Hey Christy,
After so many years of loving your songs, I thought the closest I would ever get to seeing you live was your Barrowland DVD that I have played over and over. Our trips to Scotland (to visit my husband’s family) and Ireland over the years never seemed to coincide with your gigs – until now! When we found out back in January that you were coming to Scotland when we would be there, we couldn’t believe it! Absolutely can’t wait to see you and Declan in Hamilton tomorrow night. I would love it if you could sing The Contender…
Christy's reply
Declan and I will be joined tomorrow by Jim and Cathal…we hope to make a right racket in Hamilton tomorrow…just finished rehearsing here in Glasgow… some residents complaining that we were disturbing the peace whilst others tried to come in and join with us…..great that we’ll have some listeners from Oz
Hey Christy
Can’t wait to see you tomorrow night in Hamilton. So glad to hear you were unwinding in my home county of Waterford. Where are your favourite spots in Port Lairge? The only time I set eyes on you in Waterford was many many, too many, years ago in the Anchor Bar in Dunmore East which was owned by Paddy Green at the time. Wee lounge that he built with his own hands on the back of the pub. Planning laws were different way back then. !! Was a great night. The Guinness pouring out the door met the high tide !!
Christy's reply
Ardmore, Tramore, Lemybrien and Lismore (and Coolnacupogue)
The Anchor Bar in Dunmore East….that must be at least 40 years ago…I was fond of the Danno’s back then and my recall is not total…still bump into Paddy’s daughter Mary Green and her partner Noel Shine..they have a band called Greenshine which features their daughter Ellie Shine..they had a big radio hit last year with “Girl in a lavender dress”….Noel made a brilliant radio doc a few years back about teaching music in Cork prison..one of the best radio Docs I have ever heard..catch them on you tube
hi y Christy hope u are well. just touched down in Glasgow.. nice and sunny
interesting to read the post below of a set from years ago .. some songs in their alright… would be something else to seem them appear back in the set. still amazes me looking at set lits from last few years how songs come and go and others pop back in its amazing how songs that have a local theme come in etc..
never though I would see Arklow on the gig page 🙂 nerly fell down flight of steps when I found out 🙂 all the best see u tom night
Christy's reply
Time to hit the Streets of Arklow Adam..its been too long since….28 years I reckon..last time Paddy Clancy of The Clancy Brothers was in attendance..what a fine gentle man…I felt honoured to sing to him….
I have a few set lists from the 60s..love looking back over them and the memories revived….my battered blue 1956 VW Beetle trying to find my way from Bury, Lancashire to St Andrews in Fife, no Sat Navs nor Smart Phones nor Motorways but got there none the less and played in The Mucky Byre Folk Club, 2 x 20 minute sets and some great resident singers, Jimmy Hutchinson, Pete Shepherd, Sheila Douglas…first taste of Single Malt Scotch ( greatly over rated) then Monday night down to The Elbow Room in Kircaldy where the resident singers included Rab Noakes and High Speed Grass…
I went down to Bradys yard this morning, and there she was…….. The HONDA 50, stuck a bit of Nitro into her, and she fecking flew. Nothing left to do now, only pack the Bag, stick it on the back and head for the Airport on Friday.I’m just wondering where to Park her as I head to the banks of the Clyde, maybe Michael O’ Leary will give me a spot in his place….. One Westmeath man to another!!!!!!
Looking forward to the weekend…..there will be people there, upon my word from every corner of the World…….Kerry, Wicklow, Donegal & Westmeath, to name just a few.
