Hi Christy
I was at your gig last night in Armagh with my son you were in fine form as were Jim and Declan and the added bonus of Cathal. Thank you for the plectrum it was a nice momento of a brilliant gig
Thank you for making so many people feel special. I was in the crowd with others from helping professions but I think that what you promote and share heals more people than we will ever know. You have the gift of kindness. Thank you for your generosity last Thursday in Dublin and for being kind about my uncontrollable ‘waving’ tonight.
Christy's reply
you have a glorious waving motion Jane…. wave on, wave on,
“Like a Wave up to the shore,
Like a river into the sea,
I’ll lay down in my resting place
contented there I’ll be”………………( Luka Bloom)
Hi Christy~
Planning my usual December trip to Ireland and don’t see any dates yet for Dublin….anticipate playing at the Vicar Street this year?
Look forward to seeing you wherever you are!
cheers
Christy's reply
hopefully Vicar St on Dec 19th,20th, Jan 2nd, 3rd,…soon to be announced..usual pre sale …..
I am writing to you, not to ask about your music (who I am a fan of) but to tell you of another man who is a huge fan and is as passionate about playing and writing music as you are. The man I speak of is called James Miller (known as Jim) and he lives in a small village called Park, moved from a town called Dungiven and originates from Kilmarnock (a town in Scotland). Jim has been singing for as long as I can remember and he has a voice you could listen to all day. He used to sing in a band called ‘Out of The Blue’, who he is still referred to as ‘Jim from out of the blue’, however now sings solo alot of the time, almost every weekend in pubs around county Derry. Aswel as that he travels to folk festivals around Ireland when he can and every year travels to Scotland to play in the Crown Hotel in Portpatrick, Scotland.
The reason for my message is this, Jim is having a CD launch at the GAA club in Dungiven (county Derry), of songs he has wrote and perform himself, I know your a busy man and I am writing this in the small chance even having a weekend off to yourself, you would even want to make a trip to see a man singing, with only having heard of him is through a message from a man you don’t know. Jim is in his early 50s and a real down to earth man, who, for a man with a strong confident voice, is very softly spoken. I think it would be magic, and a dream, if one of his idols came and listened to him sing. If you need any proof of Jims writing and singing ability, if you could listen to a recording of a radio interview he made tonight on Drive 105.3, where he played some of his songs and talked about artists like yourself that influenced him. Listen to a song on YouTube ‘Jim Millar Dungiven singing Just another Day’. One of many great songs he wrote himself. He is a real talent, if some who appreciates music as much as yourself, listened to this man, you would not be disappointed.
Hope this finds you well.
Christy's reply
would you believe it ,I have Jim Millar’s album on my desk here as I write this…I’m looking forward to giving it a good listen…fair play to you for championing his music..well done
Hi Christy,
Myself and my son are back on Cape Cod after 10 days touring in Ireland, great trip, but the highlight was seeing you in Pettigo august 27th. What a show ! You sound better than ever !! Your raw talent is amazing to see in real life, and I am so glad the audience is quiet and respectful.
By the way I Loved ” The Voyage” and my son will treasure the pick.
Thanks.
Maria and Ciaran.
Christy's reply
you were a grand couple in the front row in Pettigo….thanks for making contact…you may be about to recieve a recording of the Pettigo gig from a Kerry Songster….shine on
I am only now getting around to posting my appreciation of the benefit gig last Thursday and the experience of the night has really stayed with me since. The way you sang and the way Noeline spoke was so moving. Nights like that are so powerful when you can sense the occasional resonance of hard emotions in a venue. I often think it must be sometimes difficult to be up on stage when you can feel a collective emotion welling as an audience quietly reacts to a performance. Thanks to you, Declan, Vicky, Andy, Jimmy and Paddy not forgetting the crew and promoters and supporters who gave so freely of their time and resources. Quite apart from the fantastic amount raised, there is very little healing in silence so am just adding to the appreciation others have expressed for giving such an important support service like the Rape Crisis Centre that platform, voice and support.
