Hi All. So what was the never ending tour has now also become the ever changing tour with the different line ups.,,,but what has not changed is the energy,the freshness, the committment, the musicality, the magic moments, the huge engagement with the work and with the listeners, the fun, the shared joy, the sheer buzz that is created by these gigs, it continues to amaze me. I don’t think I have ever experienced such contrast between 2 gigs in 26 hours,,,from the low key intimate vibe in Birr to the almost Barrowlands vibe in Ballyconnell,,, thanks so much for creating these gigs, for orchestrating the magic. Its such a pleasure to experience this communal shared energy,,,,and positivity,,, thank you for bringing us along on this great journey, on this Sun morning its a blessing,,,,, beir bua agus beannacht… H
Christy's reply
what a beautiful County…Cavan has always welcomed the songs..way back there was a ballad lounge in Kingscourt, I think it was called Murtagh’s….after the gig I met a man who tied his own fishing flies and he showed me a beautiful fly that he called a “Planxty Fly”….I sang “O to be in Dún na Rí” that night…my Mother Nancy used to sing that song..it was written by an old friend of hers called Eilish Farrelly ( or Boland ?) years later I played in The Lawns, Belturbet where I sang “O Lisdoonvarna” for the first time in public….
I have always loved singing in Cavan and last night they welcomed us back once more….great to see so many listeners last night, to hear them sing and call for more..
thank you for your feedback and support…
Many thanks for singing a beautiful version of, “Butterfly” last night Christy. Having heard you live many times with different duets,triplets,quartets & solo last night topped the lot. Whatever was in the sweet perfume, the music flowed and the reshaped versions of, “Pair of Brown Eyes” and “Well below the Valley” were superb.
It’s always a joy to watch and listen. Thanks to you Dec, Cathal, Jimmy & all the crew!
“Today I don’t want to be anything else but myself…”
Christy's reply
Good man Kevin, without your gentle request “Butterfly”( So Much Wine) would not have emerged last night…It really should ( and will) feature more often….
Jem Finer/Shane McGowan’s “Brown Eyes” carries me back to places I have never been.
“The Well” still mystifies, just like it did when I first heard it over 50 years ago…
I added the opening verse…
“The serving girl took up her pail
to draw Spring water from the Well
down below the Valley O”
or else I heard it in a (far distant) previous life
I’ve been singing your songs to my two kids every night since they were born, in Perth, Australia. They are now 6 and 8. My daughter could sing The Knock Song when she was two!
During 12 years down under, yourself and The Saw Doctors kept the spirit of Ireland alive in our hearts. Now, we’re back home and living in the midlands, and were thrilled you came to Birr last night.
We had a mighty night, though my wife did ask for a song from the Planxty 2004 live album (Arthur McBride) which led to a bit of good craic!! Fair play Christy and Declan. Come back to us soon!!!
Christy's reply
well Bryn,that sure bates Banagher…I do believe that is Johnny McEvoy country…the legendary Joe Dolan ( of Sweeneys Men legend) also hailed from the land of the Black Loam… we enjoyed our visit to Birr..the audience were in good voice
“From Fatima to Bethlehem, from Lourdes to Kiltimagh,
I never seen ( scene) a miracle like the Airport up in Knock’
Looking forward to a home county gig tomorrow night Christy (Slane me hole!) ..Second in a couple of months (since the “Tyrone Boys Choir” gig in Carrickmacross..) The chap who was with me that night requested, “Butterfly” but his request was drowned out by an eager chorister. He’ll be there again tomorrow night & to save from disrupting the flow of the gig, hopefully you might feel like giving the butterfly a whirl.
“He was there in Old Trafford, like a butterfly on the wing”
Thanks a mil!
