A huge THANK YOU for the two awesome gigs to you, dear Christy, and your fantastic Orchestra!
Will write more when we are back home, but first we’ll return to Ulster for the next three days.
Best wishes, Traudel & Horst
are there any tour dates planned in Germany (or somewhere in the continent) for the near future?
Really would like to see you play once more. Did so many, many years ago in Berlin and did it enjoy it so much.
Thanks very much in advance for your reply.
All the best from Germany
Udo
.
Christy's reply
nothing definite to report Udo…always on my wish list to return to Germany…who knows what way its going to evolve…thank you for your interest
Another brilliant Gig “On the Road “ in the Great Northern. There was a wonderful energy and connection in the Room. Thanks to yourself and the “Orchestra “ for super set list . I am always amazed at how certain Songs have different meanings for me when I hear them again…… I had a lump in the Throat moment during “The time has come “. Enjoy the Kingdom next week, a short drive for one particular Listener!!!
Best Regards
Ride on
Patsy
Christy's reply
Since I first set out upon this tour, the life of the travelling balladeer has changed beyond all recognition.
On Friday I played The Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran,on Saturday The Great National Hotel in Ballina.Two great gig rooms thronged to capacity with songsters from far and near out for the night to hear “The Ballads”
We are very fortunate these times to have such a variety of venues. Outdoor arenas for them that needs them, large auditoriums for the big productions, numerous Art Centres, independent venues vital for the emerging new sounds as they come through…… and then we have “The Hotels”
I love them……once we leave the major cities we play mainly in “The Hotels “….these large function rooms are ideal for our crew to exploit their skills….they build the stage,set up the sound system and lighting rig, set up our travelling “galley” for nourishment and sustenance,they organise a rehearsal room and prepare everything necessary for the Band to play…
I’ve noticed these past years that most of my audience are very comfortable coming into these rooms…people who might feel daunted in citadels of art feel no such hesitation when going to their local multi star Hotel….I love the atmosphere in these rooms… as we gather side stage at gig time I love the hum of conversation, the waft of perfume and aftershave, the atmosphere of excitement and anticipation as we wait for David Meade’s pre gig intro…we go into our pre gig”huddle” and call upon the Gig Gods to guide us … Michael Devine’s torch lights the steps and we climb the stairs once again and go to work….I call the first number and away we go…
“Its dark and lonely work but someones got to do it” ( Pecker Dunne)
PS… yet I cherish great memories of
The Auld Shebeen,..Moate
The Kon-Tiki,……Rooskey
Rakish Paddys,…..Lanesboro
Kate Reilly’s Kitchen,..Waterford
The Lansdowne ….Bronx
The Merriman,…Scariff
The Arkle Bar,….Gowran
The West End,….Ballyraggett
Sviebel………..Hamburg
The Blue Lagoon,…Sligo
The Green Briar,…Belfast
The Old House at Home,…Manchester
The Cherry Tree,……….Clogherhead
Paradiso…………..Amsterdam
The Coffee Kitchen,….Dublin
The Béal Bocht…….Dublin
McGanns…………….Boston
Flann O’Briens……Paris
The Basement…….Mountjoy Prison
El Ruedo……………Carlow
……… and a thousand other rooms around the world where we served our time, learnt our chops, refined our schtick, sang and played as if our very livlihoods depended upon it….
“Ride On Patsy”
That’s yer man with his auto thingymabob acting the maggot again . Whallup.
Christy's reply
still here in Bundoran,
no sight nor sound of Brian,
beneath the Great Northern sheets
contemplating the porridge
Whats that distant sound I hear?
is it Brian or the breakfast coming?
will we ever get sense?
……..I doubt it says Pauline…… ( Jon Kenny, Pat Short)
later….
The Moy is flowing full and rapid here in Salmon City..no sign of Jack Charlton so far…he’d need waders up to his chin today…still plenty of red and green in the early winter rain
Thank you Christy for another great gig in Bundoran tonight. Thought Anne Lovett was particularly powerful and moving tonight. Safely back through the Gap and no sign of Storm Brian yet- maybe he’s servicing the Honda for Derry. Thanks for the great sounds.
Christy's reply
I like when that happens..had no plan to sing for Anne Lovett..bless her memory, she appeared last night in Bundoran…..
its late now in The Greta Northern, its quiet around, no sound of wind or rain, perhaps Brian took a wrong turn….
