passion but Back home in Derry is on a different level 👌🏻
Betimes we’re all on different levels “at the end of the night”
Both songs written under dark circumstance..
Albeit a century apart.
Yet they have one thing in common.
One was written by Michael Considine from Spancilhill in Co.Clare.
Aged 22 Michael was forced to emigrate shortly after the genocide of The Great Irish ‘Famine.’
He died in a mining disaster in California.
The other was written by Bobby Sands of Co. Antrim.
Bobby died on Hunger Strike in Long Kesh.
A POW, He died demanding political status in the H.Blocks.
When elected as an MP to Westminister Bobby received more votes then Thatcher…
Did old Hank do it this way ⚡️🎸
sounds like someone might have had an early start
Hi Christy,
Thanks for posting the Naas set list.
John Spillane’s The Ballad of Patrick Murphy
doesn’t feature too often. You mention in the notes
how you sang it for his two grandsons one night
in The Big Marquee …
Maireann cuimhní maithe I bhfad.
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
I dont know where it came out of the other night…
as I pulled in after “cabaret” it almost started itself…
no request, no intention,
then Spillane got a hoult on me and away we went…
myself and Patrick Murphy were beyond the Múcán Shore
Just delighted to be able to join the group and wishing Christy all the best. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for so many years of music, wisdom and wit, and especially standing up for the people who are marginalized and oppressed, even when it was not the popular thing to do.
Stephen Beausang
Durham N.C and Cloyne, County Cork
good on ye Cloyne Boy
Glad to report a positive start on Merseyside.. it was hot and sweaty.. We opened with “Dirty Old Town”.. set included “The Leaving of Liverpool”, “Beeswing (up tempo)” , “Cavan Girl” for the lady in the Cavan jersey.. some great requests for “Beautiful Affair” and “Black Velvet Band” from younger people..Onwards to Islington for night 2/3.. tá sé iontach a bheith in ann, it’s great to be able!!
enjoy your gigs on the road “over”
its great to see ballads come back into popular focus…may The High Stool Prophets enjoy the and contribute to this new revival….weekends in “The Big Smoke” have always been special among the rambling ex-pats