Kev
Christy's reply
I had nothin to say, on Christmas Day
when you threw all your clothes in the snow
when you burned your hair, knocked over the chair
I just tried to stay out of your way
……feckin right and I did, could’nt wait to get out of the gaff….had me Christmas Dinner in Mother Hubbard’s and then made my way to the Sergeant’s Mess in The Camp…..Joe Redmond was there with Mick Hogan ( from Tom Wilmot’s Ceili band) my cousin Paudie Power was home from New York ( Bonkers from Yonkers) he gave it “The Patriot Game” ans charmed the quare ones out of trees with bottles of Harp and sweet Sherries…St Stephens’s night we ended up in Mrs Lawlor’s Ballroom in Naas and then onto Baptie Maher’s in Athy for a Ballad Session with Kevin Prendergast (me auld pal God be good to Him) before we knew it we were facin into New Year’s Eve which I spent in The Standhouse with Billy Parkinson and Kathleen Anderson….Paddy Leahy lost the head at about 4 in the mornin when , slipping into the DTs he thought he was Guard Enright and took all our names so we fecked down to Hubert Neeson’s for opening time on New Years day just as Hugh started dolin out the Brandys….
it was great crack while it lasted but we all ran out of road… not many of the above are still here to tell tle
Hi Christy, Thanks so much for all you do musically. I’ve grown up on you and your friends, from the Dubliners, Planxty, Moving Hearts, and onto your solo work. We’ll be travelling home to Clare in July and leaving early August. Very sorry we won’t be able to see you live when we’re home. Best of luck with the tour, I wish we could have seen you live with my kids. Ride on and come visit us in Chicago sometime soon, please God!!
John
Christy's reply
Don’t know if it fits your schedule…there will be a gig in Killaloe County Clare on July 8th..see details on gig page…hope you have a good visit..
Verse1
If ye see the seanachai,will ye ask him to stay awhile?
To teach us of the olden ways,the customs of our kind.
Regale us with the merriment,the lore and musics tale.
The culture of a lifeblood where humanity prevails.
(Chorous)
And if ye see the banshee before she starts her mournful wailing cry.
Will ye ask her to wait awhile? And let an oul soul prepare to die.
And if ye meet the ferryman with hand outstretched for coin.
Will ye tell him there’ll be no pay until the other side we join?
Verse 2
And if ye meet my kinfolk,will ye tell them of my prayer?
My legacy of faith and hope and honesty,will ye share?
I ask a lot but then I think ,what I ask is what I’ve known.
To care and share and reach and teach, a seed of life be sewn.
Again many thanks for taking the time to reply.
Best regards
Gerry.
Hello.
I hope this is the right place and the correct way to go about this.If not please accept my apologies.
The thing is I have written a wee song called “If ye see the Banshee” and I think it might be something that would appeal to Christy’s songbook?
Is there somewhere I could send a link to the song or may I post a link to it here?
Again if this is inappropriate I apologise.
Best regards
Gerry.
Christy's reply
Gerry, you may post it here if you wish…
its a few years now since I last heard the Bean Sí…but I did encounter the “Dark Familiar” a short while back
When Medicine Hat, a city in southern Alberta, Canada, pledged to put an end to homeless in 2009, there were many sceptics who thought it couldn’t be done.
A good six years later, the city says it has fulfilled its promise with the help of a surprisingly simple idea: giving every person living on the streets a home with no strings attached.
Christy's reply
should “The City” be telling us the truth I’d say “hats off to Alberta”…
“I think I’ll head out to Alberta,
weather ‘s good there in The Fall”
we do things differently here…..at Government level Homelessness becomes a political football….citizens who react positively with genuine efforts to relieve the situation are ridiculed and tarnished by Gutter journalists, certain City Hall ‘burgers’ and some Dáil Deputies who sit across the road from where Jonathan Corrie died….a new name for Leinster House?…Jonathan Corrie House….
Hi Christy
We are heading to see you in the Slieve Russell in Cavan this Sat nite from Belfast.
Could you give a shout out to and sing ‘The Voyage’ for my partner Joanne. We are expecting our first born in a few months and this song is very appropriate. Any other song would do if it’s not on your set. Sweet Thames Flow Softly also another favourite.
