Wow, amazing that you still have the diaries from those days, I can imagine the world was a place to be experienced back in the days as a travelling troubadour before even the first album.
The gig at the news house would have been for Dad’s club I assume, and if you’d lodged at our house that night there would have been a 6 month old baby in the house, that would have been me 🙂
As we grew up in wasn’t at all unusual to get up in the morning to find a sleeping singer on the couch, I was chatting with Richard Bekinsale’s first wife who tells me the parties at our house were legendary but I know little more about them. It’s a shame I can’t post a picture on here as sometimes a face can trigger more memories than words can.
I guess there are a huge number of people you meet along the way in such a long and distinguished career,
Christy's reply
as Dylan wrote in his “Tribute to Woody” way back..
“I’m out here a thousand miles from my home
walkin the road where the men have gone down
I’ve seen lots of face and places and things
peasants and paupers, princes and kings”
……..lyric from memory, may be off the original….seen some rare old queens too
The note does seem quite familiar as if you knew each other well. The club would have either been in Nottingham or Brinsley,you offered a gig on May 12th due to a cancellation., You may even have stayed over at our house in Kimberley in the note you send regards to my mum Ruth as well.
Christy's reply
Hey Tosh,
I’m enjoying this banter…I got out 1968 Diary..that particular week reads
Mon May 6th……Congleton ( in Chesire, a fave club)
Tue 7th. Hopwood Hall ( and my 23rd birthday)..run by Phil McCabe
Wed 8th.St Clare’s ( with Hamish Imlach)
Thu 9th Prestwich (ditto)
Fri 10th Macclesfield (ditto)
Sat 11th Bury..( where the res Band were the excellent (accapella) Valley Folk
Sun 12th Diary reads “Try John Mackintosh Nottingham”…then says Balmoral Confirmed ..from what I’ve written I cannot ascertain whether or not the gig took place,
I see that I played a gig in Nottingham on Sat 25th of May at News House on St James Street..
My diary entries at this times are quite scattered. I seem to be playing support to Hamish Imlach some nights while also doing my own gigs…
I have an entry in my diary for June 1st that says “Jim Barrie’s Farewell”..however the same night I have entries for Bury and Sheffield..on June 2nd I played at Anchor House in Middlesborough..I have no recollection of this party which suggests I did not attend…
It was an exciting time in my life..the work itself not as fulfilling as my current work… but the excitement and fun factor far outweighed current apres gig activities…but thats life… and I would’nt swap either for either..thanks for this interlude Tosh
Ps. your post would suggest that I knew your parents..in those times it was the norm to lodge with those who ran the Folk Club..many lasting frienships were formed…50 years on not many survive but all are lovingly rememebered
Welcome home christy, it’s great to read all journeys of people experiences and enjoyment had by all over the last week and long may it last for us all to share these stories and songs.
It’s amazing how quick new songs are getting out there nowadays, I remember reading before that songs were written on the back of a box of major cigarettes while nowadays we can watch it live being performed from our own sitting rooms or on the jacks!!
I seen “lingo politico” on you tube already and it sounds like another hit!!
One thing about the last few years and the reession s the amount of great songs knocking around, we are in a privileged time..
Just over 24 hours before the coffeys clock strikes and the ball is kicked over the bar into lunnys garden. There will be tears there will be laughter but may the best team win. Up the Sash!
Christy's reply
I’ve rubbed Dubbin into my boots, the cogs are checked, the wintergreen is at hand,all ready……my plan is to catch 7am Mass in the Pro-Cathedral then up on me bike at 8 and head for Home….I’ll get the breakfast in Rathcoole and the dinner in Mrs Lawlor’s of Naas. Should hit Coffey’s (or The Arch) for a few swift rossiners before togging off under the stand..I have clear instructions and know what I have to do…it wont be pretty
Great show in Brimingham last night – as ever. It was great to have the 3 of you on stage – Jim’s percussion really added something good. The 2 hours always flies by so quickly we didn’t want it to end! We loved Declan’s Solo, but missed the title – can you tell me what it was?
Hope you got home safely – can’t wait for the next gig!
Greetings from beautiful Beara to you, dear Christy!
Hope your journey home went well. Glad to read about your grand UK tour – wish I could have heard some of the gems you sang there. (Thanks to Adam for the setlists on 4711ers.org.)
