It was an intimate gathering and although a bit nervous the reading went well. Happy to put it on your guestbook, thanks for asking. That said, I appreciate it will not be everybody’s cup of tea… so here goes!
Emlagharan
(On the edge of Aran)
Under slate skies stones infused with hues of Connemara blue
a homestead built by men, tall and strong as any of the Twelve Bens,
lies tumbled over rocky ground.
After you died, its golden thatch, of barley reeds and heather,
deserted and neglected on the edge of Aran,
caved in and became a shelter for other living things.
A tree rooted in the hearth and your moss green room lies open
to wind and rain,
a home once, where songs were sung and hearts broken,
is now a roost for colonial jackdaws and their jack, jack cries.
On this bright wild day, the Atlantic gleams in sparkling blues and greens
and white-water surf batters the edge of the shore.
In a patchwork of rocky fields, cows lie languid and Connemara ponies run wild,
on a famine road that leads to nowhere.
And dry-stone walls encase the space you left.
In Moran’s cottage in Em-lagh-aran, we feed the fire with turf
cut from the Connemara bogland and the peat reek rises
to greet a starry sky.
Mary Shannon April 2017
Christy's reply
Thank You
it is beautiful to read
I particularly love
“lies tumbled over rocky ground”
“a tree rooted in the hearth”
“jackdaws and their jack jack cries”
“cows lie languid”
That’s kind of you Christy and much appreciated. On way to An Culturlann and will be reading a poem I wrote in Connemara called Emlagharan. Should be about Forty people there. That would be wee buns to you! Regards Mary
Christy's reply
I served my time in rooms where 30 people would throng the space….there are times when one listener is all we need….
one poem,one song, one voice, one listener …….
Folk Clubs in out-of -the-way places…..
I still love those intimate gatherings where,so often, time stood still…
perhaps we could read of Emlagharan ? …. here ?….
How strange things can be…. talk of “The Sun is Burning ” on the guestbook this week…..when our local Karate club is hosting teachers from Okinawa ,Japan . The 2nd World War battle of Okinawa was reported to have seen 240 000+ deaths and thousands more casualties. The scale of the loss of life and the bloodshed there is said to have led to the ultimate decision to use the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki……which led to Ian Campbell’s masterpiece in around ’62/’63.
Christy's reply
Ian Cambell’s “Old Man’s Song” was another song many of us used to sing in earlier times…. the 2nd verse runs
“At the age of 12 I left school and went to get a job
with hungry kids my Ma could do with the extra couple of bob
I knew that longer schoolin would have stood me better stead
but you cant afford refinement when you’re strugglin for your bread”
Sorry for confusion! Ian Campbell is the man! After listening to your version I had checked out Simon and Garfunkel (spot on Hilary) I had remembered hearing their version years ago. The Sun is Burning was recorded on their Wednesday Morning, 3am Album released 1964. Mea culpa! I’d say the 12″ single Anti-Nuclear you produced in 1979 would be a great one to have in the collection…including Barry and Donal Lunny… protest on!
Christy's reply
no mea culpa required….song chat always welcome….are you seeking that 12″ single? sometimes I happen across a copy
Christy,,,, did you not know that S & G recorded The Sun is Burning on their 1964 Wednseday Morning, 3 AM Album,,,, ?? I just checked my original vinyl ,it also features The Times They are a Changing , Go Tell it on the Mountain and other fine folk tunes,,,, just after that LP was released Paul Simon moved to England,,,surely your paths crossed there on the Folk scene ?? H
Christy's reply
My folk club days did not commence until late ’66 and then in Manchester. During my brief stay in London I frequented the Irish Music Venues and was oblivious of the thriving Folk Club scene in London. Hearing Annie Briggs soon changed that. Then I followed The Grehan Sisters northwards and got my foot in the door.
Michael Hayes
June 12, 2017 at 3:33 pm
Location: Farmer Michael Hayes - Dreaming of bringing in the hay Bawnard Eyeries
Thank you for two very memorable performances in Navan . The East Coast air , your brilliant Jukebox and Jeremy’s forward march with the young have left me reinvigorated as the 58th birthday looms .
On the second night i just about managed to buy the very last ticket in the back row ( Row X ) whilst the most special one was beautifully positioned in Row B with the whole pack of Haribos .I found myself seated next to a very gentle and nice man from Navan who i think was called Tom Fitzsimmons .He said that he was a big fan of you and your music but that his deceased wife Betty and her closest friends had been even more ardent fans going back many years . He said he had bought the ticket and come on his own so that he could honour her . Apparently Betty was one of the former home carers for your Auntie !
