Hello I don’t know if this is possibly me and my boyfriend are going to your concert on the 28th of April in Glasgow and you are my boyfriend who is 19 is your ideal and his father died 2 years ago after a brave fight to cancer and he sang your music there is a picture of you and his father from years ago and I was wondering would it be poissble if I could get photo of you and my boyfriend at the concert to put with the other photo. I don’t even know if this is the correct place to ask just didn’t know how to get in contact or if I should even be asking
Christy's reply
very hard to set up such a meeting…so much going on along the way and so much to do around gigs….it does happen some nights and maybe it will on the night,who knows what way the wind blows…best wishes to you and your boyfriend…he is blest to have a girl who cares so much for him….thanks Gráinne K
Hi Christy
Hope all well and that you’re keeping warm in Clare.Brass monkeys are missing some items here ..
Central Library in Manchester is currently showing some excellent exhibitions.I’m sharing info here as I know they’ll be of interest to you,as well as readers and anyone able to visit the library…
The Homeless Library (the first history of homelessness in Britain) is a powerful,creative work.Good background details at Arthur-and-Martha.blogspot.com
‘Changing The Landscape’…..a Battle of \the Somme visual arts project by Sarah Kogan……including drawings and words by the artist’s relative,Barney Griew.He was 20 years old when he was killed on 1st July,1916.Full info on ‘Changing The Landscape’ website. I’m currently working on exhibitions of my Grandfather’s WW1 sketches and looking forward to attending a workshop with Sarah Kogan next week.
In May 1916,Barney wrote one of his many letters from France…..’I am quite happy with my scout job.To tell the truth I almost feel safer in front of than directly behind the trenches..I maintain that if a man gets hit its either his own fault or destiny.’
Dave
Christy's reply
As always Dave, thanks for keeping me in the Manchester loop…got a grand flashback recently at a singing session in Dublin when I met Jim Carroll who spoke of Harry Boardman’s club back in the 60s….Harry was a great singer of Lancashire songs in a manner reminiscent of Bert Lloyd…he was a lovely man always a bit bemused by younger rapscallions ( like myself and Mike Harding) I cannot remember where precisely Harry’s club was located…he recorded a few albums and had great songs
the above mentioned Jim Carroll was a singer in MacColl and Seeger’ club in London…he now resides n West Clare and I hope to meet him again..he has a treasure trove of MacColl material…..a low winter sun in the sky above Clare this morning..started back last night…another year started….more songs to listen and learn….
Flatley and Trump..2 peas in a pod
Hey Mr Moore
I really need your help. Im from Scotland and my Donegal family has a very special wedding in Inishowen next weekend and I’m making the wedding centrepieces, and bringing them to Ireland. These comprise of music sheets in jars with candles ( hard to explain) which I’m making. 25 songs close to the heart of the bride and groom, and I can get the music for 24, but not their choice of the voyage by yourself, is there any way you can help ? I don’t want to let them down with one very special song x thank you in advance x not able to submit photo on this ?
Hope you all don’t mind me putting this up here Christy. John will be 100 years dead tomorrow. His older brother got the home place, he got the bad place; so it was, so it is.
This is the actual report (copy), posted by the relevant officer, on the night of 10th February 1917. It documents the death of a granduncle; John Barrett: 10bt. Royal Dublin Fusiliers. The poem following is my unworthy tribute to him. I found his medal among some personal effects of his neice, (his brother’s daughter) my mother-in-law. R.I.P.
’10 Feb Beaucourt Sector front line Hostile artillery fairly active, especially about 8.45pm. Miraumont Alley and Puisieux Trance were heavily shelled with 5.9s and whizzbangs. Enemy were observed strolling about in front of our right company as if they wanted to surrender. The usual patrols and listening posts were out during the night.
Casualties Killed in action
Records show death of 26518 Private John Barrett, born Glencastle, CO. Mayo. Residence Blaydon-On-Tyne. Enlisted Ballina, Mayo.’
Dublin Fusilier
Here, in oozing, fusing mud,
rivered red with stagnant blood,
lays entrenched, amidst the flood,
an Irish lad, I fear.
Across the years, within a nap,
I travelled, dream-bound, history’s map
to share a trench with one young chap;
a Dublin Fusilier.
The night was dark with pledge of rain
and though it may well sound insane,
I do so long to be again,
there with the volunteer.
For, though I have not seen his face,
dreams provide no hiding place
I watched him smile at my embrace,
this Dublin Fusilier.
He welcomed me, as family might,
on that cold, damp and misty night.
‘My word but you’re a welcome sight,
You’re more than welcome here.
I hope you bring me all the news’,
he did most eagerly enthuse.
I’ve been so long away’, he mused,
my Dublin Fusilier.
I told him of my wife and child,
‘His name is John..’ at that, he smiled
and I could tell he was beguiled,
though blinked away a tear.
‘Love the boy and guard him well,
and keep him safe from gun and shell,
for he should never know this hell’
said Dublin Fusilier
He asked, were his ‘Glencastle’ hills
suffused in yellow daffodils,
that dance sublime, as nature wills,
while skylarks bend your ear?