Music soothes the savage beast !! Took a little while but the songs won out. Often wonder what goes through those little minds that have to chatter or shout during the gig. Anyway it was another stormer in these days of storms. The Well was mighty and Rosalita and Jack feels as if it should always have been there. Ger is always delighted when Spancil Hill appears. There was temptation to head for Ballinasloe instead of going home to Glenties, but we had to resist. . . . Derry is on the horizon.
Christy's reply
Hey Marty,
Glad you did not go to Ballinasloe…we’re playing in Ballina !
Great night last night in the Great Northern….what an audience, all shapes and sizes, all ages, different counties,different countries, friends old and new…
The Band have been apart since Belfast 2 weeks ago so we were rearing to go…
I thought the audience were superb, they listened so carefully to the quiet songs, great to see the gaggle of 4711ers and you two right in the middle
Friday night in Bundoran…..what more divarshin could a soul desire
On The Road….. and back in the Hills , might even stay calm til after the show. Hope to hear something from the John Reilly legacy…. the Rolling Wave has whetted the appetite. See ye there.
Christy's reply
“when I heard John Reilly
his singin mesmerised me
and the Raggle Taggle Gypsy ‘s got me still “
Hey Christy, absolutely ecstatic to see you tomorrow night, and it’s my first time seeing you. I was wondering if I could request a song or two if you have the time do any of them; North and South, Different Love Song and Ride On are among my favourite songs as there are so many!
Thank you,
Joseph
Christy's reply
Hey Joe, 2 of those are regulars in the set..I’ve never once gigged “Different Love Song” must check it out again…its 30 years since I recorded it and I’ve never sung it since..written by Dick Gaughan from Leith in Edinburgh..
go easy on the ecstacy…its a hoor when it gets in on you
Just been reading that Sunday is the 140th anniversary of the Blantyre Explosion and wondering if the song about it has appeared in the set much over the last few years. Read a sad footnote that the company, Dixon’s, summonsed 34 of the widow’s 6 months after the disaster for not having left the tied cottages that came with their husband’s work, and the courts had them evicted. Brought to my mind the aftermath of Artane too. Hopefully workers have a bit better conditions these days. http://www.scottishmining.co.uk/55.html
On a happier note, delighted to see the new CD appearing on preorder at some sites and looking forward to the treasures it will bring. Safe travelling and looking forward to tomorrow night’s gig in Bundoran.
Christy's reply
Hey John, we played 4 gigs in Scotland this year and included this song in our set…it was particularly poignant when played in Hamilton just miles from the scene of the disaster….I referenced Dixon’s, how they evicted the widows and children of the slain miners..the company operated for decades after their cruel deeds in Blantyre…
Thatcher removed ALL working conditions of Scottish and English miners..
safe journey from The Walls to the Holy Town of Bundoran…watch out for high winds and moving statues
Hi Christy,
Another Balladeer gone to the great stage in the Sky… RIP Eamon Campbell. Brings back memories of the great nights in the Auld Shebeen, when all of the Ballad groups would regularly come to town…..and your good self too.Then dash up the road to the Rose Club, to Dance ( in my case 2 left Feet) the night away…….and a bottle of Orange in the Mineral Bar. ” Dublin in the Rare Auld times”; sure wasn’t there “Rare Auld” times in every town back then.
I’m sure your paths must have crossed over the Years ?
Best Regards,
Patsy
Christy's reply
Played with Eamon once or twice..The Dubliners 25th with Gaybo, ……..
the “Luke Kelly”ballad , ……a few fund raiser events over the years…he was always a lovely man to meet..big smile and big heart….
my daughter reminded me of this yesterday…we were in the Stand at Lansdowne Road about 25 years ago…cant remember what game…it was a cold day….got a tap on the shoulder and was handed a tray of burgers and soup by one Eamon Cambell…he spotted us sitting there and included us when he went for nourishment…”here you are man” sez Eamon and away with him…
he was a man you dont meet every day ….
Hi Christy!!
We love, love your music and your talent. Australia has a HUGE fan base of yours from not only the Irish living here but way beyond. We think it is high time you came to our shores, your gigs would be a sell out and the love for you would be echoed by the Great Southern Land! Please, do us the honour of gigging here ?