Christy's reply
to feel the collective emotion of an audience is a great priviledge for any performer….last Thursday there was a great feeling of solidarity in Vicar Street…you are right when you speak of the “power” of the night
Difficulty only arises when there is confusion in the room. Thankfully that seldom arises these days. In earlier years problems could arise for various reasons but lately most of us gather to be together in the songs.
There was a time when “dhrink” played a huge part in the gig (on both sides of the lamps) I never went thirsty on stage during the first 25 years of this journey. Some old live recordings would indicate that, betimes, I was three sheets to the wind ( have’nt got a clue what that means !) However the audience would also be lashing it down so we’d roll along together.
Thankfully things have gotten better as the process became more focused and elements of sobriety entered the equation.(Nor has the element of fun diminished )
Last Thursday’s gig stays with me too. A lot of thought and preparation went into achieving that result. It was a great gift and priviledge to stand with the staff and volunteers of D.R.C.C. and to play a small part in helping them provide their vital services.
It’s been a little over a couple weeks but I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the show in Buncrana. I aappreciated the unexpected shoutout and opportunity to request a song but as I said, I was there to see and hear you perform… Your performances were awesome and the audience was great…
It was my second trip to Ireland and it was fabulous. Seeing and visiting a friend in Dublin, making the drive to Buncrana (and me being an American not used to driving on the side of the road and car, thank goodness for GPS)… The show, the scenery… Driving from Buncrana to Portmagee on Saturday… Being at Skellig Michael on Sunday… So grand… Being back in Dublin for a couple days before heading back to the United States on the 31st…
Ireland is fantastic and I hope to return for another visit soon… And when I do, hopefully it’ll be at a time when you’ve got another gig…
Thanks!
James
Christy's reply
James,
I still recall that moment in Buncrana ….it was a lovely,hot,sweaty,sweet gig when you uttered the line “I just want to hear whatever you choose to sing”.Thanks for that James.
Great to read that you had such a good visit.Thanks for sharing your experiece. Safe travelling.
You have many fans over here in Australia, just wondering if there are any plans for a tour in the coming years?
All the best Christy
Christy's reply
No such plans Rob….its been 17 years since my last trip up to Australia and New Zealand..had 7 great tours there..probably wont be back as I have developed an aversion to Air Travel…great memories of Perth and Fremantle..met some great people..greetings to all songsters WA
Just wanted to write a HUGE thank you for putting on an amazing show in Derry on the 2nd. We had such a great night and can’t believe one of my dreams of you singing Bee’s Wing, came true! I will forever keep that memory in my heart so thank you thank you thank you! You are such a gent of an artist. The show was incredible and I was blown away by how connected you are with your audience. I also really enjoyed your rendition of your brother’s “I’m a bog man”, the hilarious Amsterdam song and the wild river man song took my breath away! Your songs are so varied, raw and honest and it’s great to see and hear someone shedding some light on what’s going on in Palestine. I don’t know how I could possibly thank you enough for the show, if you are ever in Westport (or Canada) and we are here too, I make a super tasty pie (strawberry rhubarb is the job!) which I would be delighted to give you over a cuppa tea! I’m sure you have been warned from taking pie from strangers but I promise, I am a nice person and they are sooo tasty delish! Anyhoo, thanks again for your shout out and I look forward to the next time I get to see another gig. Top man!
Scarlet
UP MAYO!
Christy's reply
always great to be back home in Derry…..travel safe and keep baking
Thanks for the message Christy! He was delighted 🙂 He sang & danced his way into his 60’s with help from the great Robertstown Lilywhites… they love an aul shindig. And Lar kicking the night off too with a few tunes.. I think ya know him;) Sore heads this morning but nothing a fry and a walk on the pier wont sort out.. thanks again
Laura 🙂
Christy, looking forward to the show in Armagh City Hotel Wednesday night! My husband Shane and I are big fans so we’re delighted to be getting the chance to see you. Wondering if I could put in a request for you to sing smoke and strong whiskey. Gotta be one of our favourites. Thanks in advance ?… Caitriona Tierney
Hi Christy.