Best Regards
Christy's reply
I felt so sorry for Mister O’Leary and him with only 9 horses in the Irish Grand National., Ride On Jessica…let me know how you get on with the Honda 50 and Ryandair….I’ve been getting my own Honda 50 ready for action and plan to ride it out on stage sometime soon….somewhere with a good big stage so I can open it up a bit…( I want to say her but I’d only land myself in hot water)…safe trip Patsy
Hi Christy, hope all is good with yourself and family, a friend in Derry put a video to a song I recorded back in 99. I heard the air of a song you sang once and it stuck with me ,I believe it to be , On the banks of the Lee, ” in that cold and silent valley ” anyway I wrote the song for Deb while recording the album. The video was nice to watch for me and a nice surprise to re visit , I’m playing a few gigs and a wedding this weekend, holy fathers and lovely sisters all around me, oh brother this should be fun, I remember your experience in that area lol. I hope you don’t mind me putting the song here , Deb , Taylor, Les and Bailey are all doing well and growing up too fast . https://www.facebook.com/caroline.coneran/posts/10212672919126189
Take care , safe journey on the tour of life Christy
Christy's reply
Morra Fin,
Just sailed up The Clyde and dropped anchor down by The Broomielaw. Played my first gig here in 1967..found the set when I looked up the ’67 diary last night
Galway Races
James Connolly
Spainish Lady
Mary from Dungloe
Seth Davy
Curragh of Kildare
Unquiet Grave
Down by The Liffeyside
Little Beggarman
Carnloch Bay
Kerry Recruit
Rosin The Bow
Lanigan’s Ball
Take it Down from The Mast
Spancilhill
The Bridge of Killaloe
The Glasgow Folk Centre was run by a lad called Drew Moyes. He took a chance when Hamish Imlach asked him…Drew gave me my first Scottish Gig and I’ve been coming back ever since..but it might never have happened without Hamish’s intervention….he was an inspiration to many and a great friend..
Thats a grand song you sang for Deb…..sending you all best wishes
Hello christy,
Hope all is well with you. Seamus Noone, writer of ”We all are clowns” just to say that i recently watched your recent documenatry for RTE and its great!
Christy's reply
played Carndonagh Carnival back in the 80’s…..Daniel joined me for a song and we sang “Mary from Dungloe” or did I just dream that
Hi Christy, new to the site but been listening to you for many years.
Would loved to have seen you at the Barras on Saturday but couldn’t make it so next best thing is Hamilton tomorrow night.
Looking forward to what I’m sure will be a great show and hearing some of your classics and any new songs.
Enjoy your stay in Scotland.
Christy's reply
I’m hearing great reports about the Hamilton venue..looking forward to my first visit
Hi All… Cool and crisp yet sunny in Glasgow… the weather forecast isn’t great but that does n’t matter,,,,the songs and gigs are what counts,,and the welcome is always warm… bring on the tour,,, safe travelling all…….beir bua agus beannacht..H
Christy's reply
A grand story this morning on “Sunday Miscellany”…twas about the day that Gooch met Jack O’Shea in Jimmy O’Briens in Killarney..(you probably heard it after Mass in Glasgow)
after all those years your music is still with me, thanks you for this.
And I have a question, are you on Facebook?
A few weeks ago I liked a link with your music and some moments after this I was asked to like your profile.
Off course I didi this and then YOU started talking to me via Messenger????
Was it REALLY you because I didn’t believe it and removed the whole thing…
Was I too afraid of being hacked and was it really you????
I can’t stand the idea that this was such an opprtunity I’ve lost??
Thanks for clarification! Martha
Christy's reply
Hey Martha,
whilst I do have a presence on both Facebook and Twitter I do not engage directly myself…both platforms are run by my daughter…..I limit myself to this forum where I enjoy interacting with listeners and songsters ….many of the original correspondants have jumped ship and sailed away on facebook but I am quite content here …..greetings to all Belgian Songsters
Hi Christy hope this message find you in good spirits and health. Will you be releasing a new live set soon .graeme
Christy's reply
Yes indeed Graeme….been working this past while towards such a project which we hope to release come the Autumn..good to hear from you…all well here as we prepare to sail to Scotland in the morning early
Hi Christy.
Hope this finds you.
Its Mark who worked in Vodafone, i helped with a phone problem a few years back and had kept in contact for a bit then lost my way. Hope you still have the trusted Nokia phone. Enjoy Glasgow as you always do.
Ride On!
