Hello Christy,
Many thanks again for taking the time to share another brilliant Chat with us. Always great to hear your news of current projects and of the latest tales on the road. Good luck with the campaign to protect Dun Laoghaire harbour from dubious commercial speculators.
Just back from my first trip to beautiful Donegal with my daughter Ruth and touring about you provided our soundtrack (City of Chicago has just never sounded better!). Only six weeks now to Barrowland!
Best wishes, Kevin.
Christy's reply
Thanks Kevin…must get my Barrowland set oiled up and ready to roll
Dear Christy,
It took a good while until I have the opportunity to thank you for two mighty gigs at the end of August. Now we are back home after three glorious weeks ont the wonderful Island with ist loveable people – parting was not easy …
What a pleasure it was to see you in Hilary’s home town! Great to get to hear your new song Oblivious for the first time, Gortatagort was simply beautiful and I liked the turning up of Cliffs of Doneen and The Two Conneeleys. Of course we visited Christie Hennessy’s statue and also the huge one of St. Brendan the Navigator in Fenit Harbour the morning after.
Your Glengarriff gig in lovely Eccles Hotel was pure magic! We had our dear friends Monika and Peter from Eyeries with us who enjoyed the concert very much and asked me to thank you on behalf of them. Míle Maith Agat for Folk Tale … it was such a surprise … when I heard the first notes I couldn’t believe you’d really sing my special favourite. And I was carried away as you played Burning Times at the end of this awesome gig. Dankeschoen to you and all the people involved for this memorable experience!
Love, Traudel
Christy's reply
agus míle maith don bheirt acu freisin……lovely to read that your recent visit went so well…thanks for sharing…..memory of the Glengarriff gig still lingers…all gigs have their own unique ingredients….the vibe of the venue, the history of the place, my own personal connection with the vicinity, the set that emerges, the acoustic of the room, how the band are performing, tuning, the monitor sound, the lights, audience reaction, specific good (or nuisance!) hecklers, these are just a few of the various ingredients that go to make up a gig……someone once remarked that “everyone is at their own gig” …this is so true, we all bring our own specific stuff to a gig and then take our different memories away…………… ” Burning Times” from The Eccles still reverberates…..
Loved reading your recent chat, Christy … Made me a bit sad as we were actually on the island but unable to join one of your gigs … Would have loved to see you in Tralee together with The Rose and other 4711er friends but our decision went for Van’s Birthday gig on Cyprus Avenue instead … Here’s hoping there will be another opportunity to catch your gigs some time soon. Great to read about two new albums in preparation – something to look forward to!
Keep well, best regards from Uwe and me.
Christy's reply
I watched Van’s Birthday Gig on TV….it was so good….the setting was unique …the TV sound was perfect,the camera work excellent, he seemed to be enjoying the gig himself…. fair play to Van and “Fair Play To You”
If I have offended in any way in my last post it was certainly not intended.
Frankie
Christy's reply
not in the slightest Frank…sometimes I ponder upon posts before replying…there was quite a bit to consider in your last post…let there be no panic…the job is right
So very inspired lately Christy, have no time to do anything else but pick up the guitar & pen, not even the time for a drink. Met an amazing songster from California(they all the red mist), who is writing a screenplay based in 1880 & he asked me to give a tune a go for a scene in which a twelve ear old boy buries his mother. That night, I dreamt half of the song. I kid you not. Extremely simple stuff, but all so liberating…
‘Boy Buries Mother’ For Willie Tea Taylor
The cats, they are out galloping
Seemingly without a sound
The quiet hills are sitting still
& the horses, they all lay down
But how my heavy heart does wrench
With every grain of sound
As the earth falls in
On where you rest now in the ground
Mother dear, with your voice as clear
Just as if you were still around
It may be that you are, for now
Let them lay you down
I will meet you on the hour
Your presence is to be found
On a silver sandy strand
Or on the wind on some higher ground
I will try to be brave
& remember all your joys
& try to make a man
Out of your little boy
But it’s true, I am afraid
Though I know we all must die
I just hope to feel you near
& for now I must cry
The river banks, they’ve widened
The river bed’s deeper now
Be the water gentle or wild
It must flow to sea somehow
Rivers dry, are carried in the sky
Or they trickle from our brow
You’ve returned to the isle of plenty
& this I must allow
HOWDY CHRISTY, LONG TIME SINCE I FIRST DROVE FROM WICKLOW TO TRALEE IN 1986 OR 87 ISH , BUT ALAS IT WAS NOT TO BE…… NEXT TIME WE MET WAS IN PEGGY O’CONNORS BED AND BREAKFAST ON THE VENTRY ROAD OUTSIDE DINGLE, YOU WITH THE TWO LADS, THE JEEP AND THE TAE AND SANDWICHES IN PEGGYS AFTER THE GIG [UPSTAIRS IN THE CAFE BEHIND DICK MACKS]. YOU KINDLY GOT ME IN BY ALLOWING ME TO BE YOUR OFFICIAL ‘GUITAR CARRIER’, AND THANK YOU FOR THAT.