Was the bay a sparkling blue
and did sweet Mary Donoghue,
still love him and remain true to
her Dublin Fusilier?
But then he smiled and kissed my brow
and said, ‘I must be going now.
You honour me – you know not how
but just by coming here…
You’ve given this poor soul release
and – with your memory – a peace.
The guns, for one, can truly cease;
this Dublin Fusilier.
I visit often, in my dreams,
the place equated once with screams.
Now however, it all seems
so peaceful, still and clear.
I see him yet, from time to time,
that young man, fit and in his prime.
I’ve tried to laud him, with this rhyme,
my Dublin Fusilier.
RIP
Christy's reply
Thank you for posting your memorial to John Barrett..its a beautiful piece…I hope that many will get to read it on the centenary of his falling…may of us are connected in some way to the tens of thousands of Irish who perished in WW1…I am going to send it to my cousins..their grandfather died while serving with the Dublin Fusiliers..the only thing returned to his widow was the badge from his cap….
my own Grand Uncle, Joe Sheeran, of The Cotton Mills, Nr Navan, County Meath met the same fate as John Barrett ..
Thanks for sharing…you have the gift with words
I have written soe songs and poems. SOME may be of use & interesting to Christy ~ but I cannot find any email to ask the question. Are there any details, please, for either himself or his manager?
Sad to say you are right Christy about so many of our exiles. So many folk, so much hope, ending with so little grace. As if…you are hanging out with other songsters and poets. Thanks for mention of gig…will word come through your site? I’d hate to miss the boat. Slán agus beannacht. Mary
Saddling up the old grey mare to head for Ennis on Friday. It can’t come soon enough tis making a long week at school for a nine year old!!!!
Christy's reply
as your Kingdom Bard once wrote:
“I’ve ridden through the cold and the wind and the rain
but I’m in love and I do no feel the pain”
‘cos I’m a Messenger Boy, bringing my love to you”….(Christie Hennessy)
I think of him often….every gig I see his beautiful smile…I hope his family are all happy and healthy…I love to see his statue, rightfully positioned, at the centre of Tralee Town…..
Afternoon there Christy.
Not posted for a while as the hibernation took a hold of me. Do you ever get those times when the tunes don’t rhyme and every song you try to play just seems like driftwood tossed on the beach. Don’t know where it came from and sure as hell don’t know where it’s going. So you give up, put the guitar down. Kick yourself for being in that mood and then find something else to occupy the mind instead. Well Frankie boy it’s time to get your ass in gear again and get out to a few open mic nights and you’ll soon feel the mesmeric again. What changed you ask, or maybe you just thought what’s that lunatic on about. Well it’s to let you know that when I need a kick up the the ol’ backside the best cure is to listen to a few of your tunes. Thanks again.
Frankie
Christy's reply
I recognise the dilemna you describe..years ago I used to succumb to the negative and take myself off to some dark alehouse..in recent decades I changed tack..I now play and sing my way thru it…even if its hard going I know that ,at least, its practice, rehearsal, its meditative, usually I will find something that engages that lifts me out of the fog…Lord Baker, The Honda 50, The Verdent Braes of Skryne or some such…. gotta keep going Frank, we gotta keep going
How do you remember the names of all the pubs Christy? Do you write them all down or are they locked away in the memory bank? I am in my early thirties and at the best of times, I do be struggling to remember the names of the pubs from my teen years haha
Christy's reply
each one of those mentioned had a folk club in the late 60s, and there were hundreds more….all locked away in my memory of those precious times…I love what I do now..all these concerts with great musicians,great crew and all looked after by good friends ….but there were elements to those far off early days that never leave me….travelling the roads with eveyrthing I possessed in a beat up old 1956 Volkswagon Beetle….A cheap guitar, old strings, a bunch of songs looking for the next Folk Club….The Chesire Cat in Congleton, The Singing Jenny in Huddersfield, The Barley Mow in Sheffield, The Bay Horse in Bentley, The Marsden in Soutshields,, The Blue Bell in Hull….hear The Watersons tonight, Ewan MacColl & Peggy Seeger in The Union Tavern, The Valley Folk in Bury, Pete Betts in Southbank, Paddie Bell and Owen Hand in Auld Reekie, Mick Broderick in Glasgow, Danny Kyle in Paisley, Sara Gray in Kircaldy, Aly Bain in Newcastle upon Tyne, dossing with Tom Gilfellon, meeting Cathal McConnell and hearing “Only Our Rivers Run Free”
now 50 years on I’ve got these wonderful memories……… and I’m anticipating hooking up with Declan Sinnott, Jim Higgins and Cathal Hayden in Ennis this weekend down in Glór,Ennis to continue the process…I give thanks
Good to see that people power has won in the “Costa del Sol” proposal for Dalkey.
Suppose by now you are getting the Togs etc packed after your well earned break for your trip to the Banner County. Davy has left for the East Coast…….. still ,there will be the usual welcome on the Mat for you at a packed Glor. Back then to the Midlands….. ” I’m a Bog Man , it’s where I come from”.