Christy's reply
Morra Mark, still buzzin on the Old Noke, just packin the gear for now for Scotia
Hi Christy, Hope this finds you well. Checking in to say “Hello” and to say I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in Glasgow next weekend. Safe passage to all, no doubt it will be a great weekend. Caught up with Mick Blake as well the other evening at The Balor Theatre in Ballybofey, a very good gig it was …stirred the emotions for sure “What does it take to make us angry” ? Anyways, all good here in The Hills, keeping busy and keeping out of trouble ..LOL ! CYA on the Far Side ! ..Love & Respect Martin Mac
Christy's reply
even after two and a half gigless weeks doubts and fears begin to circulate….I have played every day since but playing in the workroom is very different to performing in the gig situation..
its ludicrous but very real..I have been here a hundred times before … I’m reminded of the slogan “Fear is a lack of Faith”…Slogans sometimes bring comfort,sometimes provide the where withal to reach the other side..but sometimes too they can appear simplistic even corny ….BUT not today..I am gonna hold on..I’m gonna reach out…I’m gonna try and walk towards the light rather then dwell where shadows turn to dark..gonna get out of the scratcher and do what needs to be done…the bald pate needs a number one..the four guitar-picking nails need shaping and re-inforcing..the bag needs to be packed for Scotia…. gotta get my Munster shirt sorted for Lansdowne Road….gonna ring some buddys and check in..gonna go where the ex-thirsty ducks congregate..but all of this after I put on the porridge….
travel safe Martin…your team are going well as are Z Cars..McKenzie brought ye closer together for a week at least..what a despicable toe-rag of a less-then-human being…. “McKenzie’s Soul lies”
Keep Coming Back Marty Mac
putting a few extra flowers out here in Booterstown as we prepare to welcome Luka Bloom to the Punchbowl later tonight, Thursday 20th…I saw Luka play locally and was then I put these few shows together, so the inspiration for the Seaview Sessions is playing, and delighted to welcome him…Sara Ryan in support…
Lovely to see Hey Paddy being thought about for the set lists
I wish you safe travels to Scotland and the crew and all the 4711ers attending the gigs..would love to be there, but can’t make it this time around…good luck to all..
Christy's reply
“sittin in a cafe down the King’s Cross Rd
drinkin cappucino on a bellyfull of beer
me head was only liftin I had 20 minutes left
for another cup of coffee and another cigarette” (Wally Page’s “Hey Paddy”)
had a few cuts at this great song but never nailed it..heard Wally and Johnny Mull sing it at the recent gig in The Punchbowl….what a great night that was….sorry I cant make it tonight…down here in Waterford for a few days respite before heading o’er the Sea to Glasgow one more time…catch you soon Lar
Hi Christy, I recall watching a live performance of yours on TG4 a few years ago. It turns out it was a DVD recorded in the Barrowlands, ‘Come all you dreamers’. Having searched the internet I have been unable to find any website selling this DVD. It would make my day if I could somehow get my hands on a copy. thanks, Connor. (connordoherty100@gmail.com)
Christy's reply
seems to be available on ebay…..betimes we have it available at gigs …come back here if you have no joy
Hi Christy hope you are enjoying the Easter break just letting you know Sean Keane and Aine Morgan are performing One more hour with the RTE concert orchestra as part of Crinniu na Caaca in Stephen’s Green tomorrow its fairly cool to think a song I was involved in writing is being performed by an orchestra its going out on Radio 1 between 11 and 1
Best of luck to you on your Scottish trip safe traveling to you and crew and all the faithful followers would love to get one more rattle at Barrowlands both times I made it were absolutely amazing
Anyway have a great trip
Face the puck out
Christy's reply
Galway faced the puck out agin Limerick today…big disparity between the 2 Semi Finals…..hope Galway give Tipp a good game in The Final
watched the Sean Keane special on TG4 recently…really enjoyed it…Sean is some singer and the Band and himself are pure tight…he fairly nails the breaks he takes on whistle and harmonica and the Band support him beautifully..hope they have a good gig on The Green tomorrow
Happy Easter CM
Anything strange and new there?
I’m in serious training for the confirmation.
But I am really starting to wonder if this new priest came out of a fr ted episode.
He was googling the ten commandments for the class.Hé spelt Syria “cierya” on the board.
He’s fierce fond of talking about the devils antics and gave us a picture of this lad called satin.there is a bit of a resemblance between him and the picture .maybe it’s a self potrait.I saw him texting on the alter after communion as well.who was he texting? Is he really a priest at all?He’s fooling rest but not me.
CS 12
PS
I woke up this morning and the apple tree was heavy with easter eggs.I hope you have a nice day.any new songs?
