How’s things Christy,
Buzzing for the NCH gig Sunday. Hoping you’re the same.
I saw the setlist you posted the other day, looks like we’re in for a great night.
If possible, I’d love to hear “Hiroshima” or “Butterfly” in there if either one suit you on the night…I couldn’t pick between.
Hope all is well otherwise.
Christy's reply
Morra Finn…neither have been in the set for manys the long day…let me see what happens this week…I’m preoccupied with some new songs at the mo
Hello Christy,
Listened to two blackbirds conversing this morning. His song was long and sonorous, her reply short and sweet. They altered with every iteration. The wild part of my garden is turning into a woodland glade.
Seamie O’Dowd’s album Live at the Hawk’s Well landed today. Looking forward to listening to it later.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
“O the Blackbird… O the Blackbird” tbc
I have always enjoyed playing with Seamie O’Dowd…a truly solid, inventive and sensitive member of our Music community…. he’s like a Power Station adup in Sligo….he rattles Ben Bulben and soothes Queen Maeve…
I first played in Sligo with Planxty back in 1972…. Seamie’s Father, the late Joe O’Dowd , was the lynchpin of Sligo Music back then…..the flame burns on
Welcome chat here…of bird song and natural beauty…both present as I sit in a public space and mull over life’s fortunes.
It’s almost 9 years since people were killed,injured and traumatized by the Manchester arena bomb.
Victims are remembered in ‘The Glade of Light’ gardens,very near to the old MSG. It’s a poignant memorial and a wonderful spot to mull things over…when I’m home,I’ll play Prosperous ..as a reminder of older times and being thankful to still be around to enjoy such things.
Have a good day,all
Dave
Christy's reply
Let us Remember Dave…..
so much tragedy, savagery, mindless thuggery….
all the more need for quiet reflective places ..
where we can rest ,reflect, meditate…..
Christy hi,
On the road to Aberdream today i heard a piece on R4 Today programme about the 1924 Cellist and her famous recording with a Nightingale. Some singers and musicians are variously recreating it in England’s wilds under black thorn trees now, with some success.
However nothing for me beats the Box Set’s ‘Folk Tale’ recording where you duet with the Blackbird. It is truly wonderful.
Rory
Hi C. What a lovely drive yesterday, listening to the football and admiring the great countryside in full bloom. Then the gig which had a mix of everything from politics to entertainment including those rare gems Boy from Tamlaghduff and Hackler from Grouse Hall word perfect !!! Then into the car, I turned on PK and he played an early version of Gortagort from Other Voices mentioning the great guitar work of Declan, it’s at about 43 mins on this link https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/south-wind-blows/2026/0510/1572685-south-wind-blows-sunday-10-may-2026/ Beir bua agus beannacht. H
The Slieve Russell gig never disappoints…. Great to be back at the gig after a bit of a lay off….. well worth the drive from The Glenties (thanks to Ger for I’m not in a fit state right now )
The Boy from Tamlaghduff and The Reel were highlights for us , we came through Florence Court on our way down and hoped for Only Our Rivers ….
Thanks Christy and all the crew….
P.s…… I note David Attenborough is still going strong at 100 so don’t rush into thoughts of retirement 😉
Christy's reply
great to see the pair of ye back…fair play to Ger …
Really last time, I dont want to disturb you too much.
But no AI, no google could find a hint, that you played with the Dead Trousers
BUT .. thats a good sign, that not everything what happened, you find in the internet but in the memories of the guys who have been there. 😉
And sorry, I forgot your birthday .. so – a little late – all the best, the good, all the love and lots of more years of strength for a lot of gigs from me.
See you next sunday.
Well Christy, tonight my wife the great great granddaughter of James Connolly will be sitting in the Slieve Russell, probably with a huge smile on her face watching you play, Two days before the 110th year anniversary. Also might I add she was born and rared in the Curragh of Kildare, Looking forward to the gig, if you get a chance say hello to Pamela.
P.s she has no idea I’m sending this.
And today, on Mother’s Day in Germany, that vision of your mother reminded me of my mother.
Reared six children to adulthood, lost some others along the way, was steadfast and sure, but gave scope to the childer. And in her own strong silent way was intensely proud of each and every one.
Those characteristics were radiating from your mother in front of Gay Byrne.
God bless all mothers.