We are enjoying the mesmerising landscape in these golden October days … nature appears in the most varied colours, the red fuchsias are still in bloom, the robins are singing in the trees, the blackberries are ripe and sweet and the moonlight whispers on the water of Bantry Bay.
Got John Spillane’s “Will we be Brilliant or What?” in Kenmare yesterday – I’m sure I’ll have a pleasant reading.
See you soon up north at the Atlantic coast, Traudel
Christy's reply
John’s book was on the table when I got home from England..looking forward to that….we sat together recently at my Nephew’s wedding and had a grand time….
Hi Christy
I was wondering if you remembered my father John McIntosh, dad sadly died in July but in his things we found a letter from you about a gig booking (I think in May 1968) and about catching Jim (Barrie), my godfather before he left for Canada.
Christy's reply
Morra Tosh…a bell rings from 1968 but I need more info on the club….where was the venue ?
Hi Christy we are really looking forward to seeing you in the carrickdale on the 12th of Nov. We are a party of 12 going to celebrate my daughters birthday. Just wanted to know could you say happy 27th birthday to Linda o neill. Linda is coming home next week from Australia on a 3 week holiday and she changed her departure dates just especially to see you. She has never seen you live so it is going to be a special night for us all.
Christy's reply
Its promising to be a belter…great feedback from the outposts and border lands of Louth and Armagh…and now we have Linda dropping in from Australia…Up Down
Excellent concert last night in Birmingham. A big Irish support backing up all the applause and cheering made for lots of audience participation and excellent singing and playing from you, Declan and Jim.. Thanks for playing the two songs we like – Nancy Spain and Bright Blue Rose. The moon was definitely out and shining bright. Do return to the West Midlands before too long.
Christy's reply
soon as the stars realign we’ll be back…soon as the power deigns….thanks Alan
Brilliant concert last night Christy . Enjoyed every minute . Newbridge is my fathers home town . His name is Ned McCormack and is still quite sprightly at 87 years of age . Good luck with the rest of the your .
Christy's reply
Thanks Tony…best wishes to Ned….I remember two McCormack families when I was a lad….Paul McCormack is one of Newbridge’s leading Balladeers…I recorded his song “Weekend in Amsterdam” a few years back….Brian McCormack, I remember was a lovely singer…he used to deliver vital (liquid) provisions to the 21 pubs in town
All set for St.Conleths on Sunday, Moores` flags to the Bank corner Sash flags from the Bank corner and we will all meet in Con Cummins Bar after and kick more football.
Christy's reply
The Boiler, Miko, Ray Swan, Paddy Feeley,
The Ba, Jimmy Cummins,Fido White, Skinner Behan,
They’ll all be there tomorrow….
Billy Parkinson, Gerts, Timmy Durney, Doggy Anderson,
all gathered round The Pitch….
The Ball is in ,The Game is on…
Hi Christy
Hope you’re home ok……sincere thanks for Manchester. Another ace Bridgewater night…..comps to Dec and Jin…..companeros indeed….all as tight as proverbials.. Spancilhill was a beaut to finish…..certainly took me to a few places…
Good old Bob! brightening up the news by being Bob….being so much older then but younger than that now….
Have a good rest before your NET hits the road again…
Thanks for everything,
Dave
Christy's reply
Sound Dave….its good to be home, we had a great visit over….Bangor, Manchester,Sheffield,Swansea,Oxford,Birmingham welcomed our caravan, we could not have asked for more…..hope your gigs go well til we meet again
Sadly missed your gig around the corner from my house in Birmingham last night for one reason or another but I just wanted to share this, just having breakfast with my beautiful daughter Bronagh and she said ” Dad, do you think Christy Moore would recognise you if he seen you ”
I cracked up laughing, why would that be daughter, because you’ve seen him so many times. Morning giggle warms the heart.
If yous ever fancy a top of the pops breakfast whilst in brum, head for our restaurant The Dubella lounge ( Dublin and Belfast) boldmere Rd, Sutton Coldfield B73 5UB
Let the music play !!!