You had asked me a while back about finding the lyrics to the Carlow 15 and The Ridge and Coolkenna Brigade. I have the Carlow 15 but I’m having awful problems getting the other one. I know a man who knows a man who is from that townsland so one way or another I’ll get them for you.I’m surprised you don’t have those lyrics buried somewhere in the back of the press.I’m from the other end of the county closer to the Clody Ballroom where Danny kicked out more lads than he let in back in the day.That was the first place I seen you live and I reckon if you take next Thursday’s gig in Carlow in to account, it will be around the fiftieth time I have followed the songs in to some great venues and some fierce kips in several different countries and continents.The last time live was actually about sixteen years ago in Carlow to see yourself and Declan. That was a very sad occasion for me but this time the timing is perfect as I’ll be home to christen my daughter (I’m a very late and ram-shackled Daddy).I can’t believe how lucky I am to hear the songs one more time. I might even bring the well worn song book along with me just in case your around after to sign an auld autograph.
Christy's reply
Hey Carl 1…I once had “The Ridge and Coolcullen Brigade”song in my repertoire. I sang it in Sheerans of The Ridge Bar back in 1976. We were living high upon The Castlecomer Plateau. Sheerans of The Ridge had a lovely Ballad Lounge where I used to perfom regularly…( also used to play in Larkins of Kanes Bridge, The Salmon Pool,Moloneys bar below in Coon, Conways of Comer,The Coalmine, The Avalon, Muckalee,Goresbrige, Gowran, Fureys and Archibalds of Carlow, Kytelers, Pedigree Corner )
The Ridge & Coolcullen Brigade Ballad tells the story of a gallant band of men during the great snowfall of 1947. The Ridge and Coolcullen people got totally cut off from civilisation by the great snowfall of that year. It came to a head when the Woodbines ran out and they were forced to take action. It took them a week to dig their way down to Leighlinbridge . There they took on supplies of flour,bacon and tobacco before digging their way back up The Comer Plateau. The starving (and gasping for a smoke) residents of The Protestant road have never forgotten this courageous band of Shelmaliers.
That Danny Doyle Ballroom you mention was called Caesar’s Palace. Danny was a great promoter back in the day. There was always tea and apple tart when the gig was over and ,if the gig was good, there might even be an extra fiver in the envelope butthe gig was never that good.I used to play there of a Sunday night and there would always be a showband after..
Have a safe trip home and bring the book..( and The Carlow xv !!)
Hey Christy my Dads 60th birthday (Pat) is tonight near Dunlaoghaire any chance of a birthday message for him :)? Have all our relations coming from Robertstown Kildare..hoping there’s a bit of a trad session afterwards (always welcome)
Laura
Christy's reply
Hey Laura…hope the Robertstown Lilies found Dun Laoire alright and that Pat crossed smoothly into his Sixth Decade…its now 6.30 am the following morning so the Trad Session is probably still leppin…
HAPPY SIXTIETH PAT…. the first 59 years are the hardest….another 5 years and you’ll have the bus pass
Howya Christy! Great craic last night at the gig it was a good gig by all and fair play to you and the crew for pulling it off…
One thing I noticed last night was the singing of the new songs. It was like they were there for years already and fair play to DEC to push you to sing them because they are the ones we all want to here..
Dec song was probably the song of the night for me. I have that song somewhere on vinyl hidden away as I total forgot about it and its beautiful to actually here it live, I’ll treasure that moment for a long time.
I have to say Andy is the spit of Barry.. Good to see he got his hair anyways!!!