Just as you were coming on the very excellent staff at the Solstice approached us and they said they had two seats in the middle of Row A and asked if we wanted to take them up . We both gladly accepted which is why we were a little late getting into our seats . Tom knew all the songs , laughed at the jokes,sang and clapped and was clearly very happy all the time holding a small picture of his wife of 55 years .in his hands .When you asked for requests he shouted out ” The Voyage ” and now being so near to you you could not avoid hearing him and responding . Both shows were marked by great call outs and you were great in your eagerness to dig out so many great songs many from the distant past . . Anyway when you played ” The Voyage ” Tom broke down and became very emotional ..Afterwards he old me that it had been Betty and his song and that he had had it played at her funeral .
Walking amongst the ghosts in Kilmainham Jail was also very moving .The very direct proposal from ” Joe ” to Grace was in many ways as powerful a statement of love and intention as any sonnet ( there was no time for nonsense ) .
Here’s to Tom and Betty , Joe and Grace and Jeremy and the young .
Off to see if we can share a song with some whales and dolphins off Skibbereen .Thank you for being you and for your kindness
The Farmer
Christy's reply
Morra Mick,
Hope the Skibbereen Whales turned up on time..
Thanks for feedback and for the description of your encounter with Tom Fitzsimmons..I’d like to have met him..I’d need more info to work out the “auntie” connection…..my father was an only child and mother had but one brother.We were an ” Auntless” family…perhaps it was a grand-aunt but they too were very thin on the ground….not that it matters, for mention of any family connection is always welcome….had the great pleasure of meeting my Stackallen cousins (and cousins-in-law) after Sat night gig….they live adjacent to the Mountcharles Estate and described good insight into Guns ‘n Roses recent gig on the River Boyne
..there were many “great” houses in The Boyne Valley region,( invaders are always quick to usurp prime locations) some of my own family forefathers worked all their lives on those estates…my mother grew up in Ardmulchan where her father Jack Power worked and lived up to the 1940s. It was then in the possession of Sir Alexander Maguire whose mighty estate was built upon the humble box of matches. ( Maguire & Patterson) The winner of the 1939 Grand National, “Workman” came from that yard.
Nearby in Beauparc lived my mothers lifelong friend Maeve Laffan (who also became my “godmother”). Maeve was half-sister to Brendan Bracken.He achieved great fame and notoriety by becoming Churchill’s right hand man. I heard nothing of this in my boyhood years, Whereas the slight connection with “Workman” was a matter of pride and repeated storytelling.They had their priorities.
Eyeries is indeed a special place on a beautiful peninsula..easy to understand why so many creative artists chose to live in that region
At risk of sounding sycophantic Christy, you are loved by your fans not just for your wonderful songbook but because  you have always used your voice to perform on human rights themes and for a more just society. I was listening to your version of The Sun is Burning (Simon and Garfunkel). I would imagine that this was sung and well received at Carnsore Point.
‘Now the sun has come to Earth
Shrouded in a mushroom cloud of death
Death comes in a blinding flash
Of hellish heat and leaves a smear of ash
And the sun has come to Earth’
Christy's reply
you cant bate the auld bit of psychofrantic Mary…
anyways..
I am curious about your Simon & Garfunkle reference..did they sing “The Sun is Burning” ?….Luke Kelly did a great version but I learned it from the writer, (the late) Ian Cambell of Birmingham (and Scotland)..I played at his family club in Birmingham circa 1967…probably the biggest Folk Club in UK at the time, it ran in Digbeth Town Hall every Thursday night …their popularity due entirely to the Ian Cambell Band who played there every week over the years many great players played in Ian’s band which also featured the wonderful singing of Lorna Cambell. Their Parents, Dave and Winnie, were very involved in the running of the club and I had the good fortune to stay with them on a few occasions. Two of Ian’s sons are founder members of UB40
Really enjoyed your set at the launch of June Fest, especially the way you sang Bogman, just beautiful. I moved to Newbridge last year and I love it. Everyone you meet in town has a great story to tell about you.
By the way, I put on the Traveller cd yesterday, nice and loud. I’d forgotten just how good that album is. Amazing how much energy and passion comes off those songs. Looking forward to the Black Box! Hope all is well, Ger
Christy's reply
Todays Festivals are akin to Factory Farming…
Those old soirees were organic, loose,divil-may-carum and a lot more fun..
Glad to hear you have settled into Droichead Nua..there is Gaeltacht somewhere in the town between Hawkfield & Kilbelin,Chinatown &Rosie’s Lane..
The Droichead Nua buzz started back in the 60s..dont know what auld shelmalier started that caper..( altho I do have my suspicions)
That album works best good and loud..give the spiders something to think about.dont know when I heard it last myself…I tend to be always listening to the next one..
It’s 29 years today Ray Houghton got the ball and stuck it in the net…
Saw the brilliant Declan O Rourke last week in Ballincollig, what a great gig, and he’s coming to Booterstown soon.
Good to hear the solos going well…will be at The Pav soon..
Christy's reply
and we took on a nail outside Portlaois…
great news about Curly O’Rourke coming to Booterstown..he’ll rock the joint..we’re heading for New Ross this Thu & Fri then back into The Pav over the following fortnight..