Christy's reply
Hi Hell,
Than you for your kind words and enthusiastic invite…
I regret to say that the time has passed for such long haul activity…I really enjoyed my 6 visits to Australia across the 80s and 90s, great memories from gigs in many places…Woolongong, Wooloomaloo, Warnambul, Vinegar Hill, The Rocks and a few other hot spots too…
my work now does not take me any farther afield then Ireland and the UK…..
that said, I do appreciate far flung listeners still hearing the work, still listening to the songs
Christy great to see your playing the Theatre Royal next year. A venue I always hoped you’d play. A new album for Christmas too. Haven’t been to a gig since barrowlands and won’t be until that night. Can’t wait, rock on!!!
Christy's reply
its over 30 years since I last played that Theatre…always a pleasure to travel down the famous Quay into that ancient City…..
PS..it surely must be time for Waterford Hurlers to carry The McCarthy across the bridge once more..Philly Grimes abú..I still remember listening to the 1959 Final, on the wireless, with my Grandfather Jack Power
PPS. Up Moorefield
Hi Christy,hope you are well.At the Barrrowlands you took time out to dedicate a song to my late Son,Michael.It meant a great deal and when I told his Mum,she was delighted.Michael and I used to go to Barrowlands together to watch your shows and have a great sing along night.At the age of 31 he passed away after a long battle with depression.When I come to your shows I genuinely feel him beside me and a few tears are shed.On his headstone is the inscription “We turn to face an empty space,where you used to lie,and look for your smile to light the night through a teardrop in our eyes”.Thanks again Christy and I look forward to seeing you again at Barrrowlands next time round.Michael Riley
Christy's reply
we have tried to make contact with you at this email but it bounces back
Arrrgghh! Manchester, Liverpool… dim Pontio??????? Chris. xx
Christy's reply
I have had severe words with the Planning Department. Heads will roll if I dont soon get a satisfactory outcome…greetings to all songsters across there in Wales
Hi Christy, hope all are safe and well, and Orphe has passed , and 9 months from now, nappys , sudacream and prams will be flying off the shelves. I played a lovely gig outdoors a while back for James Clancy and the Doolin Harley Festival here in Boston, all proceeds went to the Marie Clancy Ovarian Cancer Foundation, she was James late wife who died from the disease too young in life. I hope to play at it next year at home if all is well. I’ve been listening to Tom Russell , a lovely songwriter from these parts, Blue Bird and Whose gonna build your wall boys ?, He’s playing in Ireland mid to late November in Whelans, his new album is Folk Hotel, have you seen him play?,just thought you might like his music. Debs Dad is over and her mom, sister , brother in law and the 2 kids are coming in a week, house painted, barn painted, over the summer months, it’s great to have them all come our side, and 3 in the bed scenario 2 up 1 down . Looking forward to the new album bud, Adam’s photo is class, it gives a great vibe visually, hope your having fun on the road, Take Care Fin
Christy's reply
Morra Fin,
Always good to hear from you, to know that the family are well, that you are bangin out the ballads and keeping the ship afloat….we got off lightly here with the passing of Orphelia..right along the west coast they were not so fortunate..thanks for the Tom Russell tip…going into Whelans this week to hear Chris Woods who’s work I really like…saw Karine Polwart from Scotland last week perform her new show “Wind Resistance”…it was stunning…
also saw a new play from Sebastian Barry called “On Blueberry Hill” which is highly recommended..
working toward the release of “On The Road” next month…we have gained a whole new audience here these past years and many enquire about access to the most popular songs whaic are scattered over numerous old albums…I’ve tried to gather new live versions together over the past 2 years..one or two notable absentees but I think I caught most of them…
also started doing some solo gigs again..I love playing in band situations but the solo gig is entirely different and I want to keep in touch with that process…
Hope you are enjoying good family time Fin….
Full marks on the Gardai names, Christy. Funny how their names are remembered even though we were “not known to the Gardai”. I wouldn’t know any of the present names. Up Moorefield.
Christy's reply
not even Nóirín O Sullivan !
…always good to hear from you Frankie…dont get much news these days…many of my old correspondants have either dried up or passed on….
part of me still lives in the Newbridge that both of us knew as lads…I get many flashbacks in my day dreaming…only last week I was thinking of Bob Duggan, how he used to recycle glass and paper and get Hurlin sticks and Sliotars. that led me to remember his own family and I thought of Bubbles and Vera.