Fantastic to see that Vicki has hit the road with her new Band, hope to see them soon.
Best Regards
Patsy
Hi Christy,
Catching up on the site and did indeed notice that my long buried ‘song’ was resonating with a few folks, some of them ex shovel brothers ?.
I too lived in Chiswick, when over first, before moving to Hammersmith and nearer to wages clerk, who’s office was in the Duke Of York, where we got our cheques cashed (providing we drank about 6 points of Guinness first).
I remember going to a pub in Southall, for a darts match…I thought I’d landed in Calcutta. It was an interesting night. We won the first five games and the beer ran out, when one of our geniuses asked what the difference was, between an Indian and a Pakistani? He was shown the business end of a cricket bat.
There were lads in the corner playing dominoes like their lives depended on it – you’d get less noise in Croke park on All Ireland day. Trump wouldn’t have been any more welcome there, than they would in the Land of the (once) free.
We had to stop in the Three Bells in Brentford on the way home for a pint and bandages.
They didn’t turn up for the return leg.
Sure it was great to be young, Irish and alive… ?
I might go back sometime… Sure they’d never recognise me now, surely? ?
Good luck lads (and ladies), keep the sunny side out ?
Christy's reply
The Three Tuns, The George & Dragon,The Barley Mow, The Black Swan, The Coach &Horses, The Blue Bell, The Feathers, The Robin Hood, The Chesire Cat, The Pack Horse, The Green Man, The Red Bull, The Old Contemptible, The Dog & Partridge, The Grapes, The Plough, The White Hart, The Kings Head,The Goat Inn, The Grove,The Rugby, The Pirates, The Jollly Waggoner, The Ferry, The Station, The Prince of Wales, The Upper George, The Bradshaw Tavern, The Causeway Foot, The Dragon and Horses,The Fusiliers, The Cock Tavern, The Fighting Cocks,…..
….and we survived
Just off home Christy. Long four days. Some days wonderful some days dark. Met Bobby at De Barras and we all eagerly await your return to that great place. Recently I over exerted my voice at the football and found that whilst normally I sing an octave above yourself when singing along in the car, I had to sing the same key as yourself. Do you have to be very careful with your voice? Is it insured? Is it hard to stop shouting at the telly when the rugby is on? Xx
Christy's reply
Its been a while since I played Bobbys….must try and get back..always a special gig..
Yes I have to be mindful of the vocals..these past years Ive avoided shouting at ball games…this requires serious tranquilisation, last time I went to see a ball game I was so tranquilised I could not masticate my burger at half time…
mind you I was shoutin at the telly when I saw Flatleys storm troopers hoofing for Trump..what a pair of pricks…Waterboard for Flatley, Riverdance for Trump
Hi ya Christy hope all is well, all good here, keeping the lens’s polished between gigs. 🙂 always seem to listen to burning times most weeks has to be my fav album. so many good songs on it. Have you seen Hacksaw ridge yet ? Jackie and gold are also worth a look.
Adam
Christy's reply
got a few on the list that I want to see…. but I’m busy at rehearsals for the next leg of the tour…..after a 3 week lay off doubts begin to seep in…confidence starts to slide so I gotta practice..gotta be ready for the return to Glór..plus I have some new songs coming together and also hoping to mix some tracks for a possible Autumn release..its all go here in the projector room Adam… the spools are rotating and I’m trying to keep up with the rushes
I really enjoyed reading Casper’s lyrics and stories and your reply to him. I am currently working on a piece about Arlington House and in particular the Aisling project…Return to Ireland. Set up as it was recognised there was a hidden army of Irish people, who had lost contact with home and suffered loneliness and isolation as a result. A cousin volunteered there for years. It was my birthday a few days ago and my son bought me a limited edition print of a painting of you in full flight. You’re up there with the Pope and JFK! Oíche mhaith agus codladh sámh. Mary
Christy's reply
Had the pleasure and good fortune to visit Arlington House,so many of our Exiles never made it back….others who made it back after a long time away found themselves to be strangers in their homeland..everything utterly changed, the place they remembered long since gone…that must be so heartbreaking and confusing….
between JFK and the Pope …Jasus Mary, what did I do to deserve such a hanging..
gig for “Tar Isteach” will be announced soon
‘An lar’ – I like it.
Had a big mozy on this site on Friday, Christy singing Morrissey, hhmmmm… that track remained outside my orbit somewhat and I’ve listened to that fine job you’ve done of plus listened to Stephen Patrick’s original version. That took me off to one You Tube and listened to a lot of Morissey tracks. I love and am reading Caspers entrys with great interest; very evocative of a time, 70s London, I was there, I arrived, I spotted the date a few days ago, the exact date, 40 years ago, I arrived into London, got a job in a bar, try and imagine (I’d told them I’d ‘experience’) and me behind a bar and me not having one gawdam CLUE what a ;light and bitter’ even was…. (Pronounced in a cockney accent: ‘lih an’ bitta’)
Christy's reply
you have brought me right back Ed….1962 myself and The Meg McGowan (RIP) sailed over…that year we worked in Walls Pies for 8 weeks and shared two “hot” beds with Tony Byrne from Athgarvan and Audeon McStay from Kildare. The doss was in Southall and our Landlord was Mr Khan…we made good money and went a bit wild…the following year we stayed in Chiswick and both got work in the EMI record pressing plant in Hayes Middx where we both pressed Good Vibrations for weeks on end…again, good money and much experience gained…I went to Goodwood Races on a day that Darky Prendergast saddled two winners…went on a bus from The Three Tuns in Southall and came back to base with a black eye and a very sore head…..
good response to Caspers lyrics…hope he reads the feedback
Luka did very special gig last Wednesday in Solas Bhride, fantastic night…a bog man, deep down.