Solo Gigs going well as I re-discover the process of playing alone..
Hope all is well with you upon The Rock
Dear Christy, Thank you for a wonderful performance last night in Navan. My expectations were high but you exceeded them all by a long shot. You are a living treasure and I feel so honored to have had this opportunity to finally see you perform live after so many years of listening to your albums and listening to my good friends in Hawaii play your music. My sister and I laughed and cried last night. Beautiful stuff Christy. You ride on and look after yourself so we may all have the pleasure of you and your music for many years to come. Sending my parents to Arklow in July.. I’ll have my friend Cutis Vanderloop play Cliffs of Duneen to me when I get back to Hawaii. xxx Angela.
Christy's reply
I was in Honolulu once…fuel stop between Auckland and L.A…..I remember ringing my Ma just to tell her I was in Honolulu,it was 4am in Kildare, good woman was not overly impressed…..then in LAX I got talkin to Charlton Heston, asked him had he any spare Kalashnikovs…
Navan went well..my first run of Solo gigs for 15 years..starting to get the hang of it again..its such a different process… back with the Band next month but I’m gonna do another Solo run come Nov (I think !)
Glad you had a good night and thanks for the feedback…
you may recieve an audient recording
The good old Independent…simply bought to see what they’re saying!
Christy's reply
That photo was taken in Scruffy Murphy’s during Planxty rehearsals 7 years before the First Carnsore Point Anti-Nuclear Gathering. The Pints in Scruffy’s were excellent back then. Liam Ă“g lived adjacent and we supped there copiously and frequently. Rehearsing was thirsty work in those heady days.
Carnsore may have been that journalist’s “Woodstock”.He may not remember much about the weekend but those who organised the event, built the site, dug out the toilets, organised the water, organised the speakers ,booked the Bands & musicians ( everyone gave their services gladly and freely), ran the generators, looked after safety and health issues, provided security, ran the event successfully…those people have lots to remember…..my favourite memory is the clean-up afterwards which lasted for 3 days…. I rem a long line of volunteers going right across the site on hands and knees until every matchstick and bottletop was cleared away. “Frank-the-Yank” made sure that Martin Ronan’s land was left just as we had found it 2 weeks previously…
Hello Christy I trust you are well. We’re just off home. We spent a fantastic day at the beach from Drogheda down to Skerries via Clogher head, Bettystown, Laytown and Rush. Michael bemoaned the Tara and Newgrange but my knees are on the way out so we gave it a miss. Two fantastic gigs. Thanks for Duffy and for Patrick Murphy. The tunes were in my head for hours. And Scarriff Martyrs was a real exclusive Premier for me. I thought the sound was really crystal clear. Your solo gigs are so special and as long as the knees can manage I will endeavour to attend as many as I can. Today we went to Kilmainham. The story of Grace Gifford and Joseph Plunkett was made real and very moving having heard the song Grace so many times in many an emotional public house. Thank you Christy for being part of it. From beginning to end. From Me and the Blaggard Farmer. Xx
Christy's reply
safe journey back to dear old Blighty…..the verse I forgot
“In the year 1911 one moonlit night in May
with 3 companions Patrick rowed across to French’s Bay
they were fishing for a living like their Fathers did before
Dreaming of the Salmon all along the Mucawn Shore”
Interesting to hear Mick talk about his boyhood experiences on the land around Eyries….
I’ve never wondered that Christy they are always great to read! Ride and ramble on and may your stream of consciousness continue to flow uninterrupted!
Article in paper this morning about festivals never to forget…’Carnsore Point 1978: A free festival to protest against the building of a nuclear plant. Christy Moore, (picture of young looking you), Clannad and many happy hippies. Oh and still no power plant.’ Mary
Christy, Both Sides of The Tweed is a great song Written by Dick Gaughan. The verses call for the recognition of Scotland’s right to sovereignty and the choruses argue against prejudice between peoples. The Tweed is the river which forms part of the Scots-English border and is used in the song as a symbol of both the need for independence and the need for friendship and co-existence.
What’s the spring-breathing jasmine and rose
What’s the summer with all its gay train
Or the splendour of autumn to those
Who’ve bartered their freedom for gain?
Let the love of our land’s sacred rights
To the love of our people succeed
Let friendship and honour unite
And flourish on both sides the Tweed.