ENOUGH OF THE HISTORY LESSONS, HEADING TO CARLOW ON FRIDAY FOR A BIRTHDAY SPECIAL FOR ‘THE SISTER’ WHO NEVER LEAVES THE COUNTY [WICKLOW], AND I MEAN NEVER! SHE DOESN’T HAVE A CLUE WHERE SHE IS OFF TO, SEAT E9 IF ANYONE OUT THERE FANCIES COMING UP AND WISHING THE LASS THE BEST….
ALL THE BEST, GOOD GIG – GOOD HEALTH – GOOD LUCK….. J
Christy's reply
be the jasus whistle its even longer since I drove from manchester to thurso with Hamish Imlach after a gig one saturday night in 1967…he played the MSG and after the gig we set off,me his navigator and co driver…back then before motorways and sat navs we had polish vodka and russian (golden) speed balls to keep us on track..we made it to Caithness in time for his Sunday night gig where he played a concert with Archie Fisher and Sara Gray and also invited me up for a song which opened a few doors for me in Scotland…in 1963 myself and Kevin Prendergast drove all the way from Miltown to Mulrennans nr Kilmeague and he had his two sisters with him…. I gave a blast of Follow me up to Carlow and drank large bottles til closin time…..hope ye have a right good time in Carlow
Hi Christy,we have saw you and Declan a few times in the concert hall in Glasgow but have never heard you sing take me home to Mayo i know you have sung this in the past as i heard you do a brilliant rendition, is there any chance you will include the song in October when we will see you in the concert hall, yours Hopefully, Tommy
Christy's reply
Morra Tommy…I recorded that tribute to Michael Gaughan 30 years ago….to the best of my memory I dont think I ever sang it live on stage since but I might be wrong there….I’m in serious training for Glasgow…
Hi Christy
Interesting comments about playing the massive gigs.As ever,you’re the best judge of what works and its great never to say never……..but in 2011,I was privileged to be in the Finsbury Park Feis/Fleadh field,along with many thousand kindred spirits when you and Declan played a wonderful early evening set.I’ll never forget the crowd singing part on ‘Black is the colour’amongst many others.A highlight of that day was the mix of people in the audience.A real United nations,many there to see Bob Dylan and his class band finish off the night.He was superb and that’s a reason I’m heading to see him at Manchester Apollo.Also for the contrast in a smaller venue.Another reason why his set was so great that night,was that your preceding performance laid the foundations with the audience and the vibe.There’s something magical when that happens,with an audience in single figures or in the thousands.’Keep on keepin’ on’,you’re playing a blinder Dave
Christy's reply
Some of those Finsbury Fleadhs were Funky….. my favourite memory is from the 90s…a rainy Sunday…..I went on stage around 6 pm just as the Sun came out…listeners who had stood in the rain all afternoon celebrated the Sun’s arrival…I was extremely lucky that my set coincided with the Sunshine…the audience rose up to meet me and the following hour was perhaps my favourite outdoor gig experience….but then I remember The Trip to Tipp…..The Tramore Fleadh….Randall’s Island…Siamsa Cois Lee….The Tolpuddle in Battersea….Cambridge with Planxty in 1973…Carnsore….The Groove (this year)…
Hi there Christy, from a dry and breezy Oldham.