Thanks for a wonderful gig tonight in Birmingham nice way to end a week away, and a great week of gigs,. each concert had something special, wonderful venue’s and great set’s and the crowds,the crew had the rooms sounding and looking good. were great,6 really good gigs. very hard to pick a top 3, , roll on the next set..
Hope you have a safe trip home.
Adam
Christy's reply
great to see you along the way Adam, your pics the captured the essence of each gig, your presence felt in every venue…with out doubt you were the “star audient” on this UK trip…see you in Wicklow if you make it to Newtownmountkennedy…we are just sailing into Port of Dublin now..the SS Ulysses perfectly on time
Christy, apologies for leaving you hanging on – and yes will be listening into KFM online on Sunday. I grew up in Newbridge living next door to Skinner Behan and opposite Ba and Sos . . .my godfather and uncle is Alex Whelan. My dad, Archie, from the Royal County, married Alex’s sister, Patsy in 1959. When he came to Newbridge first, he became great friends with Billy Bell – so we couldn’t be much closer to Moorefield but we were more a soccer family – my brother captained Newbridge Town and managed many of their successful underage teams in recent times. I’ll make myself known next time – I think you’d like my other half – she’s a creative type like yourself! Fingers – no everything – crossed for Sunday! All the best for now – Jim Brecknell
Christy's reply
Alex was always a good friend, Billy Bell a good neighbour…his brother Kevin mentioned in my recent song “Lily”..
“I crossed the River Liffey Bridge and went on up the town
by Coffey’s clock twas plain to see how time was movin on.
Past Neesons and John Johnsonns Tommy Tougher’s and Keadeen
Hows it goin sez Paddy Dolan, Game Ball sex Skinner Behan”
Thank you Christy, Declan and Jimmy for a memorable evening at the Brangwyn Hall, what a lovely venue. I dragged he husband out again( it was his own fault as the tickets were my birthday present from him) raced off down the m4 to another great musical evening. It brought tears to my eyes when it seemed as the whole room were as one singing “Ride on” and when you finished up with “Sonnys dream” it was a perfect end to the evening. So many favourites in one night I was hoarse the next day, don’t know how you do it . Thank you again, looking forward to the next time already. ( Christmas present tickets maybe for our 13 th Christy outing). My husband is actually quite worried about a Welsh tour, I think it would be a great idea. Take care all and safe travelling home. Diolch yn fawr Fiona
Christy's reply
Pedigree Corner where Carlow Kilkenny and Laois borders coincide and Kildare is only a jackdaws shite away…Noel Peacock was the man of the house there when that venue was in its hayday..had manys the good after-gig sessins there back in the 70s-80s….could be a divvil of a gig to get a bit of order but potential pain was numbed by pre-gig preparations
Please dont leave me hangin with such sparse info about being a “Newbridge native and Moorefield Supporter” I need to know your seed, breed and generation. To mention Moorefield and leave out any mention of this Sundays County Final when The Moores play The Sash in what pomises to be a stirring encounter. I have been in serious training and plan to get my perch on “Lunnys Wall” shortly before kick-off… Joe Woolfe has my bicycle booked in and I’ll get a cold meat tea in Bun Higgins before heading up to Neesons to celebrate or recite sorrowful mysteries….
I suppose you heard that the Lilys won the Women’s Intermediate All Ireland in Croke park 3 weeks ago… I gt to sing for them the wed before the Final and I have been scoring goals ever since..what a bunch of mighty women..True Lilys every one..
Cant wait to see ya tonight ya bollocks … hope you’ve no need of the TCP as with Cheltenham. I’ve reached the big 50 and you’re my birthday treat so very excited to be sharing it with you . Hope you have a great time yourself. Love Gentle Annie Harkin.xx
Christy/Declan/Jim – thanks for finding the time to come and entertain us in Oxford last night – these concerts just get better and better – a lovely atmosphere in what is becoming a special venue. I’ve been lucky to see Christy on many many occasions, in stadiums, arenas, theatres and halls, my absolute favourite was in the Pedigree Corner in Athy – must have been 25 years ago – anyway, thanks again from a Newbridge native, a Moorefield supporter and now an Oxford resident. Will be watching out for those Declan tour dates you mentioned! Good luck in Birmingham tonight and safe trip home!
Wow, amazing that you still have the diaries from those days, I can imagine the world was a place to be experienced back in the days as a travelling troubadour before even the first album.