Christy's reply
as the the old saying goes Pat, “A Mother’s Love is a Blessing”…..for those of us who experienced such a gift….
our Nancy started life in Ardmulchan on the banks of the River Boyne….her Father, Jack Power, was in the employ of Sir Alexander Maguire, an absentee landlord who made his fortune from boxes of matches (Maguire & Patterson)…she attended National School in The Yellow Furze and on the the mercy Convent in Navan…she sang all of her life and had a powerful soprano range….we still have the beautiful silver medal she won in Feis Na Míde in 1930…she worked in Hotels and met Andy Moore in 1942 when she was working in reception in the Majestic Hotel in Tramore,Co Waterford….he was in the Irish Army having joined on the Curragh in 1939…his battalion had marched from The Curragh to Waterford on excercise duty….they married in 1943 and six of us were born before he died in 1956 aged 41….Nancy totally dedicated her life to her young family…. when I look back on her life and what she achieved single handed….I simply cannot describe what I feel
Hi Christy,
Enjoy Sunday’s cabaret in Cavan. Probably wasn’t
the wisest move by the richest man in the room.
Moving the Aughrim Wedge Tomb from its 4000 year old
resting place to the grounds of the Slieve Russel.
Legend has it there’s writing on the tomb.
Roughly translated it reads:
“Do not fuck with the Good People”
Round we go heel to toe …
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
Christy's reply
such an act of ignorant destruction….
but I gotta say Bourkey…
I love playing the room….
but its gotta be said..
what makes the room special is the crowd that gathers
going way back 50 years, Cavan has always had a welcome for the Ballad singers..
Murtagh’s of Kingscourt, The Lawns Belturbet, Ballinagh, Tierworker, Cavan itself, Virginia, Lavey,….great nights …even tho a favourite Bodhrán went awol one night, long since forgiven…. I hope the new owner is still tappin it
Hi Christy, hope you are well. Fingers crossed for more gigs towards the end of the year. Coming over with my wife and friends to see you May 30th. We are bringing our daughters Orla and Olivia aged 9 and 8. We are in the front row. They would be delighted if you could sing Sail on Jimmy for them. Thanks!
Christy's reply
sound Heddie….I’ll give it my best shot…safe travels
Travelling from Belfast on Sunday 10 May to see you in the Slieve Russell hotel Co.Cavan. My cousin Laura and her husband Gerard will be 30 years together, would be grateful if you could sing their wedding song for them “the voyage” which was sung by terry ‘cruncher’ Oneill on their wedding day.
Looking forward to another great concert of yours!
Many thanks
Ciara
Christy's reply
no better man than Cruncher…may he rest in peace…we’ll rattle the chandeliers in Slieve Russell come Sunday night
Like many here,I’m an admirer of Martyn Bennett’s music…and saddened by his early passing.
I’ve been listening to music made by his mother,Margaret…a highly respected folklorist.
http://www.margaretbennett.co.uk
Is fascinating …in the ‘ about’ section,there’s a. Poignant video…mother and son discussing folklore- and playing music.
Enjoy the first gig of your new year.
Dave
Christy's reply
Thanks Dave…will put this aside for now ..but its noted and I will return soon as I gain a quiet moment…greeting to all songsters in Suffragette City
Hi Christy, I hope it’s not too late for good wishes…All the best to your birthday! May you sing on for quite some time and make us (and yourself) happy with your powerful songs! Keep on keeping on 😊
Like Matthias I have the pleasure to see the Toten Hosen this summer – and as they luckily don’t really want to stop playing we got tickets for next year too.
And I hope to be able to see some of your gigs in between 😇🫣.
Enjoy Cavan!
Birgit
Happy Birthday Git, sending you a big hug from us all here and I hope you have a lovely day with your family.
Love Fin 💚🎼
Christy's reply
greeting to all Lily White Balladeers, wherever they may be….
good man Fin….
“From Hawkfield & Kilbelin,Chinatown & Rosie’s Lane
scattered round the world we dreamt of comin home again
from the Rocks of Sydney Harbour, The Bronx & Birmingham
Back to the Sandy Hills, the Seven Springs, the Waters of The Fen”
( Newbridge or Nowhere)
How’s things Christy,
Buzzing for the NCH gig Sunday. Hoping you’re the same.
I saw the setlist you posted the other day, looks like we’re in for a great night.
If possible, I’d love to hear “Hiroshima” or “Butterfly” in there if either one suit you on the night…I couldn’t pick between.
Hope all is well otherwise.
Morra Finn…neither have been in the set for manys the long day…let me see what happens this week…I’m preoccupied with some new songs at the mo
Hello Christy,
Listened to two blackbirds conversing this morning. His song was long and sonorous, her reply short and sweet. They altered with every iteration. The wild part of my garden is turning into a woodland glade.