Garda talk brought me up to Artillery Place and all the nearby neighbours…hearing of the Moorefield Victory reminded me of our first Senior C’Ship and the excitement for “our end of the town”..prior to that we were always the “poor relations” but ever since the playing field has been leveled…
then I remembered The Mons, Jim Gorman and “McNally” who ruled the parish when we were serving….Paddy Cullen used to take charge of the envelopes at funerals and weddings…I remember him showing us how to ring the bell, to swing the Thurible, to light the incense, to light and quench the candles..
met a lad in Dublin last week who spoke about John Hartfleet…he knew him from the CYMS billiards while I knew him from the Choir and his wonderful Bass voice..he used to hang out around “Butcher’Farrells when Tony ,Paddy and Brendan were serving their time…
One Good Friday we were in “The Sergeants Mess” on The Curragh. The songs were going, the porter was flying, the crack was 90, Tony Farrell held his Large Bottle aloft (like McNally would the chalice ) and uttered the line “This is not Good Friday, its Great friday”….its probably 55 years since and I may be the only one to remember…
I got in to “The Mess” with legendary “Woodner Quinn”,Army Master Sergeant, Master Baker, Fine Tenor, Hurler and Footballer with Moorefield ..he married Maureen Reilly, their Son “Farmer” became a great Bodhrán player..
I could go on here all day Frankie, travelling up and down the streets , across the lanes, remembering all those fine people of my Boyhood days…
“From Hawkfield and Kilbelin, Chinatown and Rosy’s lane”
Hi Christy,
You mentioned in a post a while back that you had your bodhrán nicked after playing a gig in Cork city, and that the very next day you went and bought a better one (that you still have) from Coal Quay Bodhráns. Their instruments were really class – oak frames, and skins which they cured themselves, Ciarán McCarthy and Steve Walsh. I’m sorry to say that Ciarán passed away back in March. As well as being a great bodhrán maker he was also a very fine mandolin player. We used to go around together playing back in the eighties – me, him, Steve (guitar), Kate and Dominic Lyons (fiddle) and Brendan Mahon (fiddle) – and spent a couple of great evenings at your sister Ann’s place out at Spanish Point. Great days, fond memories! Best wishes to you from Wales, Christy – ‘Ken’
Christy's reply
Thanks for this Ken…. each time I pick up my “Coal Quay” bodhran I wonder what became of Cíarán and Steve…I still cherish the instrument…it does not gig well but it has recorded beautifull and featured on a few Planxty albums as well as some of my own recordings. I play it often here in the workroom and always remember the few hours spent with the lads down the Coal Quay…..
my sister Anne has taken to the road these past years singing and playing gigs..she released her first album last year which was very well recieved…
Thanks for sharing the memory of Coal Quay Bodhrans
Hi All…. You never told us there was more Christy !!! here is Part 2 of The Rolling Wave programme from RTE Radio on Sun 15th Oct about John Reilly ,,,https://rte.ie/r.html?rii=b9_10787042_1852_15-10-2017_ I hope all are safe and well these days as Ophelia visits,,,, H
Dear Christy,
Hope everything is ok and your new roof is still on his place!
What a strange climate we have these days, my Irish friends blowed away and we where having summer days in autumn at the same time.
I’ve read you went to a play from Sebastian Barry. Did you know he is a great writer to. The secret Scripture and A long long way are very beautiful romans.
Trough this way I wan’t to great my Irish friends and hope they are all alright and the damage caused by Ophelia is not to bad.
Keep well and many greetings from Chris
“13 man Moorefield win the Kildare County Final” well done to them.
Christy's reply
Thanks John….Got a few texts and emails bit only one from a Sash man..Fair play to you….did not make it to The pitch today as I had music duties to fulfil…getting ready for Orphelia now..the thunderin bitch I hope she blows herself out in the Atlantic…I’d say Pollardstown is rockin, Neesons too…Hubert will have Rosie Murphy watchin out for the Guards
Agh come now Lads..the Sergeant is outside
when we won our first County Senior the Guards were…Gardai Bradley, Kirwan, Creedon, Enright,Moran,Jackson,Lawlor..there might have been Guard McGee as well…they laid low that night in 1962….there was a famous match took place on the front street at dawn the next morning..I think there was a cup invloved that got a few dents in it
A huge THANK YOU for the two awesome gigs to you, dear Christy, and your fantastic Orchestra!