The gig at the news house would have been for Dad’s club I assume, and if you’d lodged at our house that night there would have been a 6 month old baby in the house, that would have been me 🙂
As we grew up in wasn’t at all unusual to get up in the morning to find a sleeping singer on the couch, I was chatting with Richard Bekinsale’s first wife who tells me the parties at our house were legendary but I know little more about them. It’s a shame I can’t post a picture on here as sometimes a face can trigger more memories than words can.
I guess there are a huge number of people you meet along the way in such a long and distinguished career,
as Dylan wrote in his “Tribute to Woody” way back..
“I’m out here a thousand miles from my home
walkin the road where the men have gone down
I’ve seen lots of face and places and things
peasants and paupers, princes and kings”
……..lyric from memory, may be off the original….seen some rare old queens too
The note does seem quite familiar as if you knew each other well. The club would have either been in Nottingham or Brinsley,you offered a gig on May 12th due to a cancellation., You may even have stayed over at our house in Kimberley in the note you send regards to my mum Ruth as well.
Hey Tosh,
I’m enjoying this banter…I got out 1968 Diary..that particular week reads
Mon May 6th……Congleton ( in Chesire, a fave club)
Tue 7th. Hopwood Hall ( and my 23rd birthday)..run by Phil McCabe
Wed 8th.St Clare’s ( with Hamish Imlach)
Thu 9th Prestwich (ditto)
Fri 10th Macclesfield (ditto)
Sat 11th Bury..( where the res Band were the excellent (accapella) Valley Folk
Sun 12th Diary reads “Try John Mackintosh Nottingham”…then says Balmoral Confirmed ..from what I’ve written I cannot ascertain whether or not the gig took place,
I see that I played a gig in Nottingham on Sat 25th of May at News House on St James Street..
My diary entries at this times are quite scattered. I seem to be playing support to Hamish Imlach some nights while also doing my own gigs…
I have an entry in my diary for June 1st that says “Jim Barrie’s Farewell”..however the same night I have entries for Bury and Sheffield..on June 2nd I played at Anchor House in Middlesborough..I have no recollection of this party which suggests I did not attend…
It was an exciting time in my life..the work itself not as fulfilling as my current work… but the excitement and fun factor far outweighed current apres gig activities…but thats life… and I would’nt swap either for either..thanks for this interlude Tosh
Ps. your post would suggest that I knew your parents..in those times it was the norm to lodge with those who ran the Folk Club..many lasting frienships were formed…50 years on not many survive but all are lovingly rememebered
Welcome home christy, it’s great to read all journeys of people experiences and enjoyment had by all over the last week and long may it last for us all to share these stories and songs.
It’s amazing how quick new songs are getting out there nowadays, I remember reading before that songs were written on the back of a box of major cigarettes while nowadays we can watch it live being performed from our own sitting rooms or on the jacks!!
I seen “lingo politico” on you tube already and it sounds like another hit!!
One thing about the last few years and the reession s the amount of great songs knocking around, we are in a privileged time..
Just over 24 hours before the coffeys clock strikes and the ball is kicked over the bar into lunnys garden. There will be tears there will be laughter but may the best team win. Up the Sash!
I’ve rubbed Dubbin into my boots, the cogs are checked, the wintergreen is at hand,all ready……my plan is to catch 7am Mass in the Pro-Cathedral then up on me bike at 8 and head for Home….I’ll get the breakfast in Rathcoole and the dinner in Mrs Lawlor’s of Naas. Should hit Coffey’s (or The Arch) for a few swift rossiners before togging off under the stand..I have clear instructions and know what I have to do…it wont be pretty
Great show in Brimingham last night – as ever. It was great to have the 3 of you on stage – Jim’s percussion really added something good. The 2 hours always flies by so quickly we didn’t want it to end! We loved Declan’s Solo, but missed the title – can you tell me what it was?
Hope you got home safely – can’t wait for the next gig!
Declan’s song is ” Let Somebody Know “
Greetings from beautiful Beara to you, dear Christy!
Hope your journey home went well. Glad to read about your grand UK tour – wish I could have heard some of the gems you sang there. (Thanks to Adam for the setlists on 4711ers.org.)