Wally Page plays his monthly live gig in The Annesley House pub on Friday next, 10th Feb at 9pm..along with Johnny Mulhearn..
Christy's reply
heres hoping the Five Lamps will be thronged with listeners….well done Larball…hope the Yoga is doin the trick
Hi Christy,
Hope you are keeping well. I’ve been a fan of yours since before I was born and I grew up listening to and singing your songs. My lovely wife and I have traveled the length and breadth of Ireland to see you in concert and how I have loved every minute of it, especially our most recent trip to Vicar Street to hear you in December.
I have recently lost a very dear friend who taught me how to play your songs on the guitar as we were both left handed! I will be speaking a few words about memories at his service and I was going to read one of your songs but there are so many that we both loved. I was wondering if you could recommend any from the older days?
Christy's reply
Many years ago I learned John O’ Dreams from Bill Caddick who wrote it…. I brought it back to Ireland where many took it to their hearts….it has been considered appropriate at many removals, funerals and services
Thanks Christy. Matt Molloy’s – another scatter of memories… And (when I used to drink) a great pint of Guinness.
Stay well old friend and be happy… And sure, what else is there to wish for? 🙂 Aren’t there riches enough in that!? I had a friend called Johnny, who thought there was more…My ‘ode’ to him is below.
Don’t worry, I’ll not come on here and fill your pages with All that pops into my head… Just thought you might get a kick out of it BEFORE it all happens again ?
Johnny Rich
Life’s a bitch for Johnny Rich,
it’s time to walk the plank.
The working class, that kissed his arse,
are propping up the bank.
It’s nothing new, he knew he flew,
Much higher than he should
But they all said, ‘Hey thrift is dead!’
and told him that he could.
He’d sneer, when asked to have a beer,
for wine was more his thing.
He looked a flute, in that pink suit
and blinding us with bling…
but we’d all state, that he looked great
and he’d pay for our Ale.
He’d talk of blogs and eating frogs,
which made a few lads quail.
And as his world, became unfurled,
the winds that filled his sails,
were violent storms, that soon transformed
his laughter into wails.
But like Canute, he tried to mute
the nature of the flood.
He stood aloof and waterproof,
while drowning in cold blood.
They took his house, he lost his spouse,
for they went hand in hand.
His fancy cars and sushi bars,
lay stranded on the Strand.
A friend in need’s no friend indeed,
unless his need’s to spend.
Now that may seem a tad extreme,
and hard to comprehend.
And certainly, for you and me,
it’s cynical and trite
but poor folk dance and find romance,
where muck is known as, shite!
He speculates, accumulates;
he tried to tell us how,
the creation of inflation,
wasn’t his to disavow.
Now Johnny Rich, claims life’s a bitch,
destroying his poor soul
He moans and groans, in posh-boy tones,
each Wednesday ‘down the dole’.
His upper crust has turned to dust,
his Beemer’s repossessed.
Now he’s bereft, that all that’s left’s
his Calvin Klein string vest.
Reality can sometimes be
a bitter pill to take.
You ‘does the crime’, you ‘does the time’
and you can cry mistake…
but you will learn, that what you earn,
with blood and sweat and tears,
though maybe spare, may still be there,
in so-called ‘Golden Years’.
Christy's reply
you describe them well…the hungry hoors
I had an early fondness for the pint myself until I got a bad dose one night when I was about 16 which left me unable to let my nose near a pint without gagging… Howsever,subsequently I developed a relationship with the Large Bottle (aka The Sargeant aka The Danno)….constant practice helped me develop techniques to deal with the gasiness of the LB..I could pour it in one go without it cascading out across the rim of the glass..if properly approached it was possible to lower a doz large bottles without being bothered too mush about the gas..I spent a lot of time in Clonmel where the Danno was King..most pubs did not do draught so I was living among long-haul large-bottle consumers and soon picked up their well honed techniques..