Seamie O’Dowd’s album Live at the Hawk’s Well landed today. Looking forward to listening to it later.
Rebecca
“O the Blackbird… O the Blackbird” tbc
I have always enjoyed playing with Seamie O’Dowd…a truly solid, inventive and sensitive member of our Music community…. he’s like a Power Station adup in Sligo….he rattles Ben Bulben and soothes Queen Maeve…
I first played in Sligo with Planxty back in 1972…. Seamie’s Father, the late Joe O’Dowd , was the lynchpin of Sligo Music back then…..the flame burns on
Hi Christy
Welcome chat here…of bird song and natural beauty…both present as I sit in a public space and mull over life’s fortunes.
It’s almost 9 years since people were killed,injured and traumatized by the Manchester arena bomb.
Victims are remembered in ‘The Glade of Light’ gardens,very near to the old MSG. It’s a poignant memorial and a wonderful spot to mull things over…when I’m home,I’ll play Prosperous ..as a reminder of older times and being thankful to still be around to enjoy such things.
Have a good day,all
Dave
Let us Remember Dave…..
so much tragedy, savagery, mindless thuggery….
all the more need for quiet reflective places ..
where we can rest ,reflect, meditate…..
Christy hi,
On the road to Aberdream today i heard a piece on R4 Today programme about the 1924 Cellist and her famous recording with a Nightingale. Some singers and musicians are variously recreating it in England’s wilds under black thorn trees now, with some success.
However nothing for me beats the Box Set’s ‘Folk Tale’ recording where you duet with the Blackbird. It is truly wonderful.
Rory
Hi C. What a lovely drive yesterday, listening to the football and admiring the great countryside in full bloom. Then the gig which had a mix of everything from politics to entertainment including those rare gems Boy from Tamlaghduff and Hackler from Grouse Hall word perfect !!! Then into the car, I turned on PK and he played an early version of Gortagort from Other Voices mentioning the great guitar work of Declan, it’s at about 43 mins on this link https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/south-wind-blows/2026/0510/1572685-south-wind-blows-sunday-10-may-2026/ Beir bua agus beannacht. H
The Slieve Russell gig never disappoints…. Great to be back at the gig after a bit of a lay off….. well worth the drive from The Glenties (thanks to Ger for I’m not in a fit state right now )
The Boy from Tamlaghduff and The Reel were highlights for us , we came through Florence Court on our way down and hoped for Only Our Rivers ….
Thanks Christy and all the crew….
P.s…… I note David Attenborough is still going strong at 100 so don’t rush into thoughts of retirement 😉
great to see the pair of ye back…fair play to Ger …
Really last time, I dont want to disturb you too much.
But no AI, no google could find a hint, that you played with the Dead Trousers
BUT .. thats a good sign, that not everything what happened, you find in the internet but in the memories of the guys who have been there. 😉
And sorry, I forgot your birthday .. so – a little late – all the best, the good, all the love and lots of more years of strength for a lot of gigs from me.
See you next sunday.
Matthias
Hi Christy on the way to Parkhead today i enjoyed the Blue Disc from the Box Set. The highlight from it was the emotion of Wise and Holy Woman.
Rory
Well Christy, tonight my wife the great great granddaughter of James Connolly will be sitting in the Slieve Russell, probably with a huge smile on her face watching you play, Two days before the 110th year anniversary. Also might I add she was born and rared in the Curragh of Kildare, Looking forward to the gig, if you get a chance say hello to Pamela.
P.s she has no idea I’m sending this.
Christy, saw a grand late late show clip of Eilish singing from the audience, your mother sitting beside her, silently singing along.
https://www.rte.ie/archives/2023/0513/1379499-mother-of-all-the-moores/?fbclid=IwdGRzaARsY8xjbGNrBGxjwGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHtbSH11sc0Y778nyxNNnM2PgHifm8gzraLrvE0Os3Wy5E6t749J3A5LbveQ5_aem_D5qtL5wZjn5aCdOz6Hsd5g&sfnsn=scwspwa
And today, on Mother’s Day in Germany, that vision of your mother reminded me of my mother.
Reared six children to adulthood, lost some others along the way, was steadfast and sure, but gave scope to the childer. And in her own strong silent way was intensely proud of each and every one.
Those characteristics were radiating from your mother in front of Gay Byrne.
