Just returned from the big smoke today & only getting the chance to check in on the Guest Book tonight. Thank you for an amazing gig on Wednesday night – you were on fire and barely took a breath between songs! The atmosphere was electric and we couldn’t have enjoyed it more. Until the next time, let the music keep your spirits high….
Christy's reply
Saturday Morning and I’m only getting me wind back
it takes it out of you
its a young mans game ..this ballad singin
Starting to focus on the next outing
I have a yearning in me for a blast of The Pipes
been listening to Liam Óg a lot of late
I think I’ll go on the hunt..
I could do with a blast of “The Gold Ring”
or a plaintive “Slíabh na mBan”
and International Women’s Day nearly on us
let us remember
Anne Lovett, Lyra McKee, Veronica Guerin,
Most interesting to see references to “Cable Street”. Having the experience of witnessing a 1970s London National Front march, believe me, you aint seen nothing like it. The ‘battle of Cable Street’, East London, 1936, as it became known, two opposing sides somehow ‘arranged’ two opposing factions would meet, two opposing marches. Interesting to read about Mosley and Eyrecourt, I had forgotten that story. Harry, his wife Diane, was a “Mitford”, one of a group of famous sisters. It was the Protestant bishop’s one-time ‘palace’ they lived in. 90 years on folks, and look at our neighbour, the pot still boiling. Who’s the next UK government going to be made up of? Am thinking of the two girls standing, sheltering in the doorway, no doubt frightening. A great story told by that Sligoman.
That level of utter and bile, all still being stirred up.
A shame.
Christy's reply
good man Ed…
I thought we’d lost you there for awhile..
you went fierce quiet on us altogether…
re your question:
the Yanks went for Trump,
The Brits may well go for Farage
like they went for Boris
(like the egg in the Monastery
outa the fryin pan into the friar)
we give out a fair bit here
but we still live in a democracy
Mícheál in the Dáil,
Catherine adup in The Park
Mary Lou a solid leader of opposition
Richard Boy Barrett back on The Tannoy
I cant remember who’s leading The Blue Shirts
Paschal fecked off to The World Bank
Coveney gone sailing on The Bilderberg Flotilla
(with Zappone maybe ? )
We have number of barking lunatics yappin around
but , so far, Thanks Be,they aint gainin much traction,
RTE gone to the Dogs
Dummin Down Deeper By The Day
not a word about Dee
Kevin tryin to figure out how much he’s worth
I hear that Paddy Power has offered to sponsor The Angelus
Ivan Yates will have somethin to say about that
Hi Christy! Great gig on Wednesday night in Vicar Street. Was there with my Cousin Connell from Sydney Australia for his first (not last) gig. Ended up with a couple of plectrum’s passed on to us from Lar, who we sat next to. Unforgettable experience; a life highlight.
is mise le meas,
Rory
Christy's reply
Morra Rory….I was wondering about the plectrums…always running short..now I know why !! as long as they are being used…I’ll have to get that Lar fella barred from the backstage area…he’s like a bleedin magpie…
glad you and the Cousin had a good gig…same here…I had a belter on Wed night..still buzzin..but also preparing for next Thu…
Hi Christy,
The famine is over, a whole month without a Gig……..but you made up for it in Spades last night.
It was up there among some of the greatest nights in HQ, an electric atmosphere which was building up from very early, we could feel the anticipation in the room. A great gaggle of 4711ers gathered from near and far. What wonderful friendships we have built up over the years, all with the same common interests, the Songs and the deliverance by yourself. Thanks, Christy, for bringing us all together. We were a bit outnumbered on the Male side, but Lar and I held the forth !!!!!! It is fantastic to see young people like Harry engaging with the Songs and the story behind them, long may it continue.
‘Till next week Christy.
Ride On.