Its 53 years since I but I still remember the days and nights in Annie Kehoe’s, Donie Ryans, Jack Killalea’s,Gleesons, Hillview,Hearns Hotel, The Minella, the good company and cameraderie of those great swallowers……and I also recall the mornings after
“I woke up with an aching head..as usual
I was pissed goin up to bed…as usual,
I think I’ll see how much I’ve got,
Oh Jesus Christ I drank the lot
I must have been a drunken sot ..as usual” ( Hamish Imlach )
Hello I don’t know if this is possibly me and my boyfriend are going to your concert on the 28th of April in Glasgow and you are my boyfriend who is 19 is your ideal and his father died 2 years ago after a brave fight to cancer and he sang your music there is a picture of you and his father from years ago and I was wondering would it be poissble if I could get photo of you and my boyfriend at the concert to put with the other photo. I don’t even know if this is the correct place to ask just didn’t know how to get in contact or if I should even be asking
very hard to set up such a meeting…so much going on along the way and so much to do around gigs….it does happen some nights and maybe it will on the night,who knows what way the wind blows…best wishes to you and your boyfriend…he is blest to have a girl who cares so much for him….thanks Gráinne K
Hi Christy
Hope all well and that you’re keeping warm in Clare.Brass monkeys are missing some items here ..
Central Library in Manchester is currently showing some excellent exhibitions.I’m sharing info here as I know they’ll be of interest to you,as well as readers and anyone able to visit the library…
The Homeless Library (the first history of homelessness in Britain) is a powerful,creative work.Good background details at Arthur-and-Martha.blogspot.com
‘Changing The Landscape’…..a Battle of \the Somme visual arts project by Sarah Kogan……including drawings and words by the artist’s relative,Barney Griew.He was 20 years old when he was killed on 1st July,1916.Full info on ‘Changing The Landscape’ website. I’m currently working on exhibitions of my Grandfather’s WW1 sketches and looking forward to attending a workshop with Sarah Kogan next week.
In May 1916,Barney wrote one of his many letters from France…..’I am quite happy with my scout job.To tell the truth I almost feel safer in front of than directly behind the trenches..I maintain that if a man gets hit its either his own fault or destiny.’
Dave
As always Dave, thanks for keeping me in the Manchester loop…got a grand flashback recently at a singing session in Dublin when I met Jim Carroll who spoke of Harry Boardman’s club back in the 60s….Harry was a great singer of Lancashire songs in a manner reminiscent of Bert Lloyd…he was a lovely man always a bit bemused by younger rapscallions ( like myself and Mike Harding) I cannot remember where precisely Harry’s club was located…he recorded a few albums and had great songs
the above mentioned Jim Carroll was a singer in MacColl and Seeger’ club in London…he now resides n West Clare and I hope to meet him again..he has a treasure trove of MacColl material…..a low winter sun in the sky above Clare this morning..started back last night…another year started….more songs to listen and learn….
Flatley and Trump..2 peas in a pod
Hey Mr Moore
I really need your help. Im from Scotland and my Donegal family has a very special wedding in Inishowen next weekend and I’m making the wedding centrepieces, and bringing them to Ireland. These comprise of music sheets in jars with candles ( hard to explain) which I’m making. 25 songs close to the heart of the bride and groom, and I can get the music for 24, but not their choice of the voyage by yourself, is there any way you can help ? I don’t want to let them down with one very special song x thank you in advance x not able to submit photo on this ?
dont know anything about music sheets…
Hope you all don’t mind me putting this up here Christy. John will be 100 years dead tomorrow. His older brother got the home place, he got the bad place; so it was, so it is.
This is the actual report (copy), posted by the relevant officer, on the night of 10th February 1917. It documents the death of a granduncle; John Barrett: 10bt. Royal Dublin Fusiliers. The poem following is my unworthy tribute to him. I found his medal among some personal effects of his neice, (his brother’s daughter) my mother-in-law. R.I.P.
’10 Feb Beaucourt Sector front line Hostile artillery fairly active, especially about 8.45pm. Miraumont Alley and Puisieux Trance were heavily shelled with 5.9s and whizzbangs. Enemy were observed strolling about in front of our right company as if they wanted to surrender. The usual patrols and listening posts were out during the night.
Casualties Killed in action
Records show death of 26518 Private John Barrett, born Glencastle, CO. Mayo. Residence Blaydon-On-Tyne. Enlisted Ballina, Mayo.’
Dublin Fusilier
Here, in oozing, fusing mud,
rivered red with stagnant blood,
lays entrenched, amidst the flood,
an Irish lad, I fear.
Across the years, within a nap,
I travelled, dream-bound, history’s map
to share a trench with one young chap;
a Dublin Fusilier.
The night was dark with pledge of rain
and though it may well sound insane,
I do so long to be again,
there with the volunteer.
For, though I have not seen his face,
dreams provide no hiding place
I watched him smile at my embrace,
this Dublin Fusilier.
He welcomed me, as family might,
on that cold, damp and misty night.
‘My word but you’re a welcome sight,
You’re more than welcome here.
I hope you bring me all the news’,
he did most eagerly enthuse.
I’ve been so long away’, he mused,
my Dublin Fusilier.
I told him of my wife and child,
‘His name is John..’ at that, he smiled
and I could tell he was beguiled,
though blinked away a tear.
‘Love the boy and guard him well,
and keep him safe from gun and shell,
for he should never know this hell’
said Dublin Fusilier
He asked, were his ‘Glencastle’ hills
suffused in yellow daffodils,
that dance sublime, as nature wills,
while skylarks bend your ear?