God bless all mothers.
as the the old saying goes Pat, “A Mother’s Love is a Blessing”…..for those of us who experienced such a gift….
our Nancy started life in Ardmulchan on the banks of the River Boyne….her Father, Jack Power, was in the employ of Sir Alexander Maguire, an absentee landlord who made his fortune from boxes of matches (Maguire & Patterson)…she attended National School in The Yellow Furze and on the the mercy Convent in Navan…she sang all of her life and had a powerful soprano range….we still have the beautiful silver medal she won in Feis Na Míde in 1930…she worked in Hotels and met Andy Moore in 1942 when she was working in reception in the Majestic Hotel in Tramore,Co Waterford….he was in the Irish Army having joined on the Curragh in 1939…his battalion had marched from The Curragh to Waterford on excercise duty….they married in 1943 and six of us were born before he died in 1956 aged 41….Nancy totally dedicated her life to her young family…. when I look back on her life and what she achieved single handed….I simply cannot describe what I feel
Hi Christy,
Enjoy Sunday’s cabaret in Cavan. Probably wasn’t
the wisest move by the richest man in the room.
Moving the Aughrim Wedge Tomb from its 4000 year old
resting place to the grounds of the Slieve Russel.
Legend has it there’s writing on the tomb.
Roughly translated it reads:
“Do not fuck with the Good People”
Round we go heel to toe …
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
such an act of ignorant destruction….
but I gotta say Bourkey…
I love playing the room….
but its gotta be said..
what makes the room special is the crowd that gathers
going way back 50 years, Cavan has always had a welcome for the Ballad singers..
Murtagh’s of Kingscourt, The Lawns Belturbet, Ballinagh, Tierworker, Cavan itself, Virginia, Lavey,….great nights …even tho a favourite Bodhrán went awol one night, long since forgiven…. I hope the new owner is still tappin it
Belated HB CM
Hoping you enjoyed the day
crack was 90
Hi Christy, hope you are well. Fingers crossed for more gigs towards the end of the year. Coming over with my wife and friends to see you May 30th. We are bringing our daughters Orla and Olivia aged 9 and 8. We are in the front row. They would be delighted if you could sing Sail on Jimmy for them. Thanks!
sound Heddie….I’ll give it my best shot…safe travels
Happy Birthday yesterday!
I keep watching your gigs hoping you will schedule something in/around Dublin Oct 21-23.
Kathleen
nothing planned yet….hopefully something will come up
Hi Christy,
Travelling from Belfast on Sunday 10 May to see you in the Slieve Russell hotel Co.Cavan. My cousin Laura and her husband Gerard will be 30 years together, would be grateful if you could sing their wedding song for them “the voyage” which was sung by terry ‘cruncher’ Oneill on their wedding day.
Looking forward to another great concert of yours!
Many thanks
Ciara
no better man than Cruncher…may he rest in peace…we’ll rattle the chandeliers in Slieve Russell come Sunday night
Hi Christy
Like many here,I’m an admirer of Martyn Bennett’s music…and saddened by his early passing.
I’ve been listening to music made by his mother,Margaret…a highly respected folklorist.
http://www.margaretbennett.co.uk
Is fascinating …in the ‘ about’ section,there’s a. Poignant video…mother and son discussing folklore- and playing music.
Enjoy the first gig of your new year.
Dave
Thanks Dave…will put this aside for now ..but its noted and I will return soon as I gain a quiet moment…greeting to all songsters in Suffragette City
Today is it? Or yesterday? Jayney, was that a quick year since you were 80?
Happy birthday + a wish for a good few more birthdays and in good health.
greetings to our Medium Wave Corr
Hey Christy
Happy birthday from Belgium.
See you soon!
Chris
happy travels Chris
Hi Christy, I hope it’s not too late for good wishes…All the best to your birthday! May you sing on for quite some time and make us (and yourself) happy with your powerful songs! Keep on keeping on 😊
Like Matthias I have the pleasure to see the Toten Hosen this summer – and as they luckily don’t really want to stop playing we got tickets for next year too.
And I hope to be able to see some of your gigs in between 😇🫣.
Enjoy Cavan!
Birgit
any sign of a Kraftwerk gig ?
Happy Birthday Git, sending you a big hug from us all here and I hope you have a lovely day with your family.
Love Fin 💚🎼
greeting to all Lily White Balladeers, wherever they may be….
good man Fin….
“From Hawkfield & Kilbelin,Chinatown & Rosie’s Lane
scattered round the world we dreamt of comin home again
from the Rocks of Sydney Harbour, The Bronx & Birmingham
Back to the Sandy Hills, the Seven Springs, the Waters of The Fen”
( Newbridge or Nowhere)