Well I’m off on the holidays in the morning to Turkey for a fortnight and I have the tuam beat and the mandolin mountain tugged in and ready to go!!! When I come back the sash and the moors will be in the semi finals (hopefully) and January man will only be around the corner..
Christy's reply
“He’s travelled East and he’s travelled West
half the North and the South also
until he ‘rived into Turkeyland
there he was taken and bound in prison,
until his life it grew quite weary”……………….(from “Lord Baker” by John Reilly)
hope your travels bring you joy Sonsar, that you return safe and sound…I’m off on a Trip round Ulster myself….across Armagh into The Silent Valley we’ll go before trekking up Sliabh Donard. Then from County Down we’ll traverse Antrim towards Bog Meadow where we’ll chant below The Black Mountain..
“you gotta take a chance sometime,
stake it all on a glance somtime.
Let some feelin show, Let Somebody Know’ …(Declan Sinnott)
Good to see a worthy cause, a deserving cause getting big support last night in Vicar Street and well done for the support of a noble cause, Rape Crisis Centres. Womens Aid and a few more have been to the fore this week in highlighting the coverage and the practical ‘canonization’ of a man who decides to slay all his family in the process portraying him as some kind of ‘saint’. Womens Aid (there’s a small relationship or connection betweent the two Womens Aid and Rape Crisis centres. Someone I know in a womens’ shelter informed me some time ago the the place they work in is ‘full’ a lot of the time.
Foot tapping here to the Abbey Tavern session – see post below – great music. One of those Abbey Tavern sessions appears on You Tube, you suddenly spring upon a somewhat surprized perplexed Andy Irvine ‘will you sing Sally Browne?’ and one senses some mirth going on in the background as the camera stays rolling. Great music. I estimate those Abbey Taven gigs were about 1980.
Christy's reply
let us not forget the actual canonization of Teresa…fast tracked to eternal bliss in record time….why the hurry?… I only heard last night that she served apprenticeship in the land of saints and scholars…god between us and all harm
you are spot on about mirth in Howth..they were happy days…three lily whites and a man from god knows where
Hi All. Just a quick word of thanks for the gig last night,,,,, great sounds from the 5 people on stage all blending together.. the harmonies were indeed wonderful… the choice of songs was so appropriate…. it was emotional at times,,,, Take a Chance Sometime from Declan sounded even more special and poignant ,,,and the song Vicky sang was tremendous,,,That cheque will make such a difference to the Rape Crisis Centre and the people who access the services,,,, you ‘d be a long time raising that amount in bag packing, sponsored walks and mini marathons etc…….well done all,,,,, there is no place like Vicar St, Beir bua agus Beannacht.
Christy's reply
Thanks to you and over a thousand others who thronged Vicar St last night…
I am very happy myself with the emerging vocal harmonies..we will have Andy Moore and Vicky Keating in The Waterfront next week and the 5 of us will have an opportunity to continue developing the harmonies…
Declan’s “Let Somebody Know” assumed a different significance for me when sung in last nights setting..I first heard that song 35 years ago but I heard it different last night…Vickie’s new song (her own composition) was a revelation..she has the gift…
its also special for me to sing with my Son….Andy has the gift of natural harmony. He has been listening to some of these songs all his life..its a treat for me to sing with him….
Hi Christy,
Thanks for a wonderful night tonight in Vicar Street……. And a fantastic contribution to the Charity.
Vicky and Andy’s harmonies were very special too especially at the end of “Bogman”.
Thanks again to all involved.
Ride on
Patsy
Christy's reply
The Harmonies are starting to gell….its lovely to sit between voices ….
Hi Christy— Thanks for those 2 nights in Derry.. were wonderful, …two great sets,.. looking forward two vic street tonight always great gigs. be nice to hear the Contender or sacco and vanzetti if it suited tonight.. all the best .Adam .