Patsy
Christy's reply
there you were Patsy…full forward once again, Lar and Olivia two fine corner forwards, Hilary at centre field and a full gaggle surrounding , all with big warm welcoming smiles that always lift the heart of the singer….young Harry a welcome addition to the fold….Shine On… all you good Songsters…Up Down
Well Christy, just a word to say thank you to you and the crew for an incredible gig last night in Vicar Street. Your energy and power on stage is always a sight to behold but last night was something different altogether. I am a young man of 26 years and I have had the privilege of seeing you now on 5 occasions. It gets better every time! On to the Concert Hall and the open air of All Together Now in the summer time! Meas Mór. Josh
Christy's reply
Thanks Josh….truth be told , the energy and power you describe flows thru me from the listeners….my ability to project the songs is fuelled by those who gather to hear them….when I sing in the work room , in any recording studio, I always lack that energy, that inspiration, that duende that is so vital to the act of singing out ,loud and unfettered, quiet and gentle, sad and lonesome, wild and free, whatever emotion is called for…sometimes anger can enter the equation, there are certain verses that can stir anger in my breast…. lines in Hattie Carrol, Scapegoats, Veronica,No Time for Love, spring to mind….
but for the most part I sing with a commitment to share and enjoy the moment
Hi. Indeed what a grand gaggle last night and Adam there to take the photos ! Your small but very important changes to Palestine makes an already powerful song even more striking. Indeed what would we do and what international support would we expect ?? What a great gig Harry enjoyed and what insights he received by coincidence, the power of songs ! How brave of you to sing a new song after a break of a month ? It was great to hear Deluge again, I was in Vicar St several years ago when JB dedicated it to you. Lemon 7s works so well with the bodhran. You sang my three top songs BBR, BT& Beeswing, it was a real buzz of a gig and an honour to be there. GRMMA. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
very happy to have Joe Flatley’s song “Cable Street” in the set….Joe and his wife travelled from England for the last gig in Sligo…. he gave a CD of the song to Michael Devine before the gig…I listened to it in the van on the drive back to Dublin apres gig..instantly smitten, I rang Joe immediately.. we have been in touch ever since ….to me, its a classic song….I’ve spent the last few months living with it almost daily…..Joe’s mother witnessed the Cable St riots as a young girl….Joe sent me this background to the song :…
The Ryan’s originally came from Cappawhite in Co Tipperary.
my mother, Josephine (Josie) Ryan, was born in london, and was one of thirteen siblings, they all lived in Tench street in Wapping E1, a stones throw from the docks and the River.
She was born in 1923 and was 13 years old when she, and her year younger sibling, Pat (Patricia), against strict orders not to, both attended the anti fascist protest march on Sunday October 4th 1936
The song follows the route they would have taken on that day.
Mum always told us how ironic it was that they hid in the doorway of the undertakers, in cable street.
Hop picking was the annual working holiday in Kent for a lot of east end family’s, it gave them a few weeks in the Kent countryside, and a welcomed small income for a large family.
Mary McGannan, was my 1st cousin and her mother, also Mary, was my mothers older sister.
hope this is helpful,
A Christy, táim ar bís go mbeidh mé á fheiceáil arís Déardaoin seo chugainn. Chonaic mé thú go deireanach san Opera House i Loch Garman i mí Aibreáin 2024 nuair a sheinn tú “The Two Conneeleys” dom ar iarratas. Bhí sé dochreidte ar fad. Bhí áthas orm freisin a fháil amach gur rinne tú leagan iomlán i nGaeilge fadó fadó.
Is oth liom a rá go bhfuair m’uncail bás an tseachtain seo. Bhí sé ina lucht leanúna mór agat agus ba bhreá leis “The January Man”. Thug an t-amhrán sin léiriú cruinn air — fear den talamh ar a mhair sé. Tá a fhios agam gur gearrfhógra é seo, ach bheadh sé go hálainn é a chloisteáil ar an oíche. Tuigim, áfach, gur dócha go bhfuil sé i bhfad siar sa chruinneachán, mar sin ní bheidh aon díomá orm pé scéal é.
Táim ag tnúth go mór leis arís!