Good read on the chat. Your old songs have had a hammering on the ipod of late. Think I have mastered North and South and Brown Eyes enough to give them an airing at one of the many open mic nights around the town. Live music seems to have really reinvigorated itself around here lately and most nights you can get out and enjoy songs from some very talented amateurs. I am often surprised (and I mean this politely) when someone who I might not expect to know of your music comes up to me and tells me how much they enjoyed hearing the tunes. Goes to show that we should be very careful what first judgements we make.
I didn’t realise you live in Dun Laoghaire. I had a walk around the old harbour back in April with my cousin from Leopardstown. I’m 53 and despite having been in the port many times as a child when my parents traipsed me over to visit family, I had never actually walked around the harbour before. It’s not the most beautiful place but a huge port to accommodate large Cruise ships won’t make it any more so. Local people won’t gain at all as there would be a stream of mini-buses at the dock to ferry the passengers straight into Dublin to Temple Bar, the Guinness factory and such like. Another cousin from Stillorgan had already sent me the link to the petition a few weeks back. When I stood at the edge of the dock I couldn’t help but wonder what stories the people who had sailed in and out of there had to tell. Generations full of hope, maybe sometimes despair would forever hold the name of Dun Laoghaire in their hearts. I know my dad (92) does as he went to school in the town. I wish you all the best in your campaigning. Anyway back to a bit of work. Oh yes, I’m over in Dublin next month if you fancy a brew. Still not sure if I can make Buxton but we’ll see how the wind blows. Dylan is on in Manchester a couple of days after Buxton did you know?. I love him to bits and he has been my inspiration in so many things but I wouldn’t cross the road to hear him now.
take care of yourself and the family.
Frankie
Christy, just back from a weekend in Stradbally and was wondering would you ever consider paying another visit to the Electric Picnic, thoroughly enjoyed the gig in 2012, first time hearing the Biko Drum. Looking forward to the Christmas gigs, Chris.
Christy's reply
Back in my day a “Fleadh” weekend often ran into the following weekend…you must have had a good “Electric”….Its unlikely that I’ll play The Picnic again….after this year’s Glastonbury I felt that twas time reconsider certain gigs…those large, outdoor, stand-up gigs require an energy that I dont feel comfortable putting out…..they squeeze the very life out of certain songs…. many contemporary acts are geared towards mega gigs…they have the approach and production and equipment to play to 50 or a 100 thousand listeners….its not where I like to be… That said,I never say never…..might play Castle Donington if Metallica ever needed a Bodhrán player ….might play Aviva if Andre Rieu wanted to cover “Transvaal Kids on a Transvaal Day”……..
Dear Christy,
Thanks for writing about the water. Glad I’m
not the only fool. Everybody is always laughing at me when I try to give them some sensibility. We have a bucket in our shower to catch the water because it takes a while before it is hot. That water we use to flush the toilet ! Can you imagine what a laughs I get ? People think I’m a standup comedian!
Anyway it doesn’t encourage me, at that point I’m a real crusader.
See you on the road somewhere.
Chris
Just listened to you and Mick Blake on the Rte podcast ….. brilliant interview….congrads to both of you . Micks song says everything in my head and heart and sums up the countless emails and texts I have sent to radio stations and politicians , Sometimes I want to take the Irish people and shake them.
Then you think….. why the hell would I bother !!!! I as on the last march in Dublin both sides of the quays were thronged with people and not one Sunday newspaper made a mention of it and the rte news barely covered it . Yet the following week 2000 farmers held a protest … got newspaper coverage and at least a 5 minute report on RTE. It makes me despair….. now they are charging Paul Murphy and others with false imprisonment…… beggars belief
Anyway delighted to hear you and glad that your documentary is progressing well …I cant wait to see it.
Keep up the good work for you will always have the support of me and people like me who respect your stance against every lump of shite that” the man” throws at us.