Christy's reply
Tippin away at it here..I have 3 new songs so far this year but I have also been revising some old ones to get them back into the set…
Boning Halls
Hey Paddy
Blantyre Explosion
Bleacher Lassie
Come all you Dreamers
Johnny Jump Up
Casey
Faithfull Departed
Changes………..have all been revised lately…..
you are reminding me of some of my old teachers…..Brother Lazerian was a rough diamond but I liked him…Brother Raymond was a lying prick….Fr Flanagan was a great artist and musician….Fr Clandillon did’nt like me at all….Fr Heffernan is still alive and kicking, he was brilliant two years ago when we had our 50th Anniv re-union…..Fr O’Halloran was a bully and a coward, his nick name was snitch…..Fr Manly ( Liam O’Maonlaoí’s uncle) was a wild buck….he took 40 of us to The Gaeltacht in 1960….he liked to Dance and Sing and was go hana mhór leis na cailíní..I met him 25 years later in Perth in Australia and we drank a good sup of Whiskey…..he decked me with a box in 1961 in 4th year Irish..I probably deserved it for I was a fierce messer and Fr Tadgh had a temper..we got over it..I think he got a bigger fright then I did…when we talked aboutit (years after) he told me that thought he had killed me ! The worst cruel hoor of the lot was Fr Clifford..he used to cane us on the bare arse as hard as he could..sometimes he’d be really trying to hurt us….one lad, a very talented musician and artist, got such a hard time from Clifford that he left the school..he went on to become a world famous musician….not one of the teachers recognised the talent, the Art and Music that was in him..
Had a grand day..we visited our Grand Son and Grand Daughter and our other Son is home from Belgium…..I ate an Easter Egg after dinner..it was lovely with real strong tea
We were just watching the Pope’s address when the camera panned across to three young nuns in adoration. My youngest says ‘That’s like you at a Christy concert’. Of course we know that the music is more important than the religious diatribe. But for those who celebrate today the Risen Shepherd then happy Easter. And to you and your family Christy have a peaceful rest. Xx
Christy's reply
watching the Pope undress, manys the nun would give their right arm for that gig…helping that poor man out of his calvins and him after a hard day of having his ring kissed repeatedly by lines of celibate cardinals, bishops, reverend fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers, by acolytes, bellringers sextons and altar children…today we celebrate the beauty of new life, the Spring blossom, all the gifts bestowed daily , we look up and look down but neither east nor west, seeking to avert the mess
Excitement was rising as your sold out gig at Hamilton fast approached. John Griffin and myself heading along as we have every year for the last twenty and more. Never a creamy porter touched pre gig so that the mind is clear and can fully appreciate the magical mix of your driving, rhythmic guitar and sweet vocals, beautifully complimented by Deccie’s fluid guitar fills and wonderful craftsmanship; all underpinned and carried along on the soft, undulating mattress of Jimmy’s gentle percussion. Then disaster.
I’m working feckin late for the first time ever (new job, I’ve always been a 9-5 man in the past) and will have to miss the gig. Griff has already sourced a suitable replacement so there won’t be an empty seat listening to your best efforts.
You very kindly played “Folktale” for me at Glasgow Concert Hall last year (Griff had got us front row and centre seats which helped make it a truly memorable night) and I was delighted to capture about two thirds of it on my phone, just out of the sight of the 5ft 10 female bouncer who may well have been a lowland heavyweight champion. I replay it on my phone often.
I meant to drop you a line thanking you for your indulgence but kept forgetting and, as is often the case with manners, if you leave it too long, it loses any feeling of being genuine. Missing the Hamilton gig this time around has spurred me into righting that particular wrong though so thank you very much indeed Christy for playing that song for me last year. It’s not something that I’ll ever forget.
As for this year, I’m down but not out. I may try and wander along myself to the Concert Hall on the Friday (for I’ve an early finish that night I think and I’m working up at Charing X) or Barrowlands on the Saturday. Whilst Barrowlands must be wonderful for the performer, it’s not the best venue for the listener and is usually best appreciated as an audience member by getting as lashed as the rest!
Anyway, I wish you well my friend for your upcoming Scottish sojourn and if I don’t happen along this year, rest assured I shall return, even if I have to travel across the Irish Sea for my fix.
Lang may yer lum reek Christy.
Christy's reply
Thanks David, better late then never…hope you can make it to RCH or Mags McIvor’s…..
