Hi Christy,
the belgian crew is coming again.
We are looking forward to a new gig on Friday night in Castleblayney. Our son Lars nor our daugther Eva can’t join us this time, too busy with school and studies. Which they regret sincerly and they send you their very best wishes.
We’ve watched your briljant performance in the LLS. Congrats with the On the Road album. It gives a very nice view on your work and live concerts, but being present on your gigs stays the real thing. So we’ll keep coming.
all the best and see you tomorrow
Els & Piet
Christy's reply
you two love birds are always welcome…thank you for your continued long distance listening…safe journey….had a good first night in Blayney tonight but I got some juice left in the tank for tomorrow
Hi Christy, thanks for the shout out in Derry and Fairytale of New York , sorry I wasn’t there to hear it….but I loved the gig the following night and I loved Derry, my first time there, I did spend time in Armagh, Belfast and Portadown in the late eighties putting together a scout Jamboree “Gosford 89”, jointly hosted by the various scouting organizations of the time.
Anyway I heard you sing Motherland and I was very sad because I had been reading about Trumps new tax reform here in the US and “the lust and the avarice, the bottomless cavernous greed” is growing and prevalent. It’s appalling that when a teacher buys crayons or paper for their kids as they often do that they cannot deduct that from taxable income but if you own a private jet or a golf course your good to go !
I Loved the Late Late, and it was lovely to see Hilary and Adam up front and center. I’m looking forward to getting the new CD and as always I enjoy your interpretation and rendition of the many songs, butterfly is humming in the background as I write…
Be well and thanks again for everything.
Brian.
Christy's reply
Thanks Brian…..you have a lot to think about in the USA these days…. lots of upheaval here too…difference is, while your clown plays lead prick on the world stage….ours mimes to an Island tune…..
Hey Christy,
Great and much good luck with your new release!
I don’t know Christy if I have posted this already here or not. But I would bet if I have not already, I’d bet you might dig it. Jerry, I believe, has become dry just like you. And as for Jerry, that is a very good thing; since, drunk he was absolutely awful on stage.
With a few 6.0 brew under my belt, well, my intentions are actually quite good Christy. and good will and much continued success to you and yours. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjkGlZzZLjY
Christy's reply
Gotta say…you have posted some stuff here over the years but this music really warms the cockles of my heart….its a cold November night here in Castleblayney, County Monaghan… I’ve just listened to Jerry Jeff Walker and his buddys in the back of the van..I really enjoyed that ….. you old renegade
Plenty of Planxty sounds alright to me so does Copious Christy! Any plans to release on vinyl? Hope you do play in Gaoth Dobhair next year. We’re looking forward to our friend/s Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh agus Na Mooneys playing in An Cultúrlann in December. Remember there’s always a brimming bowl of Falls Road Chowder with your name on it! Slán agus beannacht!
Christy's reply
any Vinyl release will be decided by Columbia Records…..last year they released a Vinyl version of “Live at The Point” to mark the 25th year of its release….of course I shall give them the nod and the wink but its outside my jurisdiction….I’ve been on to Oifig an Gaeltacht at our HQ but they appear to be either on Paternal leave or away with the “compromise rules” squad in OZ….the telefón has not been answered for the past seachtain….it surely must be time to try out this chowder of yours
Evening Christy,
Flew over from Boston this morning… children tucked in early and all are looking forward to the Castleblayney gigs tomorrow and Fri. Thanksgiving day tomorrow for us in US, and I’m feeling incredibly grateful to be here and spending a couple evenings with you and your songs… i enjoyed the bits of your appearance on the Late Late Show that I was able to catch…the more I listen to you the more I appreciate the integrity with which you approach your craft. Be well, see you tomorrow night… All the best, Kat
PS- I remember an old cassette tape of a live benefit concert (for unemployment issues??) where I think you sang a song with a lyric “I’m not stupid, I’m not lazy, I don’t want something for nothing but that’s all I can get…” Or similar…I could be imagining, I bought the tape about 30 years ago and I remember biking around town with it on the Walkman as a teenager… Do you know the song…I’ve never heard it since, and that one line is all I remember (or misremember as the case may be…)
Christy's reply
O that poor ballad ! It was the theme song for “Self – Aid ” all of 30 years ago. Though much admired by Eamon McCann “Lets Make it Work” never gained traction and was soon forgotten. This may be the first time it has been mentioned in 30 years.Perhaps it will be revived. A Paul Cleary cover? the B.Side of John Waters next Eurovision song ? I’d settle for either…..hope ye have a good trip
Hi christy i have booked to c u in dublin in vicar street. We missed u in belfast as my daddy anthony tom cahills oldest was diagnose with terminal lung cancer so been a hard time hes still not great but hes under goin treatment and hope with prayers masses and treatment we get a good result but cant wait to c we r standing on the 2.1.18 cant wait to here u play
Christy's reply
Thanks Michelle…..I always remember TC. We did many gigs together.. from The Conway Mill to the wilds of west Donegal
Hi Christy,
Really enjoyed your appearance on the Late Late Show. It always brings back fantastic memories for me when I hear you sing. My Dad Paddy, adored you and went to see you many times over the years. When he passed away in 2013, we had a good friend sing one of your songs accompanied by a flautist, Dad would have loved it. Here’s to you, Christy, and continued success with your new album and tour’s. I have a most treasured album of yours, on a casette tape, which features all the song’s and poem’s during the hunger strike. You sing poor Bobby Sands poem/song beautifully. Thank you for all the pleasure you have given to many over the years. You’re a national treasure. Take care and kindness regards.