Barney
Christy's reply
“why the hell would I Bother” you say……..I think you know the answer Barney…you bother because you care
For decades we have watched corrupt practices with feelings of despair, but we continue”to march,to write and to sing” in the hope that someday wrongs will be put right….great forces are massed against those who protest…State,Media,Church,Big Business come together behind closed doors and divvy up the spoils of exploitation……
You and your brothers and sisters protest because you care…..see you in Donnolly’s Hollow or over at The Gibbet Rath
Conas atá tú Christy? You have always been a champion of the people, highlighting injustices in the north, when others turned away. You have educated many people on struggles across the world, which lots of people would not be aware of only for your songs. I also know you continue to be an activist and support many worthy causes today and I salute you and your comrades. My friend Mickey wrote a fitting tribute to 23 year old American Peace Activist, Rachel Corrie, who was murdered by Israeli’s in Gaza, whilst she was protecting Palestinian homes from being demolished in 2003. I am sure you are aware of the story but it is one that needs to be told. I know Mickey would be grateful if you or others listened to the song and if anyone enjoyed it to play it themselves and keep the spirit of Rachel Corrie alive!
We never forget Rachel Corrie….Brian Maguire’s picture “American Hero”is on the wall of my workroom, I think of Rachel every day…her short life always an inspiration…her murder a constant reminder of oppression, invasion and war…thanks for sharing
Its many a wild night there was in the Auld Shebeen, but alas like the Kon-Tiki it got caught in the recession, with the doors now firmly closed………..but fear not there are a few other good spots in the Wide Street where you could pitch your Tent.
Ride On.
Patsy
Hi all from a damp and dirty Riocht,,,, what a great few weeks its been ? A triumphant return of CM/ DS along with JH to Tralee,,,,, then this week the long Chat full of good news and an update on the documnetary,some tales of travel past and present and a call to activism around two important social issues, the ever present sense of humour and links to further songs,,,, headlining prime time radio with Marion this am for a reasonably long chat and 2 songs,,, Carpe diem it says to me,,,,,beir bua agus beannacht.. H
Christy's reply
Mick Blake gets a hearing…fair play to Marian and her team
Christy, the radio and the kettle’s on and looking forward to hearing you on RTE.
It’s been a long time since I was in Dún Laoghaire and I wanted to wish you and your community success in your battle to save your harbour. I penned the following this morning. It’s not great but it’s my support for your cause.
Good people of
Dún Laoghaire
Dunleary
Kingstown
Dún Laoghaire
Keep up your fight and never weary
May Laoghaire High King of Ireland
Pray for you
May Gráinne Mhaol
Sail for you
May Patrick Moran
Fight again for you
A message in a bottle
Siracusa supports you
Unite and fight like Gráinne Mhaol
Like your baths and seafront
Your harbour is not for sale
Your Harbour is not for sale
Mary Shannon
Christy's reply
thank you for your contribution Mary..it will be passed about
Sad news from the Mudcat website, Christy, that Al O’Donnell has passed away. He had a wonderful voice, similar to that of his great friend Luke. Did your paths cross in England in the late 60s or early 70s or maybe later in Dublin when he worked for RTE.
Christy's reply
yes John , we were all saddened by the news of Al’s passing…..one of the seminal voices of the Folk revival in the 60s, Al had a very distinctive and beautiful voice and his own particular singing style…one of the most popular singers on the Folk circuit Al O’Donnell was ahead of the pack in repertoire accompaniment and delivery. His career was well on the way when he made the decision to take up full time employment with RTE, our National Broadcaster. He put family first,a life out on the road was not for him. I’m sorry to say that I lost touch with Al after that but I have fond memories of spending times with him and his wife June back when we were all knockin about the emerging “ballad” scene here in Dublin.
“There was a Lord who lived in this Land”
(from Matt Hyland, a Traditional ballad which Al made his own)
Got really immersed in your chat whilst listening to Planxty & yourself (2004) on YT. No better way to spend a Friday eve! Remember Glastonbury in early 90’s and heading into sweaty, packed out acoustic tent for a good ould listen … can’t believe it’s an age ago now! Hope all good and love to you & yours x
Christy's reply
Eileen a stór mo chroí, Eileen aroon……the good old days were the days we did’nt talk about the good old days….we were in Tipp yesterday, Clonmel, Marlfield,Ardfinnan, Clogheen, Ballymacarbery and did’nt we end up in Ballyporeen and said a decade of the rosary for Ronnie Reagan….we drank strong tea in Annie Keogh’s of Parnell St before I revisited The National Bank where I was Bank Clerk of the year back in 1963 ( I could drink 8 Danno’s in an hour but dont believe everything you read here )
Hello Christy,
Many thanks again for taking the time to share another brilliant Chat with us. Always great to hear your news of current projects and of the latest tales on the road. Good luck with the campaign to protect Dun Laoghaire harbour from dubious commercial speculators.