Was the bay a sparkling blue
and did sweet Mary Donoghue,
still love him and remain true to
her Dublin Fusilier?
But then he smiled and kissed my brow
and said, ‘I must be going now.
You honour me – you know not how
but just by coming here…
You’ve given this poor soul release
and – with your memory – a peace.
The guns, for one, can truly cease;
this Dublin Fusilier.
I visit often, in my dreams,
the place equated once with screams.
Now however, it all seems
so peaceful, still and clear.
I see him yet, from time to time,
that young man, fit and in his prime.
I’ve tried to laud him, with this rhyme,
my Dublin Fusilier.
RIP
Thank you for posting your memorial to John Barrett..its a beautiful piece…I hope that many will get to read it on the centenary of his falling…may of us are connected in some way to the tens of thousands of Irish who perished in WW1…I am going to send it to my cousins..their grandfather died while serving with the Dublin Fusiliers..the only thing returned to his widow was the badge from his cap….
my own Grand Uncle, Joe Sheeran, of The Cotton Mills, Nr Navan, County Meath met the same fate as John Barrett ..
Thanks for sharing…you have the gift with words
I have written soe songs and poems. SOME may be of use & interesting to Christy ~ but I cannot find any email to ask the question. Are there any details, please, for either himself or his manager?
his manager is in america…
Sad to say you are right Christy about so many of our exiles. So many folk, so much hope, ending with so little grace. As if…you are hanging out with other songsters and poets. Thanks for mention of gig…will word come through your site? I’d hate to miss the boat. Slán agus beannacht. Mary
the ball is in, the game is on
Saddling up the old grey mare to head for Ennis on Friday. It can’t come soon enough tis making a long week at school for a nine year old!!!!
as your Kingdom Bard once wrote:
“I’ve ridden through the cold and the wind and the rain
but I’m in love and I do no feel the pain”
‘cos I’m a Messenger Boy, bringing my love to you”….(Christie Hennessy)
I think of him often….every gig I see his beautiful smile…I hope his family are all happy and healthy…I love to see his statue, rightfully positioned, at the centre of Tralee Town…..
Afternoon there Christy.
Not posted for a while as the hibernation took a hold of me. Do you ever get those times when the tunes don’t rhyme and every song you try to play just seems like driftwood tossed on the beach. Don’t know where it came from and sure as hell don’t know where it’s going. So you give up, put the guitar down. Kick yourself for being in that mood and then find something else to occupy the mind instead. Well Frankie boy it’s time to get your ass in gear again and get out to a few open mic nights and you’ll soon feel the mesmeric again. What changed you ask, or maybe you just thought what’s that lunatic on about. Well it’s to let you know that when I need a kick up the the ol’ backside the best cure is to listen to a few of your tunes. Thanks again.
Frankie
I recognise the dilemna you describe..years ago I used to succumb to the negative and take myself off to some dark alehouse..in recent decades I changed tack..I now play and sing my way thru it…even if its hard going I know that ,at least, its practice, rehearsal, its meditative, usually I will find something that engages that lifts me out of the fog…Lord Baker, The Honda 50, The Verdent Braes of Skryne or some such…. gotta keep going Frank, we gotta keep going
How do you remember the names of all the pubs Christy? Do you write them all down or are they locked away in the memory bank? I am in my early thirties and at the best of times, I do be struggling to remember the names of the pubs from my teen years haha
each one of those mentioned had a folk club in the late 60s, and there were hundreds more….all locked away in my memory of those precious times…I love what I do now..all these concerts with great musicians,great crew and all looked after by good friends ….but there were elements to those far off early days that never leave me….travelling the roads with eveyrthing I possessed in a beat up old 1956 Volkswagon Beetle….A cheap guitar, old strings, a bunch of songs looking for the next Folk Club….The Chesire Cat in Congleton, The Singing Jenny in Huddersfield, The Barley Mow in Sheffield, The Bay Horse in Bentley, The Marsden in Soutshields,, The Blue Bell in Hull….hear The Watersons tonight, Ewan MacColl & Peggy Seeger in The Union Tavern, The Valley Folk in Bury, Pete Betts in Southbank, Paddie Bell and Owen Hand in Auld Reekie, Mick Broderick in Glasgow, Danny Kyle in Paisley, Sara Gray in Kircaldy, Aly Bain in Newcastle upon Tyne, dossing with Tom Gilfellon, meeting Cathal McConnell and hearing “Only Our Rivers Run Free”
now 50 years on I’ve got these wonderful memories……… and I’m anticipating hooking up with Declan Sinnott, Jim Higgins and Cathal Hayden in Ennis this weekend down in Glór,Ennis to continue the process…I give thanks
Hi Christy, forgot to mention Vicki’s new Band is called “From the Forest”.
Best regards
cool name…looking forward to hearing them
Good to see that people power has won in the “Costa del Sol” proposal for Dalkey.
Suppose by now you are getting the Togs etc packed after your well earned break for your trip to the Banner County. Davy has left for the East Coast…….. still ,there will be the usual welcome on the Mat for you at a packed Glor. Back then to the Midlands….. ” I’m a Bog Man , it’s where I come from”.