—
Christy, I am excited to be getting to see you again next Thursday. I last saw you in the Opera house in Wexford in April 2024 where you played “The two conneeleys” for me as a request. It was amazing. Also delighted to learn you did a version completely in irish many moons ago. I’m sad to say my uncle passed this week. He was a massive fan and loved “The Janurary man”. It summed him up in a song. A man of the land he lived on. Short notice I know but it would be lovely to hear it on the night but I understand it’s likely well back in the vault so there will be no disappointment either way. Looking forward to it again
Christy's reply
cad is ainm don fear bocht ?
beidir go mbeidh me ábailte an amhrán sin a canadh
marcaidh ar agaidh
Hi Christy it’s Harry. You were on fire last night I think it might be the best I’ve ever seen you. Vicar Street is some venue. There’s no where else quite like it, I’ll definitely be back. Smoke and strong whiskey was powerful as ever but Lisdoonvarna was without a doubt the highlight of the night. Cable Street is great addition to the set, really powerful imagery. I’m actually doing a school project on Mosley at the moment so it was very interesting for me. The project is on history tied to your locality or your family’s locality. My granny is from a place called eyrecourt in Galway and in the 1950s after Mosley was disgraced in British politics he bought up ‘clonfert palace’ a previously Protestant owned estate. His wife Diana and his sons lived there for two years with him visiting regularly. Their stay was brought to and end by a fire that consumed the home and left behind a ruin. However, Mosley had promised the local children a Christmas party in the house so he held a party at a local school and personally presented each child with a Christmas present. My grannys father owned a shop nearby so she was invited to a birthday party in the house as they didn’t know many local people. All the information I found about him online pointed towards him being a misunderstood politician who believed in the facist ideology instead of the nazi ideology. But the song last night opened my eyes to how terrible of a person he really was. Anyways well done again on last night. Thanks Christy, Harry
Christy's reply
Magdalen Laundry was a high point for me…Joni Mitchell’s song is so beautifully written ,both lyrically and musically, an outstanding artist of our time,
every now and then I start a song and the song simply takes over ….the song plays me….I must have a listen to last nights Magdalen…if only to see was I imagining..
the first rendition of Cable St was too fast, prob due to my nervousness at first outing…
great that you are digging into stuff Harry…I sailed thru my teenage years oblivious to what went on around me…I learned so much thru songs..important stuff that the eduacation system had kept from us..very often at the behest of the catholic church..
let me know when you are thinking of coming to a gig again
Oswald and Diana Mitford were well matched…Hitler was a VIP guest at their wedding..say no more !!
Hello Christy,
Just lying in bed here thinking of your gig last night. What a rare time we had and it was great to see and hear you gracing the stage once more. Lemon Sevens and Black and Amber. And the new Cable street. Lemon sevens is fabulous with the old drum. What a sound! I’ve been playing about with it and some drones on the harmonium. It’s a good noise.
Were off up to Drogheda today foe few nights on the banks of the Boyne.
Hugs!
Rebecca
Christy's reply
old harmonium drones brings me right back to Planxty years….we had an ancient harmonium that held together with gaffa tape and twine..it would wheeze and groan, fart & berlch as air escaped from its many punctures…..it provided drones & harmonies on manys the old Planxty song….Blacksmith, West Coast of Clare,Time Will Cure to name but three….enjoy your stay in The Wee County
Good morning Christy and all! What a great night was had last night at Vicar Street.
It was so nice to meet so many from the past and how many years we have known each other.
The most meaningful part for me was that my daughter said there were so many song you sang that brought back a childhood memory for her. She said she remembers singing along to Lawless at the top of our voices on a road trip in a very old red Nissan micra somewhere in 2005!
We are blessed by some good luck. Best to you and yours as ever xx
Christy's reply
Its always a buzz when our long haul listeners return to the fold….thank you Anuk for your support and good JuJu across so many years…..and to think it all began at a Taj Mahal gig….
Dear Christy,
THANK you so very much for your extra shout out for me. I felt that honoured and I loved you singing it.
And the whole thing was such a stunning gig. You were so full of energy and in such good mood and all the audience was. So many good vibes !! You took us with you and it was such an unbelievable atmosphere .So many thanks to you and your wonderful crew for making all this happen on and on…we were all completely absorbed and fascinated.
Will have to fly back today but will be here again on the 2nd March which makes me extremely happy.
So all the best and see you
God bless
Ursula
Christy's reply
returning after a lay off ….be it long or short it always adds an extra dimension to a gig…I had 4 weeks without a gig before last night, I was keen to get back ,to experience one more time the buzz created by a room full of eager listeners….