Christy's reply
before too long we’ll be down around Newtownmountkennedy…..or high above Mullaghacleevaune………A Date for Mad Mary is a great movie
Hi Christy
I was at your gig last night in Armagh with my son you were in fine form as were Jim and Declan and the added bonus of Cathal. Thank you for the plectrum it was a nice momento of a brilliant gig
The great Mick Hanly is doing a gig in The Punchbowl, Booterstown on Fri.7th October ..all welcome to Micks fantastic song and stories.
Hope all well.
Thank you for making so many people feel special. I was in the crowd with others from helping professions but I think that what you promote and share heals more people than we will ever know. You have the gift of kindness. Thank you for your generosity last Thursday in Dublin and for being kind about my uncontrollable ‘waving’ tonight.
you have a glorious waving motion Jane…. wave on, wave on,
“Like a Wave up to the shore,
Like a river into the sea,
I’ll lay down in my resting place
contented there I’ll be”………………( Luka Bloom)
Hi Christy~
Planning my usual December trip to Ireland and don’t see any dates yet for Dublin….anticipate playing at the Vicar Street this year?
Look forward to seeing you wherever you are!
cheers
hopefully Vicar St on Dec 19th,20th, Jan 2nd, 3rd,…soon to be announced..usual pre sale …..
Cute.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUhcLZlJISY
All the best you all.
Hi Christy, hope you’re well,
I am writing to you, not to ask about your music (who I am a fan of) but to tell you of another man who is a huge fan and is as passionate about playing and writing music as you are. The man I speak of is called James Miller (known as Jim) and he lives in a small village called Park, moved from a town called Dungiven and originates from Kilmarnock (a town in Scotland). Jim has been singing for as long as I can remember and he has a voice you could listen to all day. He used to sing in a band called ‘Out of The Blue’, who he is still referred to as ‘Jim from out of the blue’, however now sings solo alot of the time, almost every weekend in pubs around county Derry. Aswel as that he travels to folk festivals around Ireland when he can and every year travels to Scotland to play in the Crown Hotel in Portpatrick, Scotland.
The reason for my message is this, Jim is having a CD launch at the GAA club in Dungiven (county Derry), of songs he has wrote and perform himself, I know your a busy man and I am writing this in the small chance even having a weekend off to yourself, you would even want to make a trip to see a man singing, with only having heard of him is through a message from a man you don’t know. Jim is in his early 50s and a real down to earth man, who, for a man with a strong confident voice, is very softly spoken. I think it would be magic, and a dream, if one of his idols came and listened to him sing. If you need any proof of Jims writing and singing ability, if you could listen to a recording of a radio interview he made tonight on Drive 105.3, where he played some of his songs and talked about artists like yourself that influenced him. Listen to a song on YouTube ‘Jim Millar Dungiven singing Just another Day’. One of many great songs he wrote himself. He is a real talent, if some who appreciates music as much as yourself, listened to this man, you would not be disappointed.
Hope this finds you well.
would you believe it ,I have Jim Millar’s album on my desk here as I write this…I’m looking forward to giving it a good listen…fair play to you for championing his music..well done
Hi Christy,
Myself and my son are back on Cape Cod after 10 days touring in Ireland, great trip, but the highlight was seeing you in Pettigo august 27th. What a show ! You sound better than ever !! Your raw talent is amazing to see in real life, and I am so glad the audience is quiet and respectful.
By the way I Loved ” The Voyage” and my son will treasure the pick.
Thanks.
Maria and Ciaran.
you were a grand couple in the front row in Pettigo….thanks for making contact…you may be about to recieve a recording of the Pettigo gig from a Kerry Songster….shine on
I am only now getting around to posting my appreciation of the benefit gig last Thursday and the experience of the night has really stayed with me since. The way you sang and the way Noeline spoke was so moving. Nights like that are so powerful when you can sense the occasional resonance of hard emotions in a venue. I often think it must be sometimes difficult to be up on stage when you can feel a collective emotion welling as an audience quietly reacts to a performance. Thanks to you, Declan, Vicky, Andy, Jimmy and Paddy not forgetting the crew and promoters and supporters who gave so freely of their time and resources. Quite apart from the fantastic amount raised, there is very little healing in silence so am just adding to the appreciation others have expressed for giving such an important support service like the Rape Crisis Centre that platform, voice and support.