“Please tell them that I am young and beautiful”
Hey Christy,
After so many years of loving your songs, I thought the closest I would ever get to seeing you live was your Barrowland DVD that I have played over and over. Our trips to Scotland (to visit my husband’s family) and Ireland over the years never seemed to coincide with your gigs – until now! When we found out back in January that you were coming to Scotland when we would be there, we couldn’t believe it! Absolutely can’t wait to see you and Declan in Hamilton tomorrow night. I would love it if you could sing The Contender…
Declan and I will be joined tomorrow by Jim and Cathal…we hope to make a right racket in Hamilton tomorrow…just finished rehearsing here in Glasgow… some residents complaining that we were disturbing the peace whilst others tried to come in and join with us…..great that we’ll have some listeners from Oz
Best wishes for the tour of Scotland. I’m sure it’ll be a good one. Hoping to see you in Daniel country when you get back. Safe travelling.
Day-Lewis or O’Donnell ?
Hey Christy
Can’t wait to see you tomorrow night in Hamilton. So glad to hear you were unwinding in my home county of Waterford. Where are your favourite spots in Port Lairge? The only time I set eyes on you in Waterford was many many, too many, years ago in the Anchor Bar in Dunmore East which was owned by Paddy Green at the time. Wee lounge that he built with his own hands on the back of the pub. Planning laws were different way back then. !! Was a great night. The Guinness pouring out the door met the high tide !!
Ardmore, Tramore, Lemybrien and Lismore (and Coolnacupogue)
The Anchor Bar in Dunmore East….that must be at least 40 years ago…I was fond of the Danno’s back then and my recall is not total…still bump into Paddy’s daughter Mary Green and her partner Noel Shine..they have a band called Greenshine which features their daughter Ellie Shine..they had a big radio hit last year with “Girl in a lavender dress”….Noel made a brilliant radio doc a few years back about teaching music in Cork prison..one of the best radio Docs I have ever heard..catch them on you tube
hi y Christy hope u are well. just touched down in Glasgow.. nice and sunny
interesting to read the post below of a set from years ago .. some songs in their alright… would be something else to seem them appear back in the set. still amazes me looking at set lits from last few years how songs come and go and others pop back in its amazing how songs that have a local theme come in etc..
never though I would see Arklow on the gig page 🙂 nerly fell down flight of steps when I found out 🙂 all the best see u tom night
Time to hit the Streets of Arklow Adam..its been too long since….28 years I reckon..last time Paddy Clancy of The Clancy Brothers was in attendance..what a fine gentle man…I felt honoured to sing to him….
I have a few set lists from the 60s..love looking back over them and the memories revived….my battered blue 1956 VW Beetle trying to find my way from Bury, Lancashire to St Andrews in Fife, no Sat Navs nor Smart Phones nor Motorways but got there none the less and played in The Mucky Byre Folk Club, 2 x 20 minute sets and some great resident singers, Jimmy Hutchinson, Pete Shepherd, Sheila Douglas…first taste of Single Malt Scotch ( greatly over rated) then Monday night down to The Elbow Room in Kircaldy where the resident singers included Rab Noakes and High Speed Grass…
great to be back again in Scotland…….
I went down to Bradys yard this morning, and there she was…….. The HONDA 50, stuck a bit of Nitro into her, and she fecking flew. Nothing left to do now, only pack the Bag, stick it on the back and head for the Airport on Friday.I’m just wondering where to Park her as I head to the banks of the Clyde, maybe Michael O’ Leary will give me a spot in his place….. One Westmeath man to another!!!!!!
Looking forward to the weekend…..there will be people there, upon my word from every corner of the World…….Kerry, Wicklow, Donegal & Westmeath, to name just a few.