I sing songs time and again in the work room … everything changes when listeners gather to hear the songs….Duende descended once more last night….Burning Times, Lemon Sevens, Cable Street, Magdalen Laundry ( and others )resounded in the silence created by that hushed gathering of songsters….soon to explode into great singing when Joxer rode in from Lisdoonvarna with Lingo Politico in his rucksack…
afterwards I came home to strong tea and tasty confectionary…..safe travelling and thank you
What a beautiful and great concert you gave us on Wed night in Vicar Street…It had everything from start to finish, covering so many songs from different songwriters. When you suggest we check out sonngwriters, we sometimes take the chance and we go on to see and grow to love the songs of Jimmy MacCarthy, John Spillane, Wally Page, Luka Bloom and many others that are relatively new to your set list. Lovely to hear Wally’s Smoke in the set and Lawless,Deluge and Bright Blue Rose…it was great to catch up with some of the 4711ers again… an absolute pleasure to be among the audience for a wonderful gig…thank you x
Christy's reply
Lar, I’m loving the Michael D / Hot Press book you sent me….. just finished reading Richard Thompson’s biog “Beeswing” and I’m dug into Michael D’s essays from early Hot Press chronicles….great to see you there with Olivia last night..a great gaggle of loyal 4711ers…flash backs to former gatherings….I always feel privileged to have such long standing songsters in the room….let the music keep our spirits high
Hello Christy,
Wandered own Francis Street today and finally made it into Some Neck Guitars. It’s a lovely shop, lots of people who love guitars. I heard a man talking to a member of staff. It was so interesting I ended up joining them. He had a couple of 7 string guitars, I think he was selling them, I missed that bit. I was intrigued where the 7th string went. It was at the bottom.
Steve pulled me out of the shop before I could fall in love with any of the stock. I don’t have any guitar money.
Watching a bit of snooker as we look forward to your gig tonight. We’ll be on table 5, just to your right.
Safe trip all!
Rebecca
Christy's reply
its easy get carried away in Some Neck guitar shop…such resounding and resonating, a cacophony of seductive resonance … Owen as cool as a cucumber
Should anyone be looking for tickets TONIGHT at Vicar St I have been forced to relinquish two excellent (2nd row, central) seats back to the Ticketmaster site. I can see them there available for booking. I have been unable to make my journey for sore reasons. Thank you.
Christy good morning,
Today marks the 103rd anniversary of the death of one of Ireland’s great sons.
Dinny Lacy was gunned down in the Glen of Aherlow, faithful ,loyal and brave .
Seamus Doran has a fine song on youtube about him ‘wee cross’.
On monday a small group of friends, i and my son Charlie will travel to visit the safe house he left before meeting his maker, it will be a solemn moment, whilst also visiting other historic locations in Tipp.
100 years ago to the hour that he left that safe house myself and my great friend Brieve Hughes stood in that spot, bullet marked walls, it was very moving. The Galtee Mountain Boy is gone but not forgotten. Rory
Christy's reply
” We tracked across the Mountains and over the Valleys green
where we met with Dinny Lacy, Sean Hogan and Dan Breen
Sean Moylan and his gallant men theykept the flag flying high
Farewell to Tipperary said The Galtee Mountain Boy”
( first heard sung by Patsy Halloran in Ryan’s pub ,The Bridge Bar, Clonmel back in 1963….when the pint bottle was 2 shillings and four pence).
Hi Christy,
Looking forward to your gig tonight in Vicar Street, it’s me and my partners fourth time to see you and the excitement is still the same as if it’s the first time. It’s also his birthday tomorrow his name is Chris if there’s a shoutout available or a photo op ha.
Looking forward to tonight , all the best.
Lynda
Christy's reply
did not see this until apres gig…hope all went well….happy birthday Chris
Save some of this fun and banter for May 17th, can not wait to see ya again, 3rd year running. Hoping that work oks my vacation or I will be calling in sick long distance. Glad everyone is enjoying your shows but there is no surprise in that.
Take care from Nova Scotia
Brendan
Hi Christy, Harry here. I’m going to see you in vicar street tomorrow night. It’ll be my first time there so I can’t wait. If you get a chance I’d love to hear a bit of Joxer but no pressure at all. Thanks Christy, Harry
Just returned from the big smoke today & only getting the chance to check in on the Guest Book tonight. Thank you for an amazing gig on Wednesday night – you were on fire and barely took a breath between songs! The atmosphere was electric and we couldn’t have enjoyed it more. Until the next time, let the music keep your spirits high….