Will write more when we are back home, but first we’ll return to Ulster for the next three days.
Best wishes, Traudel & Horst
fair play to our German songsters
Dear Christy,
are there any tour dates planned in Germany (or somewhere in the continent) for the near future?
Really would like to see you play once more. Did so many, many years ago in Berlin and did it enjoy it so much.
Thanks very much in advance for your reply.
All the best from Germany
Udo
.
nothing definite to report Udo…always on my wish list to return to Germany…who knows what way its going to evolve…thank you for your interest
Another brilliant Gig “On the Road “ in the Great Northern. There was a wonderful energy and connection in the Room. Thanks to yourself and the “Orchestra “ for super set list . I am always amazed at how certain Songs have different meanings for me when I hear them again…… I had a lump in the Throat moment during “The time has come “. Enjoy the Kingdom next week, a short drive for one particular Listener!!!
Best Regards
Ride on
Patsy
Since I first set out upon this tour, the life of the travelling balladeer has changed beyond all recognition.
On Friday I played The Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran,on Saturday The Great National Hotel in Ballina.Two great gig rooms thronged to capacity with songsters from far and near out for the night to hear “The Ballads”
We are very fortunate these times to have such a variety of venues. Outdoor arenas for them that needs them, large auditoriums for the big productions, numerous Art Centres, independent venues vital for the emerging new sounds as they come through…… and then we have “The Hotels”
I love them……once we leave the major cities we play mainly in “The Hotels “….these large function rooms are ideal for our crew to exploit their skills….they build the stage,set up the sound system and lighting rig, set up our travelling “galley” for nourishment and sustenance,they organise a rehearsal room and prepare everything necessary for the Band to play…
I’ve noticed these past years that most of my audience are very comfortable coming into these rooms…people who might feel daunted in citadels of art feel no such hesitation when going to their local multi star Hotel….I love the atmosphere in these rooms… as we gather side stage at gig time I love the hum of conversation, the waft of perfume and aftershave, the atmosphere of excitement and anticipation as we wait for David Meade’s pre gig intro…we go into our pre gig”huddle” and call upon the Gig Gods to guide us … Michael Devine’s torch lights the steps and we climb the stairs once again and go to work….I call the first number and away we go…
“Its dark and lonely work but someones got to do it” ( Pecker Dunne)
PS… yet I cherish great memories of
The Auld Shebeen,..Moate
The Kon-Tiki,……Rooskey
Rakish Paddys,…..Lanesboro
Kate Reilly’s Kitchen,..Waterford
The Lansdowne ….Bronx
The Merriman,…Scariff
The Arkle Bar,….Gowran
The West End,….Ballyraggett
Sviebel………..Hamburg
The Blue Lagoon,…Sligo
The Green Briar,…Belfast
The Old House at Home,…Manchester
The Cherry Tree,……….Clogherhead
Paradiso…………..Amsterdam
The Coffee Kitchen,….Dublin
The Béal Bocht…….Dublin
McGanns…………….Boston
Flann O’Briens……Paris
The Basement…….Mountjoy Prison
El Ruedo……………Carlow
……… and a thousand other rooms around the world where we served our time, learnt our chops, refined our schtick, sang and played as if our very livlihoods depended upon it….
“Ride On Patsy”
That’s yer man with his auto thingymabob acting the maggot again . Whallup.
still here in Bundoran,
no sight nor sound of Brian,
beneath the Great Northern sheets
contemplating the porridge
Whats that distant sound I hear?
is it Brian or the breakfast coming?
will we ever get sense?
……..I doubt it says Pauline…… ( Jon Kenny, Pat Short)
later….
The Moy is flowing full and rapid here in Salmon City..no sign of Jack Charlton so far…he’d need waders up to his chin today…still plenty of red and green in the early winter rain
Thank you Christy for another great gig in Bundoran tonight. Thought Anne Lovett was particularly powerful and moving tonight. Safely back through the Gap and no sign of Storm Brian yet- maybe he’s servicing the Honda for Derry. Thanks for the great sounds.