No sweetness the senses can cheer
Which corruption and bribery bind
No brightness that gloom can e’er clear
For honour’s the sum of the mind
Let virtue distinguish the brave
Place riches in lowest degree
Think them poorest who can be a slave
Them richest who dare to be free
Regards Mary
Christy's reply
Fair Play and long life to Dick Gaughan…he has never strayed from the path, never taken the soup….I wish him well….. we first met about 50 years ago in Sandy Bells, Edinburgh…. first visit there was with Hamish Imlach, soon met up with Owen Hand, Hamish Henderson, Mike Brennan, Paddie Bell, Aly Bain, Mike Whellans and all the other singers,players,poets, dealers, wheelers, comedians,politicians, actors and police officers who thronged that musical watering-hole….one of my first gigs in Edinburgh was in the Police Club..there was Folk Club there every Sunday night..I heard Derrol Adams there one Sunday night and Sara Gray a few years later…It was not always easy get dhrink in Scotland of a Sunday but the Police had a more sensible alcohol policy then the general populace was forced to endure..
you are probably wondering why I ramble on so much….I used to spend a lot of time at the bar…this is much easier
Kingmakers…welcome to the mass movement of giving a toss about stuff! Haven’t been on for a while…looking forward to the Waterfront down the line. We have managed to get seats in the sixth row…best ever…apart from Dungannon.
Let the love of our land’s sacred rights
To the love of our people succeed
Let friendship and honour unite
And flourish on both sides the Tweed
Christy's reply
Mary of The Meadow….greetings from Navan..
This morning the Caravan is parked on the green grassy slopes of The Boyne…..
These days we have no way of knowing what the cat is gonna bring home…
Saint Teresa of the Roses,Blessed Arlene of Lough Erne,a match made in Limbo…
might you share the source of that verse you quote from the River Tweed…
Keep Coming Back….
“Way out beyond the Black Mountain
Rosalita and Jack Cambell dance,
where troubles and old songs are forgotten and gone
and dreamers still hold on to love and romance”
……….. (Sean Mone)
Hello Christy, myself and a few family members have purchased tickets for your show on the 20th of July in the Arklow Bay Hotel. A very big fan is coming along with us my cousin Nathan, he has listened to all your music since he was very small, still to this day your his idol. Nathan has Down syndrome. And we would love if it would be possible to arrange something for Nathan at your show. Even something as small as mentioning his name would make his dream come through. Thanks Christy hope this is possible.
Christy's reply
Hello Michelle…will be in touch…I look forward to meeting Nathan
Hello Christy, I hope you and yours are well. We are bound for Dubh and the County which I have never been to before. But today seems a day for firsts. Of course I mean the coming of the Messiah Corbz. He’s definitely a Christy fan. He has that LOOK. Lets hope power doesn’t corrupt. I personally am powerless and have never been subject to the temptation of global dominance. I can’t even get into the bog without banging on the door. So see you this evening in fine form and fetlock. I’m calling for Duffy’s Cut but hey ho whatever you like is fab. Xx
Christy's reply
Always good to hear from our long-haul listeners…hope all you kippers are cosy and ready for The Royal County of Meath….
I’ll see if I can rustle up a solo version of “Duffy’s”….I’ll need to fill in all those vacuums created in Dr Sinnott’s absence not to mention Comrades Higgins and Hayden
all 3 of them are out on the road, Declan with “Out of The Forest” (Vickie Keatings new Band), Jim Higgins will be rockin tonight with “The Stunning” in Balrothery, Cathal Hayden alternates between “The MairtĂn O Connor Band” and “Four Men & a Dog”
PS…. Corbs is long serving alt-folkie….dont think we ever met but Im sure I saw him at The Tolpuddle Martys memorial event some years back,It might have been in Battersea Park but could be wrong,it was in the mid 80s, I played a set and then tore off to Glastonbury where I was slotted between the Pet Shop Boys and Tony Benn… or maybe we met at a Red-Ken save The GLC schimmozzel….I did meet Ted Heath in the Albert Hall one night,he thought I was in Steeleye Span whom we (Planxty) supported at a Fanfare For Europe concert circa 1974..Not too many fanfares for Europe from the Tories these days…and the DUP keeping the ship of fame afloat
morning christy,
had a great night watching the election with corbyn’s advance (check out mick blake’s song) over here and SF making ground in the north of ireland, turning the tide on the madness of brexit,le pen and trump but best was the birth at 1.20am of our lovely colt foal closely related to a champion hurdle winner (punchestown here we come in 5 years and you are invited) but then there was only one thing to do and that was to spin the turntable and blast out to the world the arrival of JEZZA the horse with no better feel good tune than SIXTEEN FISHERMEN RAVING….ride on comes later.
keep up the good work christy
Christy's reply
I have informed my agent that I will not be available for gigs during the Punchestown Festival 2022….I have also been in touch with my Turf Accountant seeking to get 2 bob each way on Jezza at that meeting…
I am averting the news here this morning…I’ve decided to focus on the Magpies in the Garden until its time to leave for this evenings gig at The Solstice Theatre in Navan.
I feel utterly powerless over people,places and things….the only thing I can change at this moment is my own thinking…gonna see if I can help anyone….
we’re all under starters (finishers ?) orders
It was an intimate gathering and although a bit nervous the reading went well. Happy to put it on your guestbook, thanks for asking. That said, I appreciate it will not be everybody’s cup of tea… so here goes!