Fantastic to see that Vicki has hit the road with her new Band, hope to see them soon.
Best Regards
Patsy
has Vickie got a name for her band ?
Hi Christy,
Catching up on the site and did indeed notice that my long buried ‘song’ was resonating with a few folks, some of them ex shovel brothers ?.
I too lived in Chiswick, when over first, before moving to Hammersmith and nearer to wages clerk, who’s office was in the Duke Of York, where we got our cheques cashed (providing we drank about 6 points of Guinness first).
I remember going to a pub in Southall, for a darts match…I thought I’d landed in Calcutta. It was an interesting night. We won the first five games and the beer ran out, when one of our geniuses asked what the difference was, between an Indian and a Pakistani? He was shown the business end of a cricket bat.
There were lads in the corner playing dominoes like their lives depended on it – you’d get less noise in Croke park on All Ireland day. Trump wouldn’t have been any more welcome there, than they would in the Land of the (once) free.
We had to stop in the Three Bells in Brentford on the way home for a pint and bandages.
They didn’t turn up for the return leg.
Sure it was great to be young, Irish and alive… ?
I might go back sometime… Sure they’d never recognise me now, surely? ?
Good luck lads (and ladies), keep the sunny side out ?
The Three Tuns, The George & Dragon,The Barley Mow, The Black Swan, The Coach &Horses, The Blue Bell, The Feathers, The Robin Hood, The Chesire Cat, The Pack Horse, The Green Man, The Red Bull, The Old Contemptible, The Dog & Partridge, The Grapes, The Plough, The White Hart, The Kings Head,The Goat Inn, The Grove,The Rugby, The Pirates, The Jollly Waggoner, The Ferry, The Station, The Prince of Wales, The Upper George, The Bradshaw Tavern, The Causeway Foot, The Dragon and Horses,The Fusiliers, The Cock Tavern, The Fighting Cocks,…..
….and we survived
Just off home Christy. Long four days. Some days wonderful some days dark. Met Bobby at De Barras and we all eagerly await your return to that great place. Recently I over exerted my voice at the football and found that whilst normally I sing an octave above yourself when singing along in the car, I had to sing the same key as yourself. Do you have to be very careful with your voice? Is it insured? Is it hard to stop shouting at the telly when the rugby is on? Xx
Its been a while since I played Bobbys….must try and get back..always a special gig..
Yes I have to be mindful of the vocals..these past years Ive avoided shouting at ball games…this requires serious tranquilisation, last time I went to see a ball game I was so tranquilised I could not masticate my burger at half time…
mind you I was shoutin at the telly when I saw Flatleys storm troopers hoofing for Trump..what a pair of pricks…Waterboard for Flatley, Riverdance for Trump
Hi ya Christy hope all is well, all good here, keeping the lens’s polished between gigs. 🙂 always seem to listen to burning times most weeks has to be my fav album. so many good songs on it. Have you seen Hacksaw ridge yet ? Jackie and gold are also worth a look.
Adam
got a few on the list that I want to see…. but I’m busy at rehearsals for the next leg of the tour…..after a 3 week lay off doubts begin to seep in…confidence starts to slide so I gotta practice..gotta be ready for the return to Glór..plus I have some new songs coming together and also hoping to mix some tracks for a possible Autumn release..its all go here in the projector room Adam… the spools are rotating and I’m trying to keep up with the rushes
I really enjoyed reading Casper’s lyrics and stories and your reply to him. I am currently working on a piece about Arlington House and in particular the Aisling project…Return to Ireland. Set up as it was recognised there was a hidden army of Irish people, who had lost contact with home and suffered loneliness and isolation as a result. A cousin volunteered there for years. It was my birthday a few days ago and my son bought me a limited edition print of a painting of you in full flight. You’re up there with the Pope and JFK! Oíche mhaith agus codladh sámh. Mary
Had the pleasure and good fortune to visit Arlington House,so many of our Exiles never made it back….others who made it back after a long time away found themselves to be strangers in their homeland..everything utterly changed, the place they remembered long since gone…that must be so heartbreaking and confusing….
between JFK and the Pope …Jasus Mary, what did I do to deserve such a hanging..
gig for “Tar Isteach” will be announced soon
‘An lar’ – I like it.
Had a big mozy on this site on Friday, Christy singing Morrissey, hhmmmm… that track remained outside my orbit somewhat and I’ve listened to that fine job you’ve done of plus listened to Stephen Patrick’s original version. That took me off to one You Tube and listened to a lot of Morissey tracks. I love and am reading Caspers entrys with great interest; very evocative of a time, 70s London, I was there, I arrived, I spotted the date a few days ago, the exact date, 40 years ago, I arrived into London, got a job in a bar, try and imagine (I’d told them I’d ‘experience’) and me behind a bar and me not having one gawdam CLUE what a ;light and bitter’ even was…. (Pronounced in a cockney accent: ‘lih an’ bitta’)
you have brought me right back Ed….1962 myself and The Meg McGowan (RIP) sailed over…that year we worked in Walls Pies for 8 weeks and shared two “hot” beds with Tony Byrne from Athgarvan and Audeon McStay from Kildare. The doss was in Southall and our Landlord was Mr Khan…we made good money and went a bit wild…the following year we stayed in Chiswick and both got work in the EMI record pressing plant in Hayes Middx where we both pressed Good Vibrations for weeks on end…again, good money and much experience gained…I went to Goodwood Races on a day that Darky Prendergast saddled two winners…went on a bus from The Three Tuns in Southall and came back to base with a black eye and a very sore head…..