I like when that happens..had no plan to sing for Anne Lovett..bless her memory, she appeared last night in Bundoran…..
its late now in The Greta Northern, its quiet around, no sound of wind or rain, perhaps Brian took a wrong turn….
Music soothes the savage beast !! Took a little while but the songs won out. Often wonder what goes through those little minds that have to chatter or shout during the gig. Anyway it was another stormer in these days of storms. The Well was mighty and Rosalita and Jack feels as if it should always have been there. Ger is always delighted when Spancil Hill appears. There was temptation to head for Ballinasloe instead of going home to Glenties, but we had to resist. . . . Derry is on the horizon.
Hey Marty,
Glad you did not go to Ballinasloe…we’re playing in Ballina !
Great night last night in the Great Northern….what an audience, all shapes and sizes, all ages, different counties,different countries, friends old and new…
The Band have been apart since Belfast 2 weeks ago so we were rearing to go…
I thought the audience were superb, they listened so carefully to the quiet songs, great to see the gaggle of 4711ers and you two right in the middle
Friday night in Bundoran…..what more divarshin could a soul desire
On The Road….. and back in the Hills , might even stay calm til after the show. Hope to hear something from the John Reilly legacy…. the Rolling Wave has whetted the appetite. See ye there.
“when I heard John Reilly
his singin mesmerised me
and the Raggle Taggle Gypsy ‘s got me still “
Hey Christy, absolutely ecstatic to see you tomorrow night, and it’s my first time seeing you. I was wondering if I could request a song or two if you have the time do any of them; North and South, Different Love Song and Ride On are among my favourite songs as there are so many!
Thank you,
Joseph
Hey Joe, 2 of those are regulars in the set..I’ve never once gigged “Different Love Song” must check it out again…its 30 years since I recorded it and I’ve never sung it since..written by Dick Gaughan from Leith in Edinburgh..
go easy on the ecstacy…its a hoor when it gets in on you
Just been reading that Sunday is the 140th anniversary of the Blantyre Explosion and wondering if the song about it has appeared in the set much over the last few years. Read a sad footnote that the company, Dixon’s, summonsed 34 of the widow’s 6 months after the disaster for not having left the tied cottages that came with their husband’s work, and the courts had them evicted. Brought to my mind the aftermath of Artane too. Hopefully workers have a bit better conditions these days.
http://www.scottishmining.co.uk/55.html
On a happier note, delighted to see the new CD appearing on preorder at some sites and looking forward to the treasures it will bring. Safe travelling and looking forward to tomorrow night’s gig in Bundoran.
Hey John, we played 4 gigs in Scotland this year and included this song in our set…it was particularly poignant when played in Hamilton just miles from the scene of the disaster….I referenced Dixon’s, how they evicted the widows and children of the slain miners..the company operated for decades after their cruel deeds in Blantyre…
Thatcher removed ALL working conditions of Scottish and English miners..
safe journey from The Walls to the Holy Town of Bundoran…watch out for high winds and moving statues
Hi Christy,
Another Balladeer gone to the great stage in the Sky… RIP Eamon Campbell. Brings back memories of the great nights in the Auld Shebeen, when all of the Ballad groups would regularly come to town…..and your good self too.Then dash up the road to the Rose Club, to Dance ( in my case 2 left Feet) the night away…….and a bottle of Orange in the Mineral Bar. ” Dublin in the Rare Auld times”; sure wasn’t there “Rare Auld” times in every town back then.
I’m sure your paths must have crossed over the Years ?
Best Regards,
Patsy
Played with Eamon once or twice..The Dubliners 25th with Gaybo, ……..
the “Luke Kelly”ballad , ……a few fund raiser events over the years…he was always a lovely man to meet..big smile and big heart….
my daughter reminded me of this yesterday…we were in the Stand at Lansdowne Road about 25 years ago…cant remember what game…it was a cold day….got a tap on the shoulder and was handed a tray of burgers and soup by one Eamon Cambell…he spotted us sitting there and included us when he went for nourishment…”here you are man” sez Eamon and away with him…
he was a man you dont meet every day ….
Hi Christy!!
We love, love your music and your talent. Australia has a HUGE fan base of yours from not only the Irish living here but way beyond. We think it is high time you came to our shores, your gigs would be a sell out and the love for you would be echoed by the Great Southern Land! Please, do us the honour of gigging here ?