We are enjoying the mesmerising landscape in these golden October days … nature appears in the most varied colours, the red fuchsias are still in bloom, the robins are singing in the trees, the blackberries are ripe and sweet and the moonlight whispers on the water of Bantry Bay.
Got John Spillane’s “Will we be Brilliant or What?” in Kenmare yesterday – I’m sure I’ll have a pleasant reading.
See you soon up north at the Atlantic coast, Traudel
John’s book was on the table when I got home from England..looking forward to that….we sat together recently at my Nephew’s wedding and had a grand time….
Hi Christy
I was wondering if you remembered my father John McIntosh, dad sadly died in July but in his things we found a letter from you about a gig booking (I think in May 1968) and about catching Jim (Barrie), my godfather before he left for Canada.
Morra Tosh…a bell rings from 1968 but I need more info on the club….where was the venue ?
Hi Christy we are really looking forward to seeing you in the carrickdale on the 12th of Nov. We are a party of 12 going to celebrate my daughters birthday. Just wanted to know could you say happy 27th birthday to Linda o neill. Linda is coming home next week from Australia on a 3 week holiday and she changed her departure dates just especially to see you. She has never seen you live so it is going to be a special night for us all.
Its promising to be a belter…great feedback from the outposts and border lands of Louth and Armagh…and now we have Linda dropping in from Australia…Up Down
Excellent concert last night in Birmingham. A big Irish support backing up all the applause and cheering made for lots of audience participation and excellent singing and playing from you, Declan and Jim.. Thanks for playing the two songs we like – Nancy Spain and Bright Blue Rose. The moon was definitely out and shining bright. Do return to the West Midlands before too long.
soon as the stars realign we’ll be back…soon as the power deigns….thanks Alan
Brilliant concert last night Christy . Enjoyed every minute . Newbridge is my fathers home town . His name is Ned McCormack and is still quite sprightly at 87 years of age . Good luck with the rest of the your .
Thanks Tony…best wishes to Ned….I remember two McCormack families when I was a lad….Paul McCormack is one of Newbridge’s leading Balladeers…I recorded his song “Weekend in Amsterdam” a few years back….Brian McCormack, I remember was a lovely singer…he used to deliver vital (liquid) provisions to the 21 pubs in town
All set for St.Conleths on Sunday, Moores` flags to the Bank corner Sash flags from the Bank corner and we will all meet in Con Cummins Bar after and kick more football.
The Boiler, Miko, Ray Swan, Paddy Feeley,
The Ba, Jimmy Cummins,Fido White, Skinner Behan,
They’ll all be there tomorrow….
Billy Parkinson, Gerts, Timmy Durney, Doggy Anderson,
all gathered round The Pitch….
The Ball is in ,The Game is on…
Hi Christy
Hope you’re home ok……sincere thanks for Manchester. Another ace Bridgewater night…..comps to Dec and Jin…..companeros indeed….all as tight as proverbials.. Spancilhill was a beaut to finish…..certainly took me to a few places…
Good old Bob! brightening up the news by being Bob….being so much older then but younger than that now….
Have a good rest before your NET hits the road again…
Thanks for everything,
Dave
Sound Dave….its good to be home, we had a great visit over….Bangor, Manchester,Sheffield,Swansea,Oxford,Birmingham welcomed our caravan, we could not have asked for more…..hope your gigs go well til we meet again
Sadly missed your gig around the corner from my house in Birmingham last night for one reason or another but I just wanted to share this, just having breakfast with my beautiful daughter Bronagh and she said ” Dad, do you think Christy Moore would recognise you if he seen you ”
I cracked up laughing, why would that be daughter, because you’ve seen him so many times. Morning giggle warms the heart.
If yous ever fancy a top of the pops breakfast whilst in brum, head for our restaurant The Dubella lounge ( Dublin and Belfast) boldmere Rd, Sutton Coldfield B73 5UB
Let the music play !!!
ok Marty..keep the kettle on
You gotta love the swedish 🙂 xx
Ol’ Zimmy still doin the business…uses all his power to do evil,in the end always left so alone
Hi Christy ,,
Thanks for a wonderful gig tonight in Birmingham nice way to end a week away, and a great week of gigs,. each concert had something special, wonderful venue’s and great set’s and the crowds,the crew had the rooms sounding and looking good. were great,6 really good gigs. very hard to pick a top 3, , roll on the next set..