good response to Caspers lyrics…hope he reads the feedback
A Bog man that should be re Luka…but also a big man…deep down
correction made
Luka did very special gig last Wednesday in Solas Bhride, fantastic night…a bog man, deep down.
Wally Page plays his monthly live gig in The Annesley House pub on Friday next, 10th Feb at 9pm..along with Johnny Mulhearn..
heres hoping the Five Lamps will be thronged with listeners….well done Larball…hope the Yoga is doin the trick
Hi Christy,
Hope you are keeping well. I’ve been a fan of yours since before I was born and I grew up listening to and singing your songs. My lovely wife and I have traveled the length and breadth of Ireland to see you in concert and how I have loved every minute of it, especially our most recent trip to Vicar Street to hear you in December.
I have recently lost a very dear friend who taught me how to play your songs on the guitar as we were both left handed! I will be speaking a few words about memories at his service and I was going to read one of your songs but there are so many that we both loved. I was wondering if you could recommend any from the older days?
Many years ago I learned John O’ Dreams from Bill Caddick who wrote it…. I brought it back to Ireland where many took it to their hearts….it has been considered appropriate at many removals, funerals and services
Thanks Christy. Matt Molloy’s – another scatter of memories… And (when I used to drink) a great pint of Guinness.
Stay well old friend and be happy… And sure, what else is there to wish for? 🙂 Aren’t there riches enough in that!? I had a friend called Johnny, who thought there was more…My ‘ode’ to him is below.
Don’t worry, I’ll not come on here and fill your pages with All that pops into my head… Just thought you might get a kick out of it BEFORE it all happens again ?
Johnny Rich
Life’s a bitch for Johnny Rich,
it’s time to walk the plank.
The working class, that kissed his arse,
are propping up the bank.
It’s nothing new, he knew he flew,
Much higher than he should
But they all said, ‘Hey thrift is dead!’
and told him that he could.
He’d sneer, when asked to have a beer,
for wine was more his thing.
He looked a flute, in that pink suit
and blinding us with bling…
but we’d all state, that he looked great
and he’d pay for our Ale.
He’d talk of blogs and eating frogs,
which made a few lads quail.
And as his world, became unfurled,
the winds that filled his sails,
were violent storms, that soon transformed
his laughter into wails.
But like Canute, he tried to mute
the nature of the flood.
He stood aloof and waterproof,
while drowning in cold blood.
They took his house, he lost his spouse,
for they went hand in hand.
His fancy cars and sushi bars,
lay stranded on the Strand.
A friend in need’s no friend indeed,
unless his need’s to spend.
Now that may seem a tad extreme,
and hard to comprehend.
And certainly, for you and me,
it’s cynical and trite
but poor folk dance and find romance,
where muck is known as, shite!
He speculates, accumulates;
he tried to tell us how,
the creation of inflation,
wasn’t his to disavow.
Now Johnny Rich, claims life’s a bitch,
destroying his poor soul
He moans and groans, in posh-boy tones,
each Wednesday ‘down the dole’.
His upper crust has turned to dust,
his Beemer’s repossessed.
Now he’s bereft, that all that’s left’s
his Calvin Klein string vest.
Reality can sometimes be
a bitter pill to take.
You ‘does the crime’, you ‘does the time’
and you can cry mistake…
but you will learn, that what you earn,
with blood and sweat and tears,
though maybe spare, may still be there,
in so-called ‘Golden Years’.
you describe them well…the hungry hoors
I had an early fondness for the pint myself until I got a bad dose one night when I was about 16 which left me unable to let my nose near a pint without gagging… Howsever,subsequently I developed a relationship with the Large Bottle (aka The Sargeant aka The Danno)….constant practice helped me develop techniques to deal with the gasiness of the LB..I could pour it in one go without it cascading out across the rim of the glass..if properly approached it was possible to lower a doz large bottles without being bothered too mush about the gas..I spent a lot of time in Clonmel where the Danno was King..most pubs did not do draught so I was living among long-haul large-bottle consumers and soon picked up their well honed techniques..
Its 53 years since I but I still remember the days and nights in Annie Kehoe’s, Donie Ryans, Jack Killalea’s,Gleesons, Hillview,Hearns Hotel, The Minella, the good company and cameraderie of those great swallowers……and I also recall the mornings after
“I woke up with an aching head..as usual
I was pissed goin up to bed…as usual,
I think I’ll see how much I’ve got,
Oh Jesus Christ I drank the lot
I must have been a drunken sot ..as usual” ( Hamish Imlach )