Best Regards
I felt so sorry for Mister O’Leary and him with only 9 horses in the Irish Grand National., Ride On Jessica…let me know how you get on with the Honda 50 and Ryandair….I’ve been getting my own Honda 50 ready for action and plan to ride it out on stage sometime soon….somewhere with a good big stage so I can open it up a bit…( I want to say her but I’d only land myself in hot water)…safe trip Patsy
Hi Christy, hope all is good with yourself and family, a friend in Derry put a video to a song I recorded back in 99. I heard the air of a song you sang once and it stuck with me ,I believe it to be , On the banks of the Lee, ” in that cold and silent valley ” anyway I wrote the song for Deb while recording the album. The video was nice to watch for me and a nice surprise to re visit , I’m playing a few gigs and a wedding this weekend, holy fathers and lovely sisters all around me, oh brother this should be fun, I remember your experience in that area lol. I hope you don’t mind me putting the song here , Deb , Taylor, Les and Bailey are all doing well and growing up too fast .
https://www.facebook.com/caroline.coneran/posts/10212672919126189
Take care , safe journey on the tour of life Christy
Morra Fin,
Just sailed up The Clyde and dropped anchor down by The Broomielaw. Played my first gig here in 1967..found the set when I looked up the ’67 diary last night
Galway Races
James Connolly
Spainish Lady
Mary from Dungloe
Seth Davy
Curragh of Kildare
Unquiet Grave
Down by The Liffeyside
Little Beggarman
Carnloch Bay
Kerry Recruit
Rosin The Bow
Lanigan’s Ball
Take it Down from The Mast
Spancilhill
The Bridge of Killaloe
The Glasgow Folk Centre was run by a lad called Drew Moyes. He took a chance when Hamish Imlach asked him…Drew gave me my first Scottish Gig and I’ve been coming back ever since..but it might never have happened without Hamish’s intervention….he was an inspiration to many and a great friend..
Thats a grand song you sang for Deb…..sending you all best wishes
Hello christy,
Hope all is well with you. Seamus Noone, writer of ”We all are clowns” just to say that i recently watched your recent documenatry for RTE and its great!
played Carndonagh Carnival back in the 80’s…..Daniel joined me for a song and we sang “Mary from Dungloe” or did I just dream that
Hi Christy, new to the site but been listening to you for many years.
Would loved to have seen you at the Barras on Saturday but couldn’t make it so next best thing is Hamilton tomorrow night.
Looking forward to what I’m sure will be a great show and hearing some of your classics and any new songs.
Enjoy your stay in Scotland.
I’m hearing great reports about the Hamilton venue..looking forward to my first visit
Hi All… Cool and crisp yet sunny in Glasgow… the weather forecast isn’t great but that does n’t matter,,,,the songs and gigs are what counts,,and the welcome is always warm… bring on the tour,,, safe travelling all…….beir bua agus beannacht..H
A grand story this morning on “Sunday Miscellany”…twas about the day that Gooch met Jack O’Shea in Jimmy O’Briens in Killarney..(you probably heard it after Mass in Glasgow)
Hi Christy,
after all those years your music is still with me, thanks you for this.
And I have a question, are you on Facebook?
A few weeks ago I liked a link with your music and some moments after this I was asked to like your profile.
Off course I didi this and then YOU started talking to me via Messenger????
Was it REALLY you because I didn’t believe it and removed the whole thing…
Was I too afraid of being hacked and was it really you????
I can’t stand the idea that this was such an opprtunity I’ve lost??
Thanks for clarification! Martha
Hey Martha,
whilst I do have a presence on both Facebook and Twitter I do not engage directly myself…both platforms are run by my daughter…..I limit myself to this forum where I enjoy interacting with listeners and songsters ….many of the original correspondants have jumped ship and sailed away on facebook but I am quite content here …..greetings to all Belgian Songsters
Hi Christy hope this message find you in good spirits and health. Will you be releasing a new live set soon .graeme
Yes indeed Graeme….been working this past while towards such a project which we hope to release come the Autumn..good to hear from you…all well here as we prepare to sail to Scotland in the morning early
Hi Christy.
Hope this finds you.
Its Mark who worked in Vodafone, i helped with a phone problem a few years back and had kept in contact for a bit then lost my way. Hope you still have the trusted Nokia phone. Enjoy Glasgow as you always do.
Ride On!