This would make her night
Thanks
Chris McAtee
Christy's reply
safe journey, hope ye have a good night….its a good gig room
Awful happening in Manchester last night. Heard a mother this morning who has been ringing her 15 year old daughter and can’t find her. Made me think of that Artane mother’s simple words – “They never came home” . Let us remember them.
Christy's reply
sometimes feels like we are descending towards the bottom of the barrel
Hi Christy.
i would just like to say a big thanks for a wonderful night of music and entertainment on Thursday night in Letterkenny.
I only told the Boys 2 hours before the show where we were going.They were so excited.They were absolutely over the moon when ya mentioned them and then played there favourite song Don’t forget your shovel. They were so surprised. Since then telling everyone how class Christy is… The only problem is Cathal, the third boy who is 5, he was very put out, listening to the 2 boasting about the best night of their lives. He’s just a little too young yet.
You have created memories in our minds that will last forever.
Also i would like t say a big thank to Hilary for looking after us so well. It is a credit to you, that you have such a fantastic team around you, that are so hospitable to your fans and followers.
You are a legend in our household and the next time i will have to take Cathal and the wife of course …grma
Christy's reply
Fáilte romhat a Phádraig….
’twas great to see your lads there..long may ye all thrive and prosper
Yeah, Luka was saying he’s been recording and some good stuff going by the ones he played last night. Had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Anne support Luka in Derry and Davog working on a release too- wonderful sounds from the family. Its a great gift you all have, and all the better for you sharing it. Looking forward to your new recording too. Great times
Christy's reply
not forgetting 2 separate albums from my brothers-in-law Davoc Rynne and Peter Byrne..my nephews Conor Byrne, Davóg Rynne and Gavin Moore have all produced their own albums and , my dear sister,Eilish who recorded with The Fallen Angels also worked on a solo album…there are two other nephews making music but have not yet “gone public” so I wont blow their cover!!
My Son Andy sang on last year’s”Lily” and my daughter Juno sang ,some years back, on an album called “Traveller”….I hope I’ve not left anyone out !!!
all of this started with Nancy Power ….she grew up in Ardmulchan, went to school in The Yellow Furze and “The Mercy” in Navan.She sang from an early age and played Piano. Her repertoire contained a wide variety songs..Republican Ballads, Popular songs from her Youth, Church Hymns and Light Operatic numbers….
the first songs she taught me were “Kevin Barry” and “The Meetin of The Waters”, soon followed by “Beside The Anner” and “The Garden where The Praties Grow”
Later in life I loved to sing songs to her. I valued her opinions and always took on board any criticism or encouragement.
Dear Christy
Have smiled listening to your music since leaving home in 2007. I return this year but unfortunately it will be early august and you’re not playing those couple of weeks.
I would be over the moon if you ever visit Australia so I hope it’s on the cards sometime
Best wishes
Colleen
Christy's reply
Hope you have a good trip home…keep an eye on gig page..there may be a gig 2nd week of August
Just completed a wonderful long weekend of Moore magic with Luka’s gig in Balor theatre Ballybofey tonight. Superb gig and great engagement with the audience. Wonderful rendition of “Gentle on my mind” and nice tales of where the songs sprung from. Finished up with a fine version of First time ever I saw your Face which just completed the circle for me to link it back to your wonderful version on Thursday night. Thanks to Nancy for the great children she reared.
Christy's reply
Nancy had us all singing early on…Luka is in good form these days…I think he has been recording a new album….I’m looking forward to hearing what he has been cooking…
our sister Anne (Rynne) is gigging now..she played in Belfast and Derry recently..her’s is a “late vocation” but she is making up for lost time
Just in now after stop off in Emyvale for a 99…first time to see you play in Donegal, and was a great road trip, two great shows, last nights gig was as good as I’ve ever seen, three of you on stage enjoying every minute..same as us…
Great selection of songs.