Saturday Morning and I’m only getting me wind back
it takes it out of you
its a young mans game ..this ballad singin
Starting to focus on the next outing
I have a yearning in me for a blast of The Pipes
been listening to Liam Óg a lot of late
I think I’ll go on the hunt..
I could do with a blast of “The Gold Ring”
or a plaintive “Slíabh na mBan”
and International Women’s Day nearly on us
let us remember
Anne Lovett, Lyra McKee, Veronica Guerin,
Most interesting to see references to “Cable Street”. Having the experience of witnessing a 1970s London National Front march, believe me, you aint seen nothing like it. The ‘battle of Cable Street’, East London, 1936, as it became known, two opposing sides somehow ‘arranged’ two opposing factions would meet, two opposing marches. Interesting to read about Mosley and Eyrecourt, I had forgotten that story. Harry, his wife Diane, was a “Mitford”, one of a group of famous sisters. It was the Protestant bishop’s one-time ‘palace’ they lived in. 90 years on folks, and look at our neighbour, the pot still boiling. Who’s the next UK government going to be made up of? Am thinking of the two girls standing, sheltering in the doorway, no doubt frightening. A great story told by that Sligoman.
That level of utter and bile, all still being stirred up.
A shame.
good man Ed…
I thought we’d lost you there for awhile..
you went fierce quiet on us altogether…
re your question:
the Yanks went for Trump,
The Brits may well go for Farage
like they went for Boris
(like the egg in the Monastery
outa the fryin pan into the friar)
we give out a fair bit here
but we still live in a democracy
Mícheál in the Dáil,
Catherine adup in The Park
Mary Lou a solid leader of opposition
Richard Boy Barrett back on The Tannoy
I cant remember who’s leading The Blue Shirts
Paschal fecked off to The World Bank
Coveney gone sailing on The Bilderberg Flotilla
(with Zappone maybe ? )
We have number of barking lunatics yappin around
but , so far, Thanks Be,they aint gainin much traction,
RTE gone to the Dogs
Dummin Down Deeper By The Day
not a word about Dee
Kevin tryin to figure out how much he’s worth
I hear that Paddy Power has offered to sponsor The Angelus
Ivan Yates will have somethin to say about that
all on the Medium Wave out of Athlone
I’m heading to Twickers today
on the magic sofa
Heave Ireland
Plectrums, old harmoniums from Planxty era and ‘Cable Street’. This is getting interesting. I’ll be back soon.
Hi Christy! Great gig on Wednesday night in Vicar Street. Was there with my Cousin Connell from Sydney Australia for his first (not last) gig. Ended up with a couple of plectrum’s passed on to us from Lar, who we sat next to. Unforgettable experience; a life highlight.
is mise le meas,
Rory
Morra Rory….I was wondering about the plectrums…always running short..now I know why !! as long as they are being used…I’ll have to get that Lar fella barred from the backstage area…he’s like a bleedin magpie…
glad you and the Cousin had a good gig…same here…I had a belter on Wed night..still buzzin..but also preparing for next Thu…
Hi Christy,
The famine is over, a whole month without a Gig……..but you made up for it in Spades last night.
It was up there among some of the greatest nights in HQ, an electric atmosphere which was building up from very early, we could feel the anticipation in the room. A great gaggle of 4711ers gathered from near and far. What wonderful friendships we have built up over the years, all with the same common interests, the Songs and the deliverance by yourself. Thanks, Christy, for bringing us all together. We were a bit outnumbered on the Male side, but Lar and I held the forth !!!!!! It is fantastic to see young people like Harry engaging with the Songs and the story behind them, long may it continue.
‘Till next week Christy.
Ride On.
Patsy
there you were Patsy…full forward once again, Lar and Olivia two fine corner forwards, Hilary at centre field and a full gaggle surrounding , all with big warm welcoming smiles that always lift the heart of the singer….young Harry a welcome addition to the fold….Shine On… all you good Songsters…Up Down
Christy’s reply
cad is ainm don fear bocht ?
beidir go mbeidh me ábailte an amhrán sin a canadh
marcaidh ar agaidh
—–
John an t-ainm a bhí air. Bhí spéis mhór aige sa cheol; shein sé an píb mhála, an bordhán agus spúnóga!