Hi Hell,
Than you for your kind words and enthusiastic invite…
I regret to say that the time has passed for such long haul activity…I really enjoyed my 6 visits to Australia across the 80s and 90s, great memories from gigs in many places…Woolongong, Wooloomaloo, Warnambul, Vinegar Hill, The Rocks and a few other hot spots too…
my work now does not take me any farther afield then Ireland and the UK…..
that said, I do appreciate far flung listeners still hearing the work, still listening to the songs
“O the rain never falls on The Dusty Diamantina”
Christy great to see your playing the Theatre Royal next year. A venue I always hoped you’d play. A new album for Christmas too. Haven’t been to a gig since barrowlands and won’t be until that night. Can’t wait, rock on!!!
its over 30 years since I last played that Theatre…always a pleasure to travel down the famous Quay into that ancient City…..
PS..it surely must be time for Waterford Hurlers to carry The McCarthy across the bridge once more..Philly Grimes abú..I still remember listening to the 1959 Final, on the wireless, with my Grandfather Jack Power
PPS. Up Moorefield
Hi Christy,hope you are well.At the Barrrowlands you took time out to dedicate a song to my late Son,Michael.It meant a great deal and when I told his Mum,she was delighted.Michael and I used to go to Barrowlands together to watch your shows and have a great sing along night.At the age of 31 he passed away after a long battle with depression.When I come to your shows I genuinely feel him beside me and a few tears are shed.On his headstone is the inscription “We turn to face an empty space,where you used to lie,and look for your smile to light the night through a teardrop in our eyes”.Thanks again Christy and I look forward to seeing you again at Barrrowlands next time round.Michael Riley
we have tried to make contact with you at this email but it bounces back
Arrrgghh! Manchester, Liverpool… dim Pontio??????? Chris. xx
I have had severe words with the Planning Department. Heads will roll if I dont soon get a satisfactory outcome…greetings to all songsters across there in Wales
Hi Christy, hope all are safe and well, and Orphe has passed , and 9 months from now, nappys , sudacream and prams will be flying off the shelves. I played a lovely gig outdoors a while back for James Clancy and the Doolin Harley Festival here in Boston, all proceeds went to the Marie Clancy Ovarian Cancer Foundation, she was James late wife who died from the disease too young in life. I hope to play at it next year at home if all is well. I’ve been listening to Tom Russell , a lovely songwriter from these parts, Blue Bird and Whose gonna build your wall boys ?, He’s playing in Ireland mid to late November in Whelans, his new album is Folk Hotel, have you seen him play?,just thought you might like his music. Debs Dad is over and her mom, sister , brother in law and the 2 kids are coming in a week, house painted, barn painted, over the summer months, it’s great to have them all come our side, and 3 in the bed scenario 2 up 1 down . Looking forward to the new album bud, Adam’s photo is class, it gives a great vibe visually, hope your having fun on the road, Take Care Fin
Morra Fin,
Always good to hear from you, to know that the family are well, that you are bangin out the ballads and keeping the ship afloat….we got off lightly here with the passing of Orphelia..right along the west coast they were not so fortunate..thanks for the Tom Russell tip…going into Whelans this week to hear Chris Woods who’s work I really like…saw Karine Polwart from Scotland last week perform her new show “Wind Resistance”…it was stunning…
also saw a new play from Sebastian Barry called “On Blueberry Hill” which is highly recommended..
working toward the release of “On The Road” next month…we have gained a whole new audience here these past years and many enquire about access to the most popular songs whaic are scattered over numerous old albums…I’ve tried to gather new live versions together over the past 2 years..one or two notable absentees but I think I caught most of them…
also started doing some solo gigs again..I love playing in band situations but the solo gig is entirely different and I want to keep in touch with that process…
Hope you are enjoying good family time Fin….
Full marks on the Gardai names, Christy. Funny how their names are remembered even though we were “not known to the Gardai”. I wouldn’t know any of the present names. Up Moorefield.
not even Nóirín O Sullivan !
…always good to hear from you Frankie…dont get much news these days…many of my old correspondants have either dried up or passed on….
part of me still lives in the Newbridge that both of us knew as lads…I get many flashbacks in my day dreaming…only last week I was thinking of Bob Duggan, how he used to recycle glass and paper and get Hurlin sticks and Sliotars. that led me to remember his own family and I thought of Bubbles and Vera.