Emlagharan
(On the edge of Aran)
Under slate skies stones infused with hues of Connemara blue
a homestead built by men, tall and strong as any of the Twelve Bens,
lies tumbled over rocky ground.
After you died, its golden thatch, of barley reeds and heather,
deserted and neglected on the edge of Aran,
caved in and became a shelter for other living things.
A tree rooted in the hearth and your moss green room lies open
to wind and rain,
a home once, where songs were sung and hearts broken,
is now a roost for colonial jackdaws and their jack, jack cries.
On this bright wild day, the Atlantic gleams in sparkling blues and greens
and white-water surf batters the edge of the shore.
In a patchwork of rocky fields, cows lie languid and Connemara ponies run wild,
on a famine road that leads to nowhere.
And dry-stone walls encase the space you left.
In Moran’s cottage in Em-lagh-aran, we feed the fire with turf
cut from the Connemara bogland and the peat reek rises
to greet a starry sky.
Mary Shannon April 2017
Thank You
it is beautiful to read
I particularly love
“lies tumbled over rocky ground”
“a tree rooted in the hearth”
“jackdaws and their jack jack cries”
“cows lie languid”
I will return to read Emlagharan again..and again
Enjoying the read here – I’ll be back soon.
Read on Ed,
Keep Coming Back,
we like to hear from The Broad Majestic Shannon….
That’s kind of you Christy and much appreciated. On way to An Culturlann and will be reading a poem I wrote in Connemara called Emlagharan. Should be about Forty people there. That would be wee buns to you! Regards Mary
I served my time in rooms where 30 people would throng the space….there are times when one listener is all we need….
one poem,one song, one voice, one listener …….
Folk Clubs in out-of -the-way places…..
I still love those intimate gatherings where,so often, time stood still…
perhaps we could read of Emlagharan ? …. here ?….
How strange things can be…. talk of “The Sun is Burning ” on the guestbook this week…..when our local Karate club is hosting teachers from Okinawa ,Japan . The 2nd World War battle of Okinawa was reported to have seen 240 000+ deaths and thousands more casualties. The scale of the loss of life and the bloodshed there is said to have led to the ultimate decision to use the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki……which led to Ian Campbell’s masterpiece in around ’62/’63.
Ian Cambell’s “Old Man’s Song” was another song many of us used to sing in earlier times…. the 2nd verse runs
“At the age of 12 I left school and went to get a job
with hungry kids my Ma could do with the extra couple of bob
I knew that longer schoolin would have stood me better stead
but you cant afford refinement when you’re strugglin for your bread”
Sorry for confusion! Ian Campbell is the man! After listening to your version I had checked out Simon and Garfunkel (spot on Hilary) I had remembered hearing their version years ago. The Sun is Burning was recorded on their Wednesday Morning, 3am Album released 1964. Mea culpa! I’d say the 12″ single Anti-Nuclear you produced in 1979 would be a great one to have in the collection…including Barry and Donal Lunny… protest on!
no mea culpa required….song chat always welcome….are you seeking that 12″ single? sometimes I happen across a copy
Christy,,,, did you not know that S & G recorded The Sun is Burning on their 1964 Wednseday Morning, 3 AM Album,,,, ?? I just checked my original vinyl ,it also features The Times They are a Changing , Go Tell it on the Mountain and other fine folk tunes,,,, just after that LP was released Paul Simon moved to England,,,surely your paths crossed there on the Folk scene ?? H
My folk club days did not commence until late ’66 and then in Manchester. During my brief stay in London I frequented the Irish Music Venues and was oblivious of the thriving Folk Club scene in London. Hearing Annie Briggs soon changed that. Then I followed The Grehan Sisters northwards and got my foot in the door.
Thank you for two very memorable performances in Navan . The East Coast air , your brilliant Jukebox and Jeremy’s forward march with the young have left me reinvigorated as the 58th birthday looms .
On the second night i just about managed to buy the very last ticket in the back row ( Row X ) whilst the most special one was beautifully positioned in Row B with the whole pack of Haribos .I found myself seated next to a very gentle and nice man from Navan who i think was called Tom Fitzsimmons .He said that he was a big fan of you and your music but that his deceased wife Betty and her closest friends had been even more ardent fans going back many years . He said he had bought the ticket and come on his own so that he could honour her . Apparently Betty was one of the former home carers for your Auntie !
Just as you were coming on the very excellent staff at the Solstice approached us and they said they had two seats in the middle of Row A and asked if we wanted to take them up . We both gladly accepted which is why we were a little late getting into our seats . Tom knew all the songs , laughed at the jokes,sang and clapped and was clearly very happy all the time holding a small picture of his wife of 55 years .in his hands .When you asked for requests he shouted out ” The Voyage ” and now being so near to you you could not avoid hearing him and responding . Both shows were marked by great call outs and you were great in your eagerness to dig out so many great songs many from the distant past . . Anyway when you played ” The Voyage ” Tom broke down and became very emotional ..Afterwards he old me that it had been Betty and his song and that he had had it played at her funeral .