Just back from my first trip to beautiful Donegal with my daughter Ruth and touring about you provided our soundtrack (City of Chicago has just never sounded better!). Only six weeks now to Barrowland!
Best wishes, Kevin.
Thanks Kevin…must get my Barrowland set oiled up and ready to roll
Dear Christy,
It took a good while until I have the opportunity to thank you for two mighty gigs at the end of August. Now we are back home after three glorious weeks ont the wonderful Island with ist loveable people – parting was not easy …
What a pleasure it was to see you in Hilary’s home town! Great to get to hear your new song Oblivious for the first time, Gortatagort was simply beautiful and I liked the turning up of Cliffs of Doneen and The Two Conneeleys. Of course we visited Christie Hennessy’s statue and also the huge one of St. Brendan the Navigator in Fenit Harbour the morning after.
Your Glengarriff gig in lovely Eccles Hotel was pure magic! We had our dear friends Monika and Peter from Eyeries with us who enjoyed the concert very much and asked me to thank you on behalf of them. Míle Maith Agat for Folk Tale … it was such a surprise … when I heard the first notes I couldn’t believe you’d really sing my special favourite. And I was carried away as you played Burning Times at the end of this awesome gig. Dankeschoen to you and all the people involved for this memorable experience!
Love, Traudel
agus míle maith don bheirt acu freisin……lovely to read that your recent visit went so well…thanks for sharing…..memory of the Glengarriff gig still lingers…all gigs have their own unique ingredients….the vibe of the venue, the history of the place, my own personal connection with the vicinity, the set that emerges, the acoustic of the room, how the band are performing, tuning, the monitor sound, the lights, audience reaction, specific good (or nuisance!) hecklers, these are just a few of the various ingredients that go to make up a gig……someone once remarked that “everyone is at their own gig” …this is so true, we all bring our own specific stuff to a gig and then take our different memories away…………… ” Burning Times” from The Eccles still reverberates…..
Loved reading your recent chat, Christy … Made me a bit sad as we were actually on the island but unable to join one of your gigs … Would have loved to see you in Tralee together with The Rose and other 4711er friends but our decision went for Van’s Birthday gig on Cyprus Avenue instead … Here’s hoping there will be another opportunity to catch your gigs some time soon. Great to read about two new albums in preparation – something to look forward to!
Keep well, best regards from Uwe and me.
I watched Van’s Birthday Gig on TV….it was so good….the setting was unique …the TV sound was perfect,the camera work excellent, he seemed to be enjoying the gig himself…. fair play to Van and “Fair Play To You”
Thanks Christy
If I have offended in any way in my last post it was certainly not intended.
Frankie
not in the slightest Frank…sometimes I ponder upon posts before replying…there was quite a bit to consider in your last post…let there be no panic…the job is right
So very inspired lately Christy, have no time to do anything else but pick up the guitar & pen, not even the time for a drink. Met an amazing songster from California(they all the red mist), who is writing a screenplay based in 1880 & he asked me to give a tune a go for a scene in which a twelve ear old boy buries his mother. That night, I dreamt half of the song. I kid you not. Extremely simple stuff, but all so liberating…
‘Boy Buries Mother’ For Willie Tea Taylor
The cats, they are out galloping
Seemingly without a sound
The quiet hills are sitting still
& the horses, they all lay down
But how my heavy heart does wrench
With every grain of sound
As the earth falls in
On where you rest now in the ground
Mother dear, with your voice as clear
Just as if you were still around
It may be that you are, for now
Let them lay you down
I will meet you on the hour
Your presence is to be found
On a silver sandy strand
Or on the wind on some higher ground
I will try to be brave
& remember all your joys
& try to make a man
Out of your little boy
But it’s true, I am afraid
Though I know we all must die
I just hope to feel you near
& for now I must cry
The river banks, they’ve widened
The river bed’s deeper now
Be the water gentle or wild
It must flow to sea somehow
Rivers dry, are carried in the sky
Or they trickle from our brow
You’ve returned to the isle of plenty
& this I must allow
© Dylan Walshe 2015
thats a fine piece of writing Dylan..long may your pen flow, your heart express, your voice resound, your mind be at peace,your spirit be free ……
HOWDY CHRISTY, LONG TIME SINCE I FIRST DROVE FROM WICKLOW TO TRALEE IN 1986 OR 87 ISH , BUT ALAS IT WAS NOT TO BE…… NEXT TIME WE MET WAS IN PEGGY O’CONNORS BED AND BREAKFAST ON THE VENTRY ROAD OUTSIDE DINGLE, YOU WITH THE TWO LADS, THE JEEP AND THE TAE AND SANDWICHES IN PEGGYS AFTER THE GIG [UPSTAIRS IN THE CAFE BEHIND DICK MACKS]. YOU KINDLY GOT ME IN BY ALLOWING ME TO BE YOUR OFFICIAL ‘GUITAR CARRIER’, AND THANK YOU FOR THAT.