Garda talk brought me up to Artillery Place and all the nearby neighbours…hearing of the Moorefield Victory reminded me of our first Senior C’Ship and the excitement for “our end of the town”..prior to that we were always the “poor relations” but ever since the playing field has been leveled…
then I remembered The Mons, Jim Gorman and “McNally” who ruled the parish when we were serving….Paddy Cullen used to take charge of the envelopes at funerals and weddings…I remember him showing us how to ring the bell, to swing the Thurible, to light the incense, to light and quench the candles..
met a lad in Dublin last week who spoke about John Hartfleet…he knew him from the CYMS billiards while I knew him from the Choir and his wonderful Bass voice..he used to hang out around “Butcher’Farrells when Tony ,Paddy and Brendan were serving their time…
One Good Friday we were in “The Sergeants Mess” on The Curragh. The songs were going, the porter was flying, the crack was 90, Tony Farrell held his Large Bottle aloft (like McNally would the chalice ) and uttered the line “This is not Good Friday, its Great friday”….its probably 55 years since and I may be the only one to remember…
I got in to “The Mess” with legendary “Woodner Quinn”,Army Master Sergeant, Master Baker, Fine Tenor, Hurler and Footballer with Moorefield ..he married Maureen Reilly, their Son “Farmer” became a great Bodhrán player..
I could go on here all day Frankie, travelling up and down the streets , across the lanes, remembering all those fine people of my Boyhood days…
“From Hawkfield and Kilbelin, Chinatown and Rosy’s lane”
Hi Christy,
You mentioned in a post a while back that you had your bodhrán nicked after playing a gig in Cork city, and that the very next day you went and bought a better one (that you still have) from Coal Quay Bodhráns. Their instruments were really class – oak frames, and skins which they cured themselves, Ciarán McCarthy and Steve Walsh. I’m sorry to say that Ciarán passed away back in March. As well as being a great bodhrán maker he was also a very fine mandolin player. We used to go around together playing back in the eighties – me, him, Steve (guitar), Kate and Dominic Lyons (fiddle) and Brendan Mahon (fiddle) – and spent a couple of great evenings at your sister Ann’s place out at Spanish Point. Great days, fond memories! Best wishes to you from Wales, Christy – ‘Ken’
Thanks for this Ken…. each time I pick up my “Coal Quay” bodhran I wonder what became of Cíarán and Steve…I still cherish the instrument…it does not gig well but it has recorded beautifull and featured on a few Planxty albums as well as some of my own recordings. I play it often here in the workroom and always remember the few hours spent with the lads down the Coal Quay…..
my sister Anne has taken to the road these past years singing and playing gigs..she released her first album last year which was very well recieved…
Thanks for sharing the memory of Coal Quay Bodhrans
Hi All…. You never told us there was more Christy !!! here is Part 2 of The Rolling Wave programme from RTE Radio on Sun 15th Oct about John Reilly ,,,https://rte.ie/r.html?rii=b9_10787042_1852_15-10-2017_ I hope all are safe and well these days as Ophelia visits,,,, H
Dear Christy,
Hope everything is ok and your new roof is still on his place!
What a strange climate we have these days, my Irish friends blowed away and we where having summer days in autumn at the same time.
I’ve read you went to a play from Sebastian Barry. Did you know he is a great writer to. The secret Scripture and A long long way are very beautiful romans.
Trough this way I wan’t to great my Irish friends and hope they are all alright and the damage caused by Ophelia is not to bad.
Keep well and many greetings from Chris
“13 man Moorefield win the Kildare County Final” well done to them.
Thanks John….Got a few texts and emails bit only one from a Sash man..Fair play to you….did not make it to The pitch today as I had music duties to fulfil…getting ready for Orphelia now..the thunderin bitch I hope she blows herself out in the Atlantic…I’d say Pollardstown is rockin, Neesons too…Hubert will have Rosie Murphy watchin out for the Guards
Agh come now Lads..the Sergeant is outside
when we won our first County Senior the Guards were…Gardai Bradley, Kirwan, Creedon, Enright,Moran,Jackson,Lawlor..there might have been Guard McGee as well…they laid low that night in 1962….there was a famous match took place on the front street at dawn the next morning..I think there was a cup invloved that got a few dents in it