Morra Mark, still buzzin on the Old Noke, just packin the gear for now for Scotia
Hi Christy, Hope this finds you well. Checking in to say “Hello” and to say I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in Glasgow next weekend. Safe passage to all, no doubt it will be a great weekend. Caught up with Mick Blake as well the other evening at The Balor Theatre in Ballybofey, a very good gig it was …stirred the emotions for sure “What does it take to make us angry” ? Anyways, all good here in The Hills, keeping busy and keeping out of trouble ..LOL ! CYA on the Far Side ! ..Love & Respect Martin Mac
even after two and a half gigless weeks doubts and fears begin to circulate….I have played every day since but playing in the workroom is very different to performing in the gig situation..
its ludicrous but very real..I have been here a hundred times before … I’m reminded of the slogan “Fear is a lack of Faith”…Slogans sometimes bring comfort,sometimes provide the where withal to reach the other side..but sometimes too they can appear simplistic even corny ….BUT not today..I am gonna hold on..I’m gonna reach out…I’m gonna try and walk towards the light rather then dwell where shadows turn to dark..gonna get out of the scratcher and do what needs to be done…the bald pate needs a number one..the four guitar-picking nails need shaping and re-inforcing..the bag needs to be packed for Scotia…. gotta get my Munster shirt sorted for Lansdowne Road….gonna ring some buddys and check in..gonna go where the ex-thirsty ducks congregate..but all of this after I put on the porridge….
travel safe Martin…your team are going well as are Z Cars..McKenzie brought ye closer together for a week at least..what a despicable toe-rag of a less-then-human being…. “McKenzie’s Soul lies”
Keep Coming Back Marty Mac
putting a few extra flowers out here in Booterstown as we prepare to welcome Luka Bloom to the Punchbowl later tonight, Thursday 20th…I saw Luka play locally and was then I put these few shows together, so the inspiration for the Seaview Sessions is playing, and delighted to welcome him…Sara Ryan in support…
Lovely to see Hey Paddy being thought about for the set lists
I wish you safe travels to Scotland and the crew and all the 4711ers attending the gigs..would love to be there, but can’t make it this time around…good luck to all..
“sittin in a cafe down the King’s Cross Rd
drinkin cappucino on a bellyfull of beer
me head was only liftin I had 20 minutes left
for another cup of coffee and another cigarette” (Wally Page’s “Hey Paddy”)
had a few cuts at this great song but never nailed it..heard Wally and Johnny Mull sing it at the recent gig in The Punchbowl….what a great night that was….sorry I cant make it tonight…down here in Waterford for a few days respite before heading o’er the Sea to Glasgow one more time…catch you soon Lar
Hi Christy, I recall watching a live performance of yours on TG4 a few years ago. It turns out it was a DVD recorded in the Barrowlands, ‘Come all you dreamers’. Having searched the internet I have been unable to find any website selling this DVD. It would make my day if I could somehow get my hands on a copy. thanks, Connor. (connordoherty100@gmail.com)
seems to be available on ebay…..betimes we have it available at gigs …come back here if you have no joy
Hi Christy hope you are enjoying the Easter break just letting you know Sean Keane and Aine Morgan are performing One more hour with the RTE concert orchestra as part of Crinniu na Caaca in Stephen’s Green tomorrow its fairly cool to think a song I was involved in writing is being performed by an orchestra its going out on Radio 1 between 11 and 1
Best of luck to you on your Scottish trip safe traveling to you and crew and all the faithful followers would love to get one more rattle at Barrowlands both times I made it were absolutely amazing
Anyway have a great trip
Face the puck out
Galway faced the puck out agin Limerick today…big disparity between the 2 Semi Finals…..hope Galway give Tipp a good game in The Final
watched the Sean Keane special on TG4 recently…really enjoyed it…Sean is some singer and the Band and himself are pure tight…he fairly nails the breaks he takes on whistle and harmonica and the Band support him beautifully..hope they have a good gig on The Green tomorrow
Hi Christy my e mail address is
Mizztan@hotmail.co.uk
Happy Easter CM
Anything strange and new there?
I’m in serious training for the confirmation.
But I am really starting to wonder if this new priest came out of a fr ted episode.
He was googling the ten commandments for the class.Hé spelt Syria “cierya” on the board.
He’s fierce fond of talking about the devils antics and gave us a picture of this lad called satin.there is a bit of a resemblance between him and the picture .maybe it’s a self potrait.I saw him texting on the alter after communion as well.who was he texting? Is he really a priest at all?He’s fooling rest but not me.
CS 12
PS
I woke up this morning and the apple tree was heavy with easter eggs.I hope you have a nice day.any new songs?