ENOUGH OF THE HISTORY LESSONS, HEADING TO CARLOW ON FRIDAY FOR A BIRTHDAY SPECIAL FOR ‘THE SISTER’ WHO NEVER LEAVES THE COUNTY [WICKLOW], AND I MEAN NEVER! SHE DOESN’T HAVE A CLUE WHERE SHE IS OFF TO, SEAT E9 IF ANYONE OUT THERE FANCIES COMING UP AND WISHING THE LASS THE BEST….
ALL THE BEST, GOOD GIG – GOOD HEALTH – GOOD LUCK….. J
be the jasus whistle its even longer since I drove from manchester to thurso with Hamish Imlach after a gig one saturday night in 1967…he played the MSG and after the gig we set off,me his navigator and co driver…back then before motorways and sat navs we had polish vodka and russian (golden) speed balls to keep us on track..we made it to Caithness in time for his Sunday night gig where he played a concert with Archie Fisher and Sara Gray and also invited me up for a song which opened a few doors for me in Scotland…in 1963 myself and Kevin Prendergast drove all the way from Miltown to Mulrennans nr Kilmeague and he had his two sisters with him…. I gave a blast of Follow me up to Carlow and drank large bottles til closin time…..hope ye have a right good time in Carlow
Hi Christy,we have saw you and Declan a few times in the concert hall in Glasgow but have never heard you sing take me home to Mayo i know you have sung this in the past as i heard you do a brilliant rendition, is there any chance you will include the song in October when we will see you in the concert hall, yours Hopefully, Tommy
Morra Tommy…I recorded that tribute to Michael Gaughan 30 years ago….to the best of my memory I dont think I ever sang it live on stage since but I might be wrong there….I’m in serious training for Glasgow…
Hi Christy
Interesting comments about playing the massive gigs.As ever,you’re the best judge of what works and its great never to say never……..but in 2011,I was privileged to be in the Finsbury Park Feis/Fleadh field,along with many thousand kindred spirits when you and Declan played a wonderful early evening set.I’ll never forget the crowd singing part on ‘Black is the colour’amongst many others.A highlight of that day was the mix of people in the audience.A real United nations,many there to see Bob Dylan and his class band finish off the night.He was superb and that’s a reason I’m heading to see him at Manchester Apollo.Also for the contrast in a smaller venue.Another reason why his set was so great that night,was that your preceding performance laid the foundations with the audience and the vibe.There’s something magical when that happens,with an audience in single figures or in the thousands.’Keep on keepin’ on’,you’re playing a blinder Dave
Some of those Finsbury Fleadhs were Funky….. my favourite memory is from the 90s…a rainy Sunday…..I went on stage around 6 pm just as the Sun came out…listeners who had stood in the rain all afternoon celebrated the Sun’s arrival…I was extremely lucky that my set coincided with the Sunshine…the audience rose up to meet me and the following hour was perhaps my favourite outdoor gig experience….but then I remember The Trip to Tipp…..The Tramore Fleadh….Randall’s Island…Siamsa Cois Lee….The Tolpuddle in Battersea….Cambridge with Planxty in 1973…Carnsore….The Groove (this year)…
Hi there Christy, from a dry and breezy Oldham.