John was his name. A big man for the music, he played the bagpipes, Bordhán and spoons!
Uncle John….RIP
Well Christy, just a word to say thank you to you and the crew for an incredible gig last night in Vicar Street. Your energy and power on stage is always a sight to behold but last night was something different altogether. I am a young man of 26 years and I have had the privilege of seeing you now on 5 occasions. It gets better every time! On to the Concert Hall and the open air of All Together Now in the summer time! Meas Mór. Josh
Thanks Josh….truth be told , the energy and power you describe flows thru me from the listeners….my ability to project the songs is fuelled by those who gather to hear them….when I sing in the work room , in any recording studio, I always lack that energy, that inspiration, that duende that is so vital to the act of singing out ,loud and unfettered, quiet and gentle, sad and lonesome, wild and free, whatever emotion is called for…sometimes anger can enter the equation, there are certain verses that can stir anger in my breast…. lines in Hattie Carrol, Scapegoats, Veronica,No Time for Love, spring to mind….
but for the most part I sing with a commitment to share and enjoy the moment
Hi. Indeed what a grand gaggle last night and Adam there to take the photos ! Your small but very important changes to Palestine makes an already powerful song even more striking. Indeed what would we do and what international support would we expect ?? What a great gig Harry enjoyed and what insights he received by coincidence, the power of songs ! How brave of you to sing a new song after a break of a month ? It was great to hear Deluge again, I was in Vicar St several years ago when JB dedicated it to you. Lemon 7s works so well with the bodhran. You sang my three top songs BBR, BT& Beeswing, it was a real buzz of a gig and an honour to be there. GRMMA. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
very happy to have Joe Flatley’s song “Cable Street” in the set….Joe and his wife travelled from England for the last gig in Sligo…. he gave a CD of the song to Michael Devine before the gig…I listened to it in the van on the drive back to Dublin apres gig..instantly smitten, I rang Joe immediately.. we have been in touch ever since ….to me, its a classic song….I’ve spent the last few months living with it almost daily…..Joe’s mother witnessed the Cable St riots as a young girl….Joe sent me this background to the song :…
The Ryan’s originally came from Cappawhite in Co Tipperary.
my mother, Josephine (Josie) Ryan, was born in london, and was one of thirteen siblings, they all lived in Tench street in Wapping E1, a stones throw from the docks and the River.
She was born in 1923 and was 13 years old when she, and her year younger sibling, Pat (Patricia), against strict orders not to, both attended the anti fascist protest march on Sunday October 4th 1936
The song follows the route they would have taken on that day.
Mum always told us how ironic it was that they hid in the doorway of the undertakers, in cable street.
Hop picking was the annual working holiday in Kent for a lot of east end family’s, it gave them a few weeks in the Kent countryside, and a welcomed small income for a large family.
Mary McGannan, was my 1st cousin and her mother, also Mary, was my mothers older sister.
hope this is helpful,
A Christy, táim ar bís go mbeidh mé á fheiceáil arís Déardaoin seo chugainn. Chonaic mé thú go deireanach san Opera House i Loch Garman i mí Aibreáin 2024 nuair a sheinn tú “The Two Conneeleys” dom ar iarratas. Bhí sé dochreidte ar fad. Bhí áthas orm freisin a fháil amach gur rinne tú leagan iomlán i nGaeilge fadó fadó.
Is oth liom a rá go bhfuair m’uncail bás an tseachtain seo. Bhí sé ina lucht leanúna mór agat agus ba bhreá leis “The January Man”. Thug an t-amhrán sin léiriú cruinn air — fear den talamh ar a mhair sé. Tá a fhios agam gur gearrfhógra é seo, ach bheadh sé go hálainn é a chloisteáil ar an oíche. Tuigim, áfach, gur dócha go bhfuil sé i bhfad siar sa chruinneachán, mar sin ní bheidh aon díomá orm pé scéal é.
Táim ag tnúth go mór leis arís!