Took a drive yesterday to Dunfanaghy and met the man that called for ‘first time ever..’ on Thursday night..had a cuppa with him, Franz from Switzerland , he passed on his thanks…he gives guided hikes for Swiss visitors he brings during the summer season , nice chap..another connection in the world of your listeners. Thank you for great gigs…and to all involved…and great to see some of the regular travellers too..Hup
Christy's reply
he caught my eye…he was in 5th row in semi-darkness..could not figure out what he was requesting until I got back to him..twas a noble call…dont sing that very often..may have been the first time this year..good to see you out on the road again Lar..
Night two in the Clanree was perfection…. if a gig can be so….. then this was . So many different songs from night one…. the repertoire is truly amazing and still they called for more. A good crowd…. lively but not disruptive and they listened nicely to McIlhatton as you requested on a special night for the song.
We had a cousin of Gers home from London ( you may have noticed an unfamiliar face amongst the 4711ers ) and she thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience….. think she’s been bitten by the ballad bug.
A very special thanks for signing the Voyage piece for us . It now hangs proudly in our hallway and will do for the rest of our journey.
Christy's reply
once again Donegal delivered..
never spotted even one boy racer
….my first visit there was in 1957, 2 weeks in Gortahork..first time I ever saw “The News of The World” ( Scottish Edition) or tasted boiled liver…never again
we were sent there to develop a “grá for the teanga”
Unreal first show in Letterkenny on Thursday night , my first time hearing you live in concert. I’ve been a big fan for many years, Will you be playing in Gweedore anytime soon. Best wishes, JC.
Christy's reply
no sign a gig in Gweedore at this time but who knows whats gonna happen along the way..played Dunlewy,Dungloe Carndonagh and Gortahork in bygone days of yore….Ride On JC
Hi All. So what was the never ending tour has now also become the ever changing tour with the different line ups.,,,but what has not changed is the energy,the freshness, the committment, the musicality, the magic moments, the huge engagement with the work and with the listeners, the fun, the shared joy, the sheer buzz that is created by these gigs, it continues to amaze me. I don’t think I have ever experienced such contrast between 2 gigs in 26 hours,,,from the low key intimate vibe in Birr to the almost Barrowlands vibe in Ballyconnell,,, thanks so much for creating these gigs, for orchestrating the magic. Its such a pleasure to experience this communal shared energy,,,,and positivity,,, thank you for bringing us along on this great journey, on this Sun morning its a blessing,,,,, beir bua agus beannacht… H
what a beautiful County…Cavan has always welcomed the songs..way back there was a ballad lounge in Kingscourt, I think it was called Murtagh’s….after the gig I met a man who tied his own fishing flies and he showed me a beautiful fly that he called a “Planxty Fly”….I sang “O to be in Dún na Rí” that night…my Mother Nancy used to sing that song..it was written by an old friend of hers called Eilish Farrelly ( or Boland ?) years later I played in The Lawns, Belturbet where I sang “O Lisdoonvarna” for the first time in public….
I have always loved singing in Cavan and last night they welcomed us back once more….great to see so many listeners last night, to hear them sing and call for more..
thank you for your feedback and support…
Many thanks for singing a beautiful version of, “Butterfly” last night Christy. Having heard you live many times with different duets,triplets,quartets & solo last night topped the lot. Whatever was in the sweet perfume, the music flowed and the reshaped versions of, “Pair of Brown Eyes” and “Well below the Valley” were superb.
It’s always a joy to watch and listen. Thanks to you Dec, Cathal, Jimmy & all the crew!
“Today I don’t want to be anything else but myself…”
Good man Kevin, without your gentle request “Butterfly”( So Much Wine) would not have emerged last night…It really should ( and will) feature more often….
Jem Finer/Shane McGowan’s “Brown Eyes” carries me back to places I have never been.
“The Well” still mystifies, just like it did when I first heard it over 50 years ago…
I added the opening verse…
“The serving girl took up her pail
to draw Spring water from the Well
down below the Valley O”
or else I heard it in a (far distant) previous life
I am so sorry I will not be able to see you Christy and so many other greats in Ireland this summer. Donny Luny, Sharon Shannon, etc.