Good read on the chat. Your old songs have had a hammering on the ipod of late. Think I have mastered North and South and Brown Eyes enough to give them an airing at one of the many open mic nights around the town. Live music seems to have really reinvigorated itself around here lately and most nights you can get out and enjoy songs from some very talented amateurs. I am often surprised (and I mean this politely) when someone who I might not expect to know of your music comes up to me and tells me how much they enjoyed hearing the tunes. Goes to show that we should be very careful what first judgements we make.
I didn’t realise you live in Dun Laoghaire. I had a walk around the old harbour back in April with my cousin from Leopardstown. I’m 53 and despite having been in the port many times as a child when my parents traipsed me over to visit family, I had never actually walked around the harbour before. It’s not the most beautiful place but a huge port to accommodate large Cruise ships won’t make it any more so. Local people won’t gain at all as there would be a stream of mini-buses at the dock to ferry the passengers straight into Dublin to Temple Bar, the Guinness factory and such like. Another cousin from Stillorgan had already sent me the link to the petition a few weeks back. When I stood at the edge of the dock I couldn’t help but wonder what stories the people who had sailed in and out of there had to tell. Generations full of hope, maybe sometimes despair would forever hold the name of Dun Laoghaire in their hearts. I know my dad (92) does as he went to school in the town. I wish you all the best in your campaigning. Anyway back to a bit of work. Oh yes, I’m over in Dublin next month if you fancy a brew. Still not sure if I can make Buxton but we’ll see how the wind blows. Dylan is on in Manchester a couple of days after Buxton did you know?. I love him to bits and he has been my inspiration in so many things but I wouldn’t cross the road to hear him now.
take care of yourself and the family.
Frankie
Christy, just back from a weekend in Stradbally and was wondering would you ever consider paying another visit to the Electric Picnic, thoroughly enjoyed the gig in 2012, first time hearing the Biko Drum. Looking forward to the Christmas gigs, Chris.
Back in my day a “Fleadh” weekend often ran into the following weekend…you must have had a good “Electric”….Its unlikely that I’ll play The Picnic again….after this year’s Glastonbury I felt that twas time reconsider certain gigs…those large, outdoor, stand-up gigs require an energy that I dont feel comfortable putting out…..they squeeze the very life out of certain songs…. many contemporary acts are geared towards mega gigs…they have the approach and production and equipment to play to 50 or a 100 thousand listeners….its not where I like to be… That said,I never say never…..might play Castle Donington if Metallica ever needed a Bodhrán player ….might play Aviva if Andre Rieu wanted to cover “Transvaal Kids on a Transvaal Day”……..
Dear Christy,
Thanks for writing about the water. Glad I’m
not the only fool. Everybody is always laughing at me when I try to give them some sensibility. We have a bucket in our shower to catch the water because it takes a while before it is hot. That water we use to flush the toilet ! Can you imagine what a laughs I get ? People think I’m a standup comedian!
Anyway it doesn’t encourage me, at that point I’m a real crusader.
See you on the road somewhere.
Chris
Those who laugh are the fools
Just listened to you and Mick Blake on the Rte podcast ….. brilliant interview….congrads to both of you . Micks song says everything in my head and heart and sums up the countless emails and texts I have sent to radio stations and politicians , Sometimes I want to take the Irish people and shake them.
Then you think….. why the hell would I bother !!!! I as on the last march in Dublin both sides of the quays were thronged with people and not one Sunday newspaper made a mention of it and the rte news barely covered it . Yet the following week 2000 farmers held a protest … got newspaper coverage and at least a 5 minute report on RTE. It makes me despair….. now they are charging Paul Murphy and others with false imprisonment…… beggars belief
Anyway delighted to hear you and glad that your documentary is progressing well …I cant wait to see it.
Keep up the good work for you will always have the support of me and people like me who respect your stance against every lump of shite that” the man” throws at us.
Barney
“why the hell would I Bother” you say……..I think you know the answer Barney…you bother because you care
For decades we have watched corrupt practices with feelings of despair, but we continue”to march,to write and to sing” in the hope that someday wrongs will be put right….great forces are massed against those who protest…State,Media,Church,Big Business come together behind closed doors and divvy up the spoils of exploitation……
You and your brothers and sisters protest because you care…..see you in Donnolly’s Hollow or over at The Gibbet Rath
Conas atá tú Christy? You have always been a champion of the people, highlighting injustices in the north, when others turned away. You have educated many people on struggles across the world, which lots of people would not be aware of only for your songs. I also know you continue to be an activist and support many worthy causes today and I salute you and your comrades. My friend Mickey wrote a fitting tribute to 23 year old American Peace Activist, Rachel Corrie, who was murdered by Israeli’s in Gaza, whilst she was protecting Palestinian homes from being demolished in 2003. I am sure you are aware of the story but it is one that needs to be told. I know Mickey would be grateful if you or others listened to the song and if anyone enjoyed it to play it themselves and keep the spirit of Rachel Corrie alive!