to feel the collective emotion of an audience is a great priviledge for any performer….last Thursday there was a great feeling of solidarity in Vicar Street…you are right when you speak of the “power” of the night
Difficulty only arises when there is confusion in the room. Thankfully that seldom arises these days. In earlier years problems could arise for various reasons but lately most of us gather to be together in the songs.
There was a time when “dhrink” played a huge part in the gig (on both sides of the lamps) I never went thirsty on stage during the first 25 years of this journey. Some old live recordings would indicate that, betimes, I was three sheets to the wind ( have’nt got a clue what that means !) However the audience would also be lashing it down so we’d roll along together.
Thankfully things have gotten better as the process became more focused and elements of sobriety entered the equation.(Nor has the element of fun diminished )
Last Thursday’s gig stays with me too. A lot of thought and preparation went into achieving that result. It was a great gift and priviledge to stand with the staff and volunteers of D.R.C.C. and to play a small part in helping them provide their vital services.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Christy–
It’s been a little over a couple weeks but I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the show in Buncrana. I aappreciated the unexpected shoutout and opportunity to request a song but as I said, I was there to see and hear you perform… Your performances were awesome and the audience was great…
It was my second trip to Ireland and it was fabulous. Seeing and visiting a friend in Dublin, making the drive to Buncrana (and me being an American not used to driving on the side of the road and car, thank goodness for GPS)… The show, the scenery… Driving from Buncrana to Portmagee on Saturday… Being at Skellig Michael on Sunday… So grand… Being back in Dublin for a couple days before heading back to the United States on the 31st…
Ireland is fantastic and I hope to return for another visit soon… And when I do, hopefully it’ll be at a time when you’ve got another gig…
Thanks!
James
James,
I still recall that moment in Buncrana ….it was a lovely,hot,sweaty,sweet gig when you uttered the line “I just want to hear whatever you choose to sing”.Thanks for that James.
Great to read that you had such a good visit.Thanks for sharing your experiece. Safe travelling.
Hi Christy,
You have many fans over here in Australia, just wondering if there are any plans for a tour in the coming years?
All the best Christy
No such plans Rob….its been 17 years since my last trip up to Australia and New Zealand..had 7 great tours there..probably wont be back as I have developed an aversion to Air Travel…great memories of Perth and Fremantle..met some great people..greetings to all songsters WA
Hello Christy,
Just wanted to write a HUGE thank you for putting on an amazing show in Derry on the 2nd. We had such a great night and can’t believe one of my dreams of you singing Bee’s Wing, came true! I will forever keep that memory in my heart so thank you thank you thank you! You are such a gent of an artist. The show was incredible and I was blown away by how connected you are with your audience. I also really enjoyed your rendition of your brother’s “I’m a bog man”, the hilarious Amsterdam song and the wild river man song took my breath away! Your songs are so varied, raw and honest and it’s great to see and hear someone shedding some light on what’s going on in Palestine. I don’t know how I could possibly thank you enough for the show, if you are ever in Westport (or Canada) and we are here too, I make a super tasty pie (strawberry rhubarb is the job!) which I would be delighted to give you over a cuppa tea! I’m sure you have been warned from taking pie from strangers but I promise, I am a nice person and they are sooo tasty delish! Anyhoo, thanks again for your shout out and I look forward to the next time I get to see another gig. Top man!