Walking amongst the ghosts in Kilmainham Jail was also very moving .The very direct proposal from ” Joe ” to Grace was in many ways as powerful a statement of love and intention as any sonnet ( there was no time for nonsense ) .
Here’s to Tom and Betty , Joe and Grace and Jeremy and the young .
Off to see if we can share a song with some whales and dolphins off Skibbereen .Thank you for being you and for your kindness
The Farmer
Morra Mick,
Hope the Skibbereen Whales turned up on time..
Thanks for feedback and for the description of your encounter with Tom Fitzsimmons..I’d like to have met him..I’d need more info to work out the “auntie” connection…..my father was an only child and mother had but one brother.We were an ” Auntless” family…perhaps it was a grand-aunt but they too were very thin on the ground….not that it matters, for mention of any family connection is always welcome….had the great pleasure of meeting my Stackallen cousins (and cousins-in-law) after Sat night gig….they live adjacent to the Mountcharles Estate and described good insight into Guns ‘n Roses recent gig on the River Boyne
..there were many “great” houses in The Boyne Valley region,( invaders are always quick to usurp prime locations) some of my own family forefathers worked all their lives on those estates…my mother grew up in Ardmulchan where her father Jack Power worked and lived up to the 1940s. It was then in the possession of Sir Alexander Maguire whose mighty estate was built upon the humble box of matches. ( Maguire & Patterson) The winner of the 1939 Grand National, “Workman” came from that yard.
Nearby in Beauparc lived my mothers lifelong friend Maeve Laffan (who also became my “godmother”). Maeve was half-sister to Brendan Bracken.He achieved great fame and notoriety by becoming Churchill’s right hand man. I heard nothing of this in my boyhood years, Whereas the slight connection with “Workman” was a matter of pride and repeated storytelling.They had their priorities.
Eyeries is indeed a special place on a beautiful peninsula..easy to understand why so many creative artists chose to live in that region
At risk of sounding sycophantic Christy, you are loved by your fans not just for your wonderful songbook but because  you have always used your voice to perform on human rights themes and for a more just society. I was listening to your version of The Sun is Burning (Simon and Garfunkel). I would imagine that this was sung and well received at Carnsore Point.
‘Now the sun has come to Earth
Shrouded in a mushroom cloud of death
Death comes in a blinding flash
Of hellish heat and leaves a smear of ash
And the sun has come to Earth’
you cant bate the auld bit of psychofrantic Mary…
anyways..
I am curious about your Simon & Garfunkle reference..did they sing “The Sun is Burning” ?….Luke Kelly did a great version but I learned it from the writer, (the late) Ian Cambell of Birmingham (and Scotland)..I played at his family club in Birmingham circa 1967…probably the biggest Folk Club in UK at the time, it ran in Digbeth Town Hall every Thursday night …their popularity due entirely to the Ian Cambell Band who played there every week over the years many great players played in Ian’s band which also featured the wonderful singing of Lorna Cambell. Their Parents, Dave and Winnie, were very involved in the running of the club and I had the good fortune to stay with them on a few occasions. Two of Ian’s sons are founder members of UB40
Hi Christy! Another article on the old festivals. Sure don’t they know none of them can hold a candle to lisdoon?
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/festivals/from-sunstroke-to-lisdoonvarna-to-carnsore-point-a-history-of-music-festivals-in-ireland-35793294.html
Great shot of yourself – digging the sideburns!
Really enjoyed your set at the launch of June Fest, especially the way you sang Bogman, just beautiful. I moved to Newbridge last year and I love it. Everyone you meet in town has a great story to tell about you.
By the way, I put on the Traveller cd yesterday, nice and loud. I’d forgotten just how good that album is. Amazing how much energy and passion comes off those songs. Looking forward to the Black Box! Hope all is well, Ger
Todays Festivals are akin to Factory Farming…
Those old soirees were organic, loose,divil-may-carum and a lot more fun..
Glad to hear you have settled into Droichead Nua..there is Gaeltacht somewhere in the town between Hawkfield & Kilbelin,Chinatown &Rosie’s Lane..
The Droichead Nua buzz started back in the 60s..dont know what auld shelmalier started that caper..( altho I do have my suspicions)
That album works best good and loud..give the spiders something to think about.dont know when I heard it last myself…I tend to be always listening to the next one..
I hear the june fest is going very well
Up Our Road
It’s 29 years today Ray Houghton got the ball and stuck it in the net…
Saw the brilliant Declan O Rourke last week in Ballincollig, what a great gig, and he’s coming to Booterstown soon.
Good to hear the solos going well…will be at The Pav soon..
and we took on a nail outside Portlaois…
great news about Curly O’Rourke coming to Booterstown..he’ll rock the joint..we’re heading for New Ross this Thu & Fri then back into The Pav over the following fortnight..