Tippin away at it here..I have 3 new songs so far this year but I have also been revising some old ones to get them back into the set…
Boning Halls
Hey Paddy
Blantyre Explosion
Bleacher Lassie
Come all you Dreamers
Johnny Jump Up
Casey
Faithfull Departed
Changes………..have all been revised lately…..
you are reminding me of some of my old teachers…..Brother Lazerian was a rough diamond but I liked him…Brother Raymond was a lying prick….Fr Flanagan was a great artist and musician….Fr Clandillon did’nt like me at all….Fr Heffernan is still alive and kicking, he was brilliant two years ago when we had our 50th Anniv re-union…..Fr O’Halloran was a bully and a coward, his nick name was snitch…..Fr Manly ( Liam O’Maonlaoí’s uncle) was a wild buck….he took 40 of us to The Gaeltacht in 1960….he liked to Dance and Sing and was go hana mhór leis na cailíní..I met him 25 years later in Perth in Australia and we drank a good sup of Whiskey…..he decked me with a box in 1961 in 4th year Irish..I probably deserved it for I was a fierce messer and Fr Tadgh had a temper..we got over it..I think he got a bigger fright then I did…when we talked aboutit (years after) he told me that thought he had killed me ! The worst cruel hoor of the lot was Fr Clifford..he used to cane us on the bare arse as hard as he could..sometimes he’d be really trying to hurt us….one lad, a very talented musician and artist, got such a hard time from Clifford that he left the school..he went on to become a world famous musician….not one of the teachers recognised the talent, the Art and Music that was in him..
Had a grand day..we visited our Grand Son and Grand Daughter and our other Son is home from Belgium…..I ate an Easter Egg after dinner..it was lovely with real strong tea
We were just watching the Pope’s address when the camera panned across to three young nuns in adoration. My youngest says ‘That’s like you at a Christy concert’. Of course we know that the music is more important than the religious diatribe. But for those who celebrate today the Risen Shepherd then happy Easter. And to you and your family Christy have a peaceful rest. Xx
watching the Pope undress, manys the nun would give their right arm for that gig…helping that poor man out of his calvins and him after a hard day of having his ring kissed repeatedly by lines of celibate cardinals, bishops, reverend fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers, by acolytes, bellringers sextons and altar children…today we celebrate the beauty of new life, the Spring blossom, all the gifts bestowed daily , we look up and look down but neither east nor west, seeking to avert the mess
Excitement was rising as your sold out gig at Hamilton fast approached. John Griffin and myself heading along as we have every year for the last twenty and more. Never a creamy porter touched pre gig so that the mind is clear and can fully appreciate the magical mix of your driving, rhythmic guitar and sweet vocals, beautifully complimented by Deccie’s fluid guitar fills and wonderful craftsmanship; all underpinned and carried along on the soft, undulating mattress of Jimmy’s gentle percussion. Then disaster.
I’m working feckin late for the first time ever (new job, I’ve always been a 9-5 man in the past) and will have to miss the gig. Griff has already sourced a suitable replacement so there won’t be an empty seat listening to your best efforts.
You very kindly played “Folktale” for me at Glasgow Concert Hall last year (Griff had got us front row and centre seats which helped make it a truly memorable night) and I was delighted to capture about two thirds of it on my phone, just out of the sight of the 5ft 10 female bouncer who may well have been a lowland heavyweight champion. I replay it on my phone often.
I meant to drop you a line thanking you for your indulgence but kept forgetting and, as is often the case with manners, if you leave it too long, it loses any feeling of being genuine. Missing the Hamilton gig this time around has spurred me into righting that particular wrong though so thank you very much indeed Christy for playing that song for me last year. It’s not something that I’ll ever forget.
As for this year, I’m down but not out. I may try and wander along myself to the Concert Hall on the Friday (for I’ve an early finish that night I think and I’m working up at Charing X) or Barrowlands on the Saturday. Whilst Barrowlands must be wonderful for the performer, it’s not the best venue for the listener and is usually best appreciated as an audience member by getting as lashed as the rest!
Anyway, I wish you well my friend for your upcoming Scottish sojourn and if I don’t happen along this year, rest assured I shall return, even if I have to travel across the Irish Sea for my fix.
Lang may yer lum reek Christy.
Thanks David, better late then never…hope you can make it to RCH or Mags McIvor’s…..
“Please tell them that I am young and beautiful”