So a song for ya all in Ireland. It ain’t the best but it is spontaneous.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TubfBNoNXxM&lc=z132ftejzzzpsvwze04cddhi1yj3d3g5k0k
I tried to listen but up came Christopher Hitchins…now there is a man I could listen to….if there is a Heaven….
I’ve been singing your songs to my two kids every night since they were born, in Perth, Australia. They are now 6 and 8. My daughter could sing The Knock Song when she was two!
During 12 years down under, yourself and The Saw Doctors kept the spirit of Ireland alive in our hearts. Now, we’re back home and living in the midlands, and were thrilled you came to Birr last night.
We had a mighty night, though my wife did ask for a song from the Planxty 2004 live album (Arthur McBride) which led to a bit of good craic!! Fair play Christy and Declan. Come back to us soon!!!
well Bryn,that sure bates Banagher…I do believe that is Johnny McEvoy country…the legendary Joe Dolan ( of Sweeneys Men legend) also hailed from the land of the Black Loam… we enjoyed our visit to Birr..the audience were in good voice
“From Fatima to Bethlehem, from Lourdes to Kiltimagh,
I never seen ( scene) a miracle like the Airport up in Knock’
…(did NATO donate the dough ?)
Hi Christy, my wife and I have finally made it to Ireland to see you.. all the way from Australia! We are so excited to see you tonight!!!!!!!
Welcome to our wee Island..hope your visit is a happy one
Looking forward to a home county gig tomorrow night Christy (Slane me hole!) ..Second in a couple of months (since the “Tyrone Boys Choir” gig in Carrickmacross..) The chap who was with me that night requested, “Butterfly” but his request was drowned out by an eager chorister. He’ll be there again tomorrow night & to save from disrupting the flow of the gig, hopefully you might feel like giving the butterfly a whirl.
“He was there in Old Trafford, like a butterfly on the wing”
Thanks a mil!
Kev
I had nothin to say, on Christmas Day
when you threw all your clothes in the snow
when you burned your hair, knocked over the chair
I just tried to stay out of your way
……feckin right and I did, could’nt wait to get out of the gaff….had me Christmas Dinner in Mother Hubbard’s and then made my way to the Sergeant’s Mess in The Camp…..Joe Redmond was there with Mick Hogan ( from Tom Wilmot’s Ceili band) my cousin Paudie Power was home from New York ( Bonkers from Yonkers) he gave it “The Patriot Game” ans charmed the quare ones out of trees with bottles of Harp and sweet Sherries…St Stephens’s night we ended up in Mrs Lawlor’s Ballroom in Naas and then onto Baptie Maher’s in Athy for a Ballad Session with Kevin Prendergast (me auld pal God be good to Him) before we knew it we were facin into New Year’s Eve which I spent in The Standhouse with Billy Parkinson and Kathleen Anderson….Paddy Leahy lost the head at about 4 in the mornin when , slipping into the DTs he thought he was Guard Enright and took all our names so we fecked down to Hubert Neeson’s for opening time on New Years day just as Hugh started dolin out the Brandys….
it was great crack while it lasted but we all ran out of road… not many of the above are still here to tell tle
Hi Christy, Thanks so much for all you do musically. I’ve grown up on you and your friends, from the Dubliners, Planxty, Moving Hearts, and onto your solo work. We’ll be travelling home to Clare in July and leaving early August. Very sorry we won’t be able to see you live when we’re home. Best of luck with the tour, I wish we could have seen you live with my kids. Ride on and come visit us in Chicago sometime soon, please God!!
John
Don’t know if it fits your schedule…there will be a gig in Killaloe County Clare on July 8th..see details on gig page…hope you have a good visit..
Hi Christy, hope all is well, seamus Noone here
What was the experience like for you playing in carndonagh?
it was way back, over 40 years ago….I think it may have been 1974…I remember nothing of it….. so it must have gone off well….