—
Christy, I am excited to be getting to see you again next Thursday. I last saw you in the Opera house in Wexford in April 2024 where you played “The two conneeleys” for me as a request. It was amazing. Also delighted to learn you did a version completely in irish many moons ago. I’m sad to say my uncle passed this week. He was a massive fan and loved “The Janurary man”. It summed him up in a song. A man of the land he lived on. Short notice I know but it would be lovely to hear it on the night but I understand it’s likely well back in the vault so there will be no disappointment either way. Looking forward to it again
cad is ainm don fear bocht ?
beidir go mbeidh me ábailte an amhrán sin a canadh
marcaidh ar agaidh
Hi Christy it’s Harry. You were on fire last night I think it might be the best I’ve ever seen you. Vicar Street is some venue. There’s no where else quite like it, I’ll definitely be back. Smoke and strong whiskey was powerful as ever but Lisdoonvarna was without a doubt the highlight of the night. Cable Street is great addition to the set, really powerful imagery. I’m actually doing a school project on Mosley at the moment so it was very interesting for me. The project is on history tied to your locality or your family’s locality. My granny is from a place called eyrecourt in Galway and in the 1950s after Mosley was disgraced in British politics he bought up ‘clonfert palace’ a previously Protestant owned estate. His wife Diana and his sons lived there for two years with him visiting regularly. Their stay was brought to and end by a fire that consumed the home and left behind a ruin. However, Mosley had promised the local children a Christmas party in the house so he held a party at a local school and personally presented each child with a Christmas present. My grannys father owned a shop nearby so she was invited to a birthday party in the house as they didn’t know many local people. All the information I found about him online pointed towards him being a misunderstood politician who believed in the facist ideology instead of the nazi ideology. But the song last night opened my eyes to how terrible of a person he really was. Anyways well done again on last night. Thanks Christy, Harry
Magdalen Laundry was a high point for me…Joni Mitchell’s song is so beautifully written ,both lyrically and musically, an outstanding artist of our time,
every now and then I start a song and the song simply takes over ….the song plays me….I must have a listen to last nights Magdalen…if only to see was I imagining..
the first rendition of Cable St was too fast, prob due to my nervousness at first outing…
great that you are digging into stuff Harry…I sailed thru my teenage years oblivious to what went on around me…I learned so much thru songs..important stuff that the eduacation system had kept from us..very often at the behest of the catholic church..
let me know when you are thinking of coming to a gig again
Oswald and Diana Mitford were well matched…Hitler was a VIP guest at their wedding..say no more !!
Hello Christy,
Just lying in bed here thinking of your gig last night. What a rare time we had and it was great to see and hear you gracing the stage once more. Lemon Sevens and Black and Amber. And the new Cable street. Lemon sevens is fabulous with the old drum. What a sound! I’ve been playing about with it and some drones on the harmonium. It’s a good noise.
Were off up to Drogheda today foe few nights on the banks of the Boyne.
Hugs!
Rebecca
old harmonium drones brings me right back to Planxty years….we had an ancient harmonium that held together with gaffa tape and twine..it would wheeze and groan, fart & berlch as air escaped from its many punctures…..it provided drones & harmonies on manys the old Planxty song….Blacksmith, West Coast of Clare,Time Will Cure to name but three….enjoy your stay in The Wee County
Good morning Christy and all! What a great night was had last night at Vicar Street.
It was so nice to meet so many from the past and how many years we have known each other.
The most meaningful part for me was that my daughter said there were so many song you sang that brought back a childhood memory for her. She said she remembers singing along to Lawless at the top of our voices on a road trip in a very old red Nissan micra somewhere in 2005!
We are blessed by some good luck. Best to you and yours as ever xx
Its always a buzz when our long haul listeners return to the fold….thank you Anuk for your support and good JuJu across so many years…..and to think it all began at a Taj Mahal gig….
Dear Christy,
THANK you so very much for your extra shout out for me. I felt that honoured and I loved you singing it.
And the whole thing was such a stunning gig. You were so full of energy and in such good mood and all the audience was. So many good vibes !! You took us with you and it was such an unbelievable atmosphere .So many thanks to you and your wonderful crew for making all this happen on and on…we were all completely absorbed and fascinated.
Will have to fly back today but will be here again on the 2nd March which makes me extremely happy.
So all the best and see you
God bless
Ursula
returning after a lay off ….be it long or short it always adds an extra dimension to a gig…I had 4 weeks without a gig before last night, I was keen to get back ,to experience one more time the buzz created by a room full of eager listeners….