Scarlet
UP MAYO!
always great to be back home in Derry…..travel safe and keep baking
Thanks for the message Christy! He was delighted 🙂 He sang & danced his way into his 60’s with help from the great Robertstown Lilywhites… they love an aul shindig. And Lar kicking the night off too with a few tunes.. I think ya know him;) Sore heads this morning but nothing a fry and a walk on the pier wont sort out.. thanks again
Laura 🙂
Christy, looking forward to the show in Armagh City Hotel Wednesday night! My husband Shane and I are big fans so we’re delighted to be getting the chance to see you. Wondering if I could put in a request for you to sing smoke and strong whiskey. Gotta be one of our favourites. Thanks in advance ?… Caitriona Tierney
Hi Christy.
You had asked me a while back about finding the lyrics to the Carlow 15 and The Ridge and Coolkenna Brigade. I have the Carlow 15 but I’m having awful problems getting the other one. I know a man who knows a man who is from that townsland so one way or another I’ll get them for you.I’m surprised you don’t have those lyrics buried somewhere in the back of the press.I’m from the other end of the county closer to the Clody Ballroom where Danny kicked out more lads than he let in back in the day.That was the first place I seen you live and I reckon if you take next Thursday’s gig in Carlow in to account, it will be around the fiftieth time I have followed the songs in to some great venues and some fierce kips in several different countries and continents.The last time live was actually about sixteen years ago in Carlow to see yourself and Declan. That was a very sad occasion for me but this time the timing is perfect as I’ll be home to christen my daughter (I’m a very late and ram-shackled Daddy).I can’t believe how lucky I am to hear the songs one more time. I might even bring the well worn song book along with me just in case your around after to sign an auld autograph.
Hey Carl 1…I once had “The Ridge and Coolcullen Brigade”song in my repertoire. I sang it in Sheerans of The Ridge Bar back in 1976. We were living high upon The Castlecomer Plateau. Sheerans of The Ridge had a lovely Ballad Lounge where I used to perfom regularly…( also used to play in Larkins of Kanes Bridge, The Salmon Pool,Moloneys bar below in Coon, Conways of Comer,The Coalmine, The Avalon, Muckalee,Goresbrige, Gowran, Fureys and Archibalds of Carlow, Kytelers, Pedigree Corner )
The Ridge & Coolcullen Brigade Ballad tells the story of a gallant band of men during the great snowfall of 1947. The Ridge and Coolcullen people got totally cut off from civilisation by the great snowfall of that year. It came to a head when the Woodbines ran out and they were forced to take action. It took them a week to dig their way down to Leighlinbridge . There they took on supplies of flour,bacon and tobacco before digging their way back up The Comer Plateau. The starving (and gasping for a smoke) residents of The Protestant road have never forgotten this courageous band of Shelmaliers.
That Danny Doyle Ballroom you mention was called Caesar’s Palace. Danny was a great promoter back in the day. There was always tea and apple tart when the gig was over and ,if the gig was good, there might even be an extra fiver in the envelope butthe gig was never that good.I used to play there of a Sunday night and there would always be a showband after..
Have a safe trip home and bring the book..( and The Carlow xv !!)
Hey Christy my Dads 60th birthday (Pat) is tonight near Dunlaoghaire any chance of a birthday message for him :)? Have all our relations coming from Robertstown Kildare..hoping there’s a bit of a trad session afterwards (always welcome)
Laura
Hey Laura…hope the Robertstown Lilies found Dun Laoire alright and that Pat crossed smoothly into his Sixth Decade…its now 6.30 am the following morning so the Trad Session is probably still leppin…
HAPPY SIXTIETH PAT…. the first 59 years are the hardest….another 5 years and you’ll have the bus pass
Howya Christy! Great craic last night at the gig it was a good gig by all and fair play to you and the crew for pulling it off…
One thing I noticed last night was the singing of the new songs. It was like they were there for years already and fair play to DEC to push you to sing them because they are the ones we all want to here..
Dec song was probably the song of the night for me. I have that song somewhere on vinyl hidden away as I total forgot about it and its beautiful to actually here it live, I’ll treasure that moment for a long time.
I have to say Andy is the spit of Barry.. Good to see he got his hair anyways!!!