Solo Gigs going well as I re-discover the process of playing alone..
Hope all is well with you upon The Rock
Dear Christy, Thank you for a wonderful performance last night in Navan. My expectations were high but you exceeded them all by a long shot. You are a living treasure and I feel so honored to have had this opportunity to finally see you perform live after so many years of listening to your albums and listening to my good friends in Hawaii play your music. My sister and I laughed and cried last night. Beautiful stuff Christy. You ride on and look after yourself so we may all have the pleasure of you and your music for many years to come. Sending my parents to Arklow in July.. I’ll have my friend Cutis Vanderloop play Cliffs of Duneen to me when I get back to Hawaii. xxx Angela.
I was in Honolulu once…fuel stop between Auckland and L.A…..I remember ringing my Ma just to tell her I was in Honolulu,it was 4am in Kildare, good woman was not overly impressed…..then in LAX I got talkin to Charlton Heston, asked him had he any spare Kalashnikovs…
Navan went well..my first run of Solo gigs for 15 years..starting to get the hang of it again..its such a different process… back with the Band next month but I’m gonna do another Solo run come Nov (I think !)
Glad you had a good night and thanks for the feedback…
you may recieve an audient recording
The good old Independent…simply bought to see what they’re saying!
That photo was taken in Scruffy Murphy’s during Planxty rehearsals 7 years before the First Carnsore Point Anti-Nuclear Gathering. The Pints in Scruffy’s were excellent back then. Liam Ă“g lived adjacent and we supped there copiously and frequently. Rehearsing was thirsty work in those heady days.
Carnsore may have been that journalist’s “Woodstock”.He may not remember much about the weekend but those who organised the event, built the site, dug out the toilets, organised the water, organised the speakers ,booked the Bands & musicians ( everyone gave their services gladly and freely), ran the generators, looked after safety and health issues, provided security, ran the event successfully…those people have lots to remember…..my favourite memory is the clean-up afterwards which lasted for 3 days…. I rem a long line of volunteers going right across the site on hands and knees until every matchstick and bottletop was cleared away. “Frank-the-Yank” made sure that Martin Ronan’s land was left just as we had found it 2 weeks previously…
Hello Christy I trust you are well. We’re just off home. We spent a fantastic day at the beach from Drogheda down to Skerries via Clogher head, Bettystown, Laytown and Rush. Michael bemoaned the Tara and Newgrange but my knees are on the way out so we gave it a miss. Two fantastic gigs. Thanks for Duffy and for Patrick Murphy. The tunes were in my head for hours. And Scarriff Martyrs was a real exclusive Premier for me. I thought the sound was really crystal clear. Your solo gigs are so special and as long as the knees can manage I will endeavour to attend as many as I can. Today we went to Kilmainham. The story of Grace Gifford and Joseph Plunkett was made real and very moving having heard the song Grace so many times in many an emotional public house. Thank you Christy for being part of it. From beginning to end. From Me and the Blaggard Farmer. Xx
safe journey back to dear old Blighty…..the verse I forgot
“In the year 1911 one moonlit night in May
with 3 companions Patrick rowed across to French’s Bay
they were fishing for a living like their Fathers did before
Dreaming of the Salmon all along the Mucawn Shore”
Interesting to hear Mick talk about his boyhood experiences on the land around Eyries….
I’ve never wondered that Christy they are always great to read! Ride and ramble on and may your stream of consciousness continue to flow uninterrupted!
Article in paper this morning about festivals never to forget…’Carnsore Point 1978: A free festival to protest against the building of a nuclear plant. Christy Moore, (picture of young looking you), Clannad and many happy hippies. Oh and still no power plant.’ Mary
which paper ?
Here is Dick Gaughan singing it with Emmylou…. great writing,,,, https://youtu.be/IlDijR0Y60Q…… interesting times !! H
a different kind of love song..on the Blue in the Box Set (1964-2004)
Christy, Both Sides of The Tweed is a great song Written by Dick Gaughan. The verses call for the recognition of Scotland’s right to sovereignty and the choruses argue against prejudice between peoples. The Tweed is the river which forms part of the Scots-English border and is used in the song as a symbol of both the need for independence and the need for friendship and co-existence.
What’s the spring-breathing jasmine and rose
What’s the summer with all its gay train
Or the splendour of autumn to those
Who’ve bartered their freedom for gain?
Let the love of our land’s sacred rights
To the love of our people succeed
Let friendship and honour unite
And flourish on both sides the Tweed.