Thank you very much for replying 🙂
Here’s a link to the song.It’s a rough recording and I’m no singer lol!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G42Vho6iCAk
Also here’s the lyrics.
Verse1
If ye see the seanachai,will ye ask him to stay awhile?
To teach us of the olden ways,the customs of our kind.
Regale us with the merriment,the lore and musics tale.
The culture of a lifeblood where humanity prevails.
(Chorous)
And if ye see the banshee before she starts her mournful wailing cry.
Will ye ask her to wait awhile? And let an oul soul prepare to die.
And if ye meet the ferryman with hand outstretched for coin.
Will ye tell him there’ll be no pay until the other side we join?
Verse 2
And if ye meet my kinfolk,will ye tell them of my prayer?
My legacy of faith and hope and honesty,will ye share?
I ask a lot but then I think ,what I ask is what I’ve known.
To care and share and reach and teach, a seed of life be sewn.
Again many thanks for taking the time to reply.
Best regards
Gerry.
Thanks for sharing Gerry……
Hello.
I hope this is the right place and the correct way to go about this.If not please accept my apologies.
The thing is I have written a wee song called “If ye see the Banshee” and I think it might be something that would appeal to Christy’s songbook?
Is there somewhere I could send a link to the song or may I post a link to it here?
Again if this is inappropriate I apologise.
Best regards
Gerry.
Gerry, you may post it here if you wish…
its a few years now since I last heard the Bean Sí…but I did encounter the “Dark Familiar” a short while back
When Medicine Hat, a city in southern Alberta, Canada, pledged to put an end to homeless in 2009, there were many sceptics who thought it couldn’t be done.
A good six years later, the city says it has fulfilled its promise with the help of a surprisingly simple idea: giving every person living on the streets a home with no strings attached.
should “The City” be telling us the truth I’d say “hats off to Alberta”…
“I think I’ll head out to Alberta,
weather ‘s good there in The Fall”
we do things differently here…..at Government level Homelessness becomes a political football….citizens who react positively with genuine efforts to relieve the situation are ridiculed and tarnished by Gutter journalists, certain City Hall ‘burgers’ and some Dáil Deputies who sit across the road from where Jonathan Corrie died….a new name for Leinster House?…Jonathan Corrie House….
Hi Christy
We are heading to see you in the Slieve Russell in Cavan this Sat nite from Belfast.
Could you give a shout out to and sing ‘The Voyage’ for my partner Joanne. We are expecting our first born in a few months and this song is very appropriate. Any other song would do if it’s not on your set. Sweet Thames Flow Softly also another favourite.
This would make her night
Thanks
Chris McAtee
safe journey, hope ye have a good night….its a good gig room
Awful happening in Manchester last night. Heard a mother this morning who has been ringing her 15 year old daughter and can’t find her. Made me think of that Artane mother’s simple words – “They never came home” . Let us remember them.
sometimes feels like we are descending towards the bottom of the barrel
Hi Christy.
i would just like to say a big thanks for a wonderful night of music and entertainment on Thursday night in Letterkenny.
I only told the Boys 2 hours before the show where we were going.They were so excited.They were absolutely over the moon when ya mentioned them and then played there favourite song Don’t forget your shovel. They were so surprised. Since then telling everyone how class Christy is… The only problem is Cathal, the third boy who is 5, he was very put out, listening to the 2 boasting about the best night of their lives. He’s just a little too young yet.
You have created memories in our minds that will last forever.
Also i would like t say a big thank to Hilary for looking after us so well. It is a credit to you, that you have such a fantastic team around you, that are so hospitable to your fans and followers.
You are a legend in our household and the next time i will have to take Cathal and the wife of course …grma
Fáilte romhat a Phádraig….
’twas great to see your lads there..long may ye all thrive and prosper
Yeah, Luka was saying he’s been recording and some good stuff going by the ones he played last night. Had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Anne support Luka in Derry and Davog working on a release too- wonderful sounds from the family. Its a great gift you all have, and all the better for you sharing it. Looking forward to your new recording too. Great times
not forgetting 2 separate albums from my brothers-in-law Davoc Rynne and Peter Byrne..my nephews Conor Byrne, Davóg Rynne and Gavin Moore have all produced their own albums and , my dear sister,Eilish who recorded with The Fallen Angels also worked on a solo album…there are two other nephews making music but have not yet “gone public” so I wont blow their cover!!