Hope you have a safe trip home.
Adam
great to see you along the way Adam, your pics the captured the essence of each gig, your presence felt in every venue…with out doubt you were the “star audient” on this UK trip…see you in Wicklow if you make it to Newtownmountkennedy…we are just sailing into Port of Dublin now..the SS Ulysses perfectly on time
Christy, apologies for leaving you hanging on – and yes will be listening into KFM online on Sunday. I grew up in Newbridge living next door to Skinner Behan and opposite Ba and Sos . . .my godfather and uncle is Alex Whelan. My dad, Archie, from the Royal County, married Alex’s sister, Patsy in 1959. When he came to Newbridge first, he became great friends with Billy Bell – so we couldn’t be much closer to Moorefield but we were more a soccer family – my brother captained Newbridge Town and managed many of their successful underage teams in recent times. I’ll make myself known next time – I think you’d like my other half – she’s a creative type like yourself! Fingers – no everything – crossed for Sunday! All the best for now – Jim Brecknell
Alex was always a good friend, Billy Bell a good neighbour…his brother Kevin mentioned in my recent song “Lily”..
“I crossed the River Liffey Bridge and went on up the town
by Coffey’s clock twas plain to see how time was movin on.
Past Neesons and John Johnsonns Tommy Tougher’s and Keadeen
Hows it goin sez Paddy Dolan, Game Ball sex Skinner Behan”
…..St Conleth’s Park, here we come…
A wonderful combination of music, songs and literature culminating in the Nobel prize for Literature.
Times they are a changing!
greetings
John
Thank you Christy, Declan and Jimmy for a memorable evening at the Brangwyn Hall, what a lovely venue. I dragged he husband out again( it was his own fault as the tickets were my birthday present from him) raced off down the m4 to another great musical evening. It brought tears to my eyes when it seemed as the whole room were as one singing “Ride on” and when you finished up with “Sonnys dream” it was a perfect end to the evening. So many favourites in one night I was hoarse the next day, don’t know how you do it . Thank you again, looking forward to the next time already. ( Christmas present tickets maybe for our 13 th Christy outing). My husband is actually quite worried about a Welsh tour, I think it would be a great idea. Take care all and safe travelling home. Diolch yn fawr Fiona
Pedigree Corner where Carlow Kilkenny and Laois borders coincide and Kildare is only a jackdaws shite away…Noel Peacock was the man of the house there when that venue was in its hayday..had manys the good after-gig sessins there back in the 70s-80s….could be a divvil of a gig to get a bit of order but potential pain was numbed by pre-gig preparations
Please dont leave me hangin with such sparse info about being a “Newbridge native and Moorefield Supporter” I need to know your seed, breed and generation. To mention Moorefield and leave out any mention of this Sundays County Final when The Moores play The Sash in what pomises to be a stirring encounter. I have been in serious training and plan to get my perch on “Lunnys Wall” shortly before kick-off… Joe Woolfe has my bicycle booked in and I’ll get a cold meat tea in Bun Higgins before heading up to Neesons to celebrate or recite sorrowful mysteries….
I suppose you heard that the Lilys won the Women’s Intermediate All Ireland in Croke park 3 weeks ago… I gt to sing for them the wed before the Final and I have been scoring goals ever since..what a bunch of mighty women..True Lilys every one..
If I’d know you were there last night I’d
Cant wait to see ya tonight ya bollocks … hope you’ve no need of the TCP as with Cheltenham. I’ve reached the big 50 and you’re my birthday treat so very excited to be sharing it with you . Hope you have a great time yourself. Love Gentle Annie Harkin.xx
Christy/Declan/Jim – thanks for finding the time to come and entertain us in Oxford last night – these concerts just get better and better – a lovely atmosphere in what is becoming a special venue. I’ve been lucky to see Christy on many many occasions, in stadiums, arenas, theatres and halls, my absolute favourite was in the Pedigree Corner in Athy – must have been 25 years ago – anyway, thanks again from a Newbridge native, a Moorefield supporter and now an Oxford resident. Will be watching out for those Declan tour dates you mentioned! Good luck in Birmingham tonight and safe trip home!