It’s track 3 on his bands album.
https://ohanlonshorsebox.bandcamp.com/
Beir Bua!
We never forget Rachel Corrie….Brian Maguire’s picture “American Hero”is on the wall of my workroom, I think of Rachel every day…her short life always an inspiration…her murder a constant reminder of oppression, invasion and war…thanks for sharing
Its many a wild night there was in the Auld Shebeen, but alas like the Kon-Tiki it got caught in the recession, with the doors now firmly closed………..but fear not there are a few other good spots in the Wide Street where you could pitch your Tent.
Ride On.
Patsy
Hi Christy, well sung, well sung, great to hear Mick Blake on the radio with you. Loved John O’Dreams too.
Home comes The Rover
Hi all from a damp and dirty Riocht,,,, what a great few weeks its been ? A triumphant return of CM/ DS along with JH to Tralee,,,,, then this week the long Chat full of good news and an update on the documnetary,some tales of travel past and present and a call to activism around two important social issues, the ever present sense of humour and links to further songs,,,, headlining prime time radio with Marion this am for a reasonably long chat and 2 songs,,, Carpe diem it says to me,,,,,beir bua agus beannacht.. H
Mick Blake gets a hearing…fair play to Marian and her team
Christy, the radio and the kettle’s on and looking forward to hearing you on RTE.
It’s been a long time since I was in Dún Laoghaire and I wanted to wish you and your community success in your battle to save your harbour. I penned the following this morning. It’s not great but it’s my support for your cause.
Good people of
Dún Laoghaire
Dunleary
Kingstown
Dún Laoghaire
Keep up your fight and never weary
May Laoghaire High King of Ireland
Pray for you
May Gráinne Mhaol
Sail for you
May Patrick Moran
Fight again for you
A message in a bottle
Siracusa supports you
Unite and fight like Gráinne Mhaol
Like your baths and seafront
Your harbour is not for sale
Your Harbour is not for sale
Mary Shannon
thank you for your contribution Mary..it will be passed about
Sad news from the Mudcat website, Christy, that Al O’Donnell has passed away. He had a wonderful voice, similar to that of his great friend Luke. Did your paths cross in England in the late 60s or early 70s or maybe later in Dublin when he worked for RTE.
yes John , we were all saddened by the news of Al’s passing…..one of the seminal voices of the Folk revival in the 60s, Al had a very distinctive and beautiful voice and his own particular singing style…one of the most popular singers on the Folk circuit Al O’Donnell was ahead of the pack in repertoire accompaniment and delivery. His career was well on the way when he made the decision to take up full time employment with RTE, our National Broadcaster. He put family first,a life out on the road was not for him. I’m sorry to say that I lost touch with Al after that but I have fond memories of spending times with him and his wife June back when we were all knockin about the emerging “ballad” scene here in Dublin.
“There was a Lord who lived in this Land”
(from Matt Hyland, a Traditional ballad which Al made his own)
Got really immersed in your chat whilst listening to Planxty & yourself (2004) on YT. No better way to spend a Friday eve! Remember Glastonbury in early 90’s and heading into sweaty, packed out acoustic tent for a good ould listen … can’t believe it’s an age ago now! Hope all good and love to you & yours x
Eileen a stór mo chroí, Eileen aroon……the good old days were the days we did’nt talk about the good old days….we were in Tipp yesterday, Clonmel, Marlfield,Ardfinnan, Clogheen, Ballymacarbery and did’nt we end up in Ballyporeen and said a decade of the rosary for Ronnie Reagan….we drank strong tea in Annie Keogh’s of Parnell St before I revisited The National Bank where I was Bank Clerk of the year back in 1963 ( I could drink 8 Danno’s in an hour but dont believe everything you read here )