My Son Andy sang on last year’s”Lily” and my daughter Juno sang ,some years back, on an album called “Traveller”….I hope I’ve not left anyone out !!!
all of this started with Nancy Power ….she grew up in Ardmulchan, went to school in The Yellow Furze and “The Mercy” in Navan.She sang from an early age and played Piano. Her repertoire contained a wide variety songs..Republican Ballads, Popular songs from her Youth, Church Hymns and Light Operatic numbers….
the first songs she taught me were “Kevin Barry” and “The Meetin of The Waters”, soon followed by “Beside The Anner” and “The Garden where The Praties Grow”
Later in life I loved to sing songs to her. I valued her opinions and always took on board any criticism or encouragement.
Dear Christy
Have smiled listening to your music since leaving home in 2007. I return this year but unfortunately it will be early august and you’re not playing those couple of weeks.
I would be over the moon if you ever visit Australia so I hope it’s on the cards sometime
Best wishes
Colleen
Hope you have a good trip home…keep an eye on gig page..there may be a gig 2nd week of August
Just completed a wonderful long weekend of Moore magic with Luka’s gig in Balor theatre Ballybofey tonight. Superb gig and great engagement with the audience. Wonderful rendition of “Gentle on my mind” and nice tales of where the songs sprung from. Finished up with a fine version of First time ever I saw your Face which just completed the circle for me to link it back to your wonderful version on Thursday night. Thanks to Nancy for the great children she reared.
Nancy had us all singing early on…Luka is in good form these days…I think he has been recording a new album….I’m looking forward to hearing what he has been cooking…
our sister Anne (Rynne) is gigging now..she played in Belfast and Derry recently..her’s is a “late vocation” but she is making up for lost time
Just in now after stop off in Emyvale for a 99…first time to see you play in Donegal, and was a great road trip, two great shows, last nights gig was as good as I’ve ever seen, three of you on stage enjoying every minute..same as us…
Great selection of songs.
Took a drive yesterday to Dunfanaghy and met the man that called for ‘first time ever..’ on Thursday night..had a cuppa with him, Franz from Switzerland , he passed on his thanks…he gives guided hikes for Swiss visitors he brings during the summer season , nice chap..another connection in the world of your listeners. Thank you for great gigs…and to all involved…and great to see some of the regular travellers too..Hup
he caught my eye…he was in 5th row in semi-darkness..could not figure out what he was requesting until I got back to him..twas a noble call…dont sing that very often..may have been the first time this year..good to see you out on the road again Lar..
Night two in the Clanree was perfection…. if a gig can be so….. then this was . So many different songs from night one…. the repertoire is truly amazing and still they called for more. A good crowd…. lively but not disruptive and they listened nicely to McIlhatton as you requested on a special night for the song.
We had a cousin of Gers home from London ( you may have noticed an unfamiliar face amongst the 4711ers ) and she thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience….. think she’s been bitten by the ballad bug.
A very special thanks for signing the Voyage piece for us . It now hangs proudly in our hallway and will do for the rest of our journey.
once again Donegal delivered..
never spotted even one boy racer
….my first visit there was in 1957, 2 weeks in Gortahork..first time I ever saw “The News of The World” ( Scottish Edition) or tasted boiled liver…never again
we were sent there to develop a “grá for the teanga”
Unreal first show in Letterkenny on Thursday night , my first time hearing you live in concert. I’ve been a big fan for many years, Will you be playing in Gweedore anytime soon. Best wishes, JC.
no sign a gig in Gweedore at this time but who knows whats gonna happen along the way..played Dunlewy,Dungloe Carndonagh and Gortahork in bygone days of yore….Ride On JC