No sweetness the senses can cheer
Which corruption and bribery bind
No brightness that gloom can e’er clear
For honour’s the sum of the mind
Let virtue distinguish the brave
Place riches in lowest degree
Think them poorest who can be a slave
Them richest who dare to be free
Regards Mary
Fair Play and long life to Dick Gaughan…he has never strayed from the path, never taken the soup….I wish him well….. we first met about 50 years ago in Sandy Bells, Edinburgh…. first visit there was with Hamish Imlach, soon met up with Owen Hand, Hamish Henderson, Mike Brennan, Paddie Bell, Aly Bain, Mike Whellans and all the other singers,players,poets, dealers, wheelers, comedians,politicians, actors and police officers who thronged that musical watering-hole….one of my first gigs in Edinburgh was in the Police Club..there was Folk Club there every Sunday night..I heard Derrol Adams there one Sunday night and Sara Gray a few years later…It was not always easy get dhrink in Scotland of a Sunday but the Police had a more sensible alcohol policy then the general populace was forced to endure..
you are probably wondering why I ramble on so much….I used to spend a lot of time at the bar…this is much easier
Kingmakers…welcome to the mass movement of giving a toss about stuff! Haven’t been on for a while…looking forward to the Waterfront down the line. We have managed to get seats in the sixth row…best ever…apart from Dungannon.
Let the love of our land’s sacred rights
To the love of our people succeed
Let friendship and honour unite
And flourish on both sides the Tweed
Mary of The Meadow….greetings from Navan..
This morning the Caravan is parked on the green grassy slopes of The Boyne…..
These days we have no way of knowing what the cat is gonna bring home…
Saint Teresa of the Roses,Blessed Arlene of Lough Erne,a match made in Limbo…
might you share the source of that verse you quote from the River Tweed…
Keep Coming Back….
“Way out beyond the Black Mountain
Rosalita and Jack Cambell dance,
where troubles and old songs are forgotten and gone
and dreamers still hold on to love and romance”
……….. (Sean Mone)
Hello Christy, myself and a few family members have purchased tickets for your show on the 20th of July in the Arklow Bay Hotel. A very big fan is coming along with us my cousin Nathan, he has listened to all your music since he was very small, still to this day your his idol. Nathan has Down syndrome. And we would love if it would be possible to arrange something for Nathan at your show. Even something as small as mentioning his name would make his dream come through. Thanks Christy hope this is possible.
Hello Michelle…will be in touch…I look forward to meeting Nathan
Hello Christy, I hope you and yours are well. We are bound for Dubh and the County which I have never been to before. But today seems a day for firsts. Of course I mean the coming of the Messiah Corbz. He’s definitely a Christy fan. He has that LOOK. Lets hope power doesn’t corrupt. I personally am powerless and have never been subject to the temptation of global dominance. I can’t even get into the bog without banging on the door. So see you this evening in fine form and fetlock. I’m calling for Duffy’s Cut but hey ho whatever you like is fab. Xx
Always good to hear from our long-haul listeners…hope all you kippers are cosy and ready for The Royal County of Meath….
I’ll see if I can rustle up a solo version of “Duffy’s”….I’ll need to fill in all those vacuums created in Dr Sinnott’s absence not to mention Comrades Higgins and Hayden
all 3 of them are out on the road, Declan with “Out of The Forest” (Vickie Keatings new Band), Jim Higgins will be rockin tonight with “The Stunning” in Balrothery, Cathal Hayden alternates between “The MairtĂn O Connor Band” and “Four Men & a Dog”
PS…. Corbs is long serving alt-folkie….dont think we ever met but Im sure I saw him at The Tolpuddle Martys memorial event some years back,It might have been in Battersea Park but could be wrong,it was in the mid 80s, I played a set and then tore off to Glastonbury where I was slotted between the Pet Shop Boys and Tony Benn… or maybe we met at a Red-Ken save The GLC schimmozzel….I did meet Ted Heath in the Albert Hall one night,he thought I was in Steeleye Span whom we (Planxty) supported at a Fanfare For Europe concert circa 1974..Not too many fanfares for Europe from the Tories these days…and the DUP keeping the ship of fame afloat
morning christy,
had a great night watching the election with corbyn’s advance (check out mick blake’s song) over here and SF making ground in the north of ireland, turning the tide on the madness of brexit,le pen and trump but best was the birth at 1.20am of our lovely colt foal closely related to a champion hurdle winner (punchestown here we come in 5 years and you are invited) but then there was only one thing to do and that was to spin the turntable and blast out to the world the arrival of JEZZA the horse with no better feel good tune than SIXTEEN FISHERMEN RAVING….ride on comes later.
keep up the good work christy
I have informed my agent that I will not be available for gigs during the Punchestown Festival 2022….I have also been in touch with my Turf Accountant seeking to get 2 bob each way on Jezza at that meeting…
I am averting the news here this morning…I’ve decided to focus on the Magpies in the Garden until its time to leave for this evenings gig at The Solstice Theatre in Navan.
I feel utterly powerless over people,places and things….the only thing I can change at this moment is my own thinking…gonna see if I can help anyone….
we’re all under starters (finishers ?) orders