I sing songs time and again in the work room … everything changes when listeners gather to hear the songs….Duende descended once more last night….Burning Times, Lemon Sevens, Cable Street, Magdalen Laundry ( and others )resounded in the silence created by that hushed gathering of songsters….soon to explode into great singing when Joxer rode in from Lisdoonvarna with Lingo Politico in his rucksack…
afterwards I came home to strong tea and tasty confectionary…..safe travelling and thank you
What a beautiful and great concert you gave us on Wed night in Vicar Street…It had everything from start to finish, covering so many songs from different songwriters. When you suggest we check out sonngwriters, we sometimes take the chance and we go on to see and grow to love the songs of Jimmy MacCarthy, John Spillane, Wally Page, Luka Bloom and many others that are relatively new to your set list. Lovely to hear Wally’s Smoke in the set and Lawless,Deluge and Bright Blue Rose…it was great to catch up with some of the 4711ers again… an absolute pleasure to be among the audience for a wonderful gig…thank you x
Lar, I’m loving the Michael D / Hot Press book you sent me….. just finished reading Richard Thompson’s biog “Beeswing” and I’m dug into Michael D’s essays from early Hot Press chronicles….great to see you there with Olivia last night..a great gaggle of loyal 4711ers…flash backs to former gatherings….I always feel privileged to have such long standing songsters in the room….let the music keep our spirits high
Hello Christy,
Wandered own Francis Street today and finally made it into Some Neck Guitars. It’s a lovely shop, lots of people who love guitars. I heard a man talking to a member of staff. It was so interesting I ended up joining them. He had a couple of 7 string guitars, I think he was selling them, I missed that bit. I was intrigued where the 7th string went. It was at the bottom.
Steve pulled me out of the shop before I could fall in love with any of the stock. I don’t have any guitar money.
Watching a bit of snooker as we look forward to your gig tonight. We’ll be on table 5, just to your right.
Safe trip all!
Rebecca
its easy get carried away in Some Neck guitar shop…such resounding and resonating, a cacophony of seductive resonance … Owen as cool as a cucumber
Should anyone be looking for tickets TONIGHT at Vicar St I have been forced to relinquish two excellent (2nd row, central) seats back to the Ticketmaster site. I can see them there available for booking. I have been unable to make my journey for sore reasons. Thank you.
I hope that worked out
Christy good morning,
Today marks the 103rd anniversary of the death of one of Ireland’s great sons.
Dinny Lacy was gunned down in the Glen of Aherlow, faithful ,loyal and brave .
Seamus Doran has a fine song on youtube about him ‘wee cross’.
On monday a small group of friends, i and my son Charlie will travel to visit the safe house he left before meeting his maker, it will be a solemn moment, whilst also visiting other historic locations in Tipp.
100 years ago to the hour that he left that safe house myself and my great friend Brieve Hughes stood in that spot, bullet marked walls, it was very moving. The Galtee Mountain Boy is gone but not forgotten. Rory
” We tracked across the Mountains and over the Valleys green
where we met with Dinny Lacy, Sean Hogan and Dan Breen
Sean Moylan and his gallant men theykept the flag flying high
Farewell to Tipperary said The Galtee Mountain Boy”
( first heard sung by Patsy Halloran in Ryan’s pub ,The Bridge Bar, Clonmel back in 1963….when the pint bottle was 2 shillings and four pence).
Hi Christy,
Looking forward to your gig tonight in Vicar Street, it’s me and my partners fourth time to see you and the excitement is still the same as if it’s the first time. It’s also his birthday tomorrow his name is Chris if there’s a shoutout available or a photo op ha.
Looking forward to tonight , all the best.
Lynda
did not see this until apres gig…hope all went well….happy birthday Chris
Save some of this fun and banter for May 17th, can not wait to see ya again, 3rd year running. Hoping that work oks my vacation or I will be calling in sick long distance. Glad everyone is enjoying your shows but there is no surprise in that.
Take care from Nova Scotia
Brendan
if all goes well we’ll be waiting for you…
Hi Christy, Harry here. I’m going to see you in vicar street tomorrow night. It’ll be my first time there so I can’t wait. If you get a chance I’d love to hear a bit of Joxer but no pressure at all. Thanks Christy, Harry
he showed up in extra time