Well I’m off on the holidays in the morning to Turkey for a fortnight and I have the tuam beat and the mandolin mountain tugged in and ready to go!!! When I come back the sash and the moors will be in the semi finals (hopefully) and January man will only be around the corner..
“He’s travelled East and he’s travelled West
half the North and the South also
until he ‘rived into Turkeyland
there he was taken and bound in prison,
until his life it grew quite weary”……………….(from “Lord Baker” by John Reilly)
hope your travels bring you joy Sonsar, that you return safe and sound…I’m off on a Trip round Ulster myself….across Armagh into The Silent Valley we’ll go before trekking up Sliabh Donard. Then from County Down we’ll traverse Antrim towards Bog Meadow where we’ll chant below The Black Mountain..
“you gotta take a chance sometime,
stake it all on a glance somtime.
Let some feelin show, Let Somebody Know’ …(Declan Sinnott)
Good to see a worthy cause, a deserving cause getting big support last night in Vicar Street and well done for the support of a noble cause, Rape Crisis Centres. Womens Aid and a few more have been to the fore this week in highlighting the coverage and the practical ‘canonization’ of a man who decides to slay all his family in the process portraying him as some kind of ‘saint’. Womens Aid (there’s a small relationship or connection betweent the two Womens Aid and Rape Crisis centres. Someone I know in a womens’ shelter informed me some time ago the the place they work in is ‘full’ a lot of the time.
Foot tapping here to the Abbey Tavern session – see post below – great music. One of those Abbey Tavern sessions appears on You Tube, you suddenly spring upon a somewhat surprized perplexed Andy Irvine ‘will you sing Sally Browne?’ and one senses some mirth going on in the background as the camera stays rolling. Great music. I estimate those Abbey Taven gigs were about 1980.
let us not forget the actual canonization of Teresa…fast tracked to eternal bliss in record time….why the hurry?… I only heard last night that she served apprenticeship in the land of saints and scholars…god between us and all harm
you are spot on about mirth in Howth..they were happy days…three lily whites and a man from god knows where
Hi All. Just a quick word of thanks for the gig last night,,,,, great sounds from the 5 people on stage all blending together.. the harmonies were indeed wonderful… the choice of songs was so appropriate…. it was emotional at times,,,, Take a Chance Sometime from Declan sounded even more special and poignant ,,,and the song Vicky sang was tremendous,,,That cheque will make such a difference to the Rape Crisis Centre and the people who access the services,,,, you ‘d be a long time raising that amount in bag packing, sponsored walks and mini marathons etc…….well done all,,,,, there is no place like Vicar St, Beir bua agus Beannacht.
Thanks to you and over a thousand others who thronged Vicar St last night…
I am very happy myself with the emerging vocal harmonies..we will have Andy Moore and Vicky Keating in The Waterfront next week and the 5 of us will have an opportunity to continue developing the harmonies…
Declan’s “Let Somebody Know” assumed a different significance for me when sung in last nights setting..I first heard that song 35 years ago but I heard it different last night…Vickie’s new song (her own composition) was a revelation..she has the gift…
its also special for me to sing with my Son….Andy has the gift of natural harmony. He has been listening to some of these songs all his life..its a treat for me to sing with him….
Hi Christy,
Thanks for a wonderful night tonight in Vicar Street……. And a fantastic contribution to the Charity.
Vicky and Andy’s harmonies were very special too especially at the end of “Bogman”.
Thanks again to all involved.
Ride on
Patsy
The Harmonies are starting to gell….its lovely to sit between voices ….
Hi Christy— Thanks for those 2 nights in Derry.. were wonderful, …two great sets,.. looking forward two vic street tonight always great gigs. be nice to hear the Contender or sacco and vanzetti if it suited tonight.. all the best .Adam .
before too long we’ll be down around Newtownmountkennedy…..or high above Mullaghacleevaune………A Date for Mad Mary is a great movie