Jacintha Ward Heffernan
Christy's reply
I have the facility here to make corrections….I often suffer misspells here myself, many of them caused by the over zealous “Mac” corrector who cant mind its own business.Planxty is always changed to Plenty !!
Thank you for sharing your memory of that old cassette……at the time it was a powerful and emotional project that rallied many musicians,poets, artists and technicians…
Gardaí raided the launch and confiscated 100s of copies which gave the album a great boost of publicity. Their act was covered extensively by the media
The original release was 1,000 vinyl LPs ..subsequently it was re-issued by Sinn Féin publications on Cassette and, I think, later again on CD. The sleeve was from a painting by Tom Ryan
Hi Christy; you don’t know it, but for me you are like my irish oncle!!
Today listening to you with the hard times we are having here I decided to send you a word!! Just to tell you that we love you from Catalonia!! We may need the 5th brigade of the XXI Century as Franco is still alive!!
There’s one sentence it’s really been a reference for me…Only the very safe can talk about wrong and right, of those who are forced to choose, some will choose to fight!! And that’s our choice now in Catalonia!!
Big hug!!
Hearing great reports of the Late Late Show appearance and will hopefully get to see it on the iPlayer soon. Loving the new CD – a great testament to the work done by you, all the players and crew. It arrived at the end of a difficult week and was just the job – a rainbow through the clouds. Where would we be without the songs and the tunes? Thanks Christy for all the joy and comfort that you bring.
Christy's reply
Its been an intriguing journey from concept to release….. its 8 years since it was first mentioned and 3 years since I decided to proceed….many songs to choose from , many aspects to consider, a few notable absentees where we could not find versions that passed muster….already questions being asked about certain omissions but thats the simple reason….
David Meade has recorded all gigs in recent years so there was an extensive search undertaken by himself and Jim Higgins before we committed…
when I got my first copy 5 days ago I put it on my archive shelf whereupon I realised that the collection is now book-ended by “Paddy On The Road” (1969) and “On The Road “2017….I lost poor Paddy somewhere along the journey…
Once I place an album on that rack, the job is done, the journey is complete..
Thanks for a wonderful spot on the Late Late on friday night.It was amusical masterpiece.Looking forward to Vicar St on JAN 2nd.May you and all the crew have a wonderful christmas and a great 2018.
Christy's reply
from Drimoleague to Timoleague and round be Ballydehob where………
“The Boys The Boys of Staball Hill
they never worked and they never will”… ( The Bard of Rathoora)
Hi Christy, I really enjoyed your spot on the late late show this week. I love the stories behind the songs and the way you always acknowledge the writer. Really looking forward to you being back in my home town of Liverpool next year. I’ll be gathering the clan so that once again we can enjoy your music which has become the glue between the generations for us. Look after yourself Christy and see you soon.
Bernie xx
Christy's reply
OK Bernie….it might be 6 months away but I’ve got my eye on returning to The Phil…sadly we dont have Bruce Scott any more but his memory still resounds every time I hear
“He was a poet and a soldier, he died courageously,
we gave him 30,000 votes while in captivity”
Great stuff on the telly last night Christy. It whetted my appetite again and have now put Vicar St. on my Christmas present wish list. I commend your practice of relating the story and the identity of the songwriter. Glad to see Paul McCormack getting deserved acknowledgement as well. Love the local references.
Christy's reply
Keep swingin the thurible Frankie….Make sure you tip all the wine in Fr McNally’s chalice or he’ll chaw the head of ye…. Poor auld Jem Gorman gave a ball breaker of a sermon at the 9.30 this morning….all the poor nuns were exhausted trying to keep awake and Paddy Cullen forgot to ring the bell…The Mons is doin the half eleven..
“Its not my school, its your school
each and every one of your schools”
Alright Christy, You played a Gig in Belfast this year in St Mary’s university and you sung a song which included the Black Mountain of Belfast and for the life of me I can’t remember the name of the song or where you picked it up from any help would be grateful ?
Christy's reply
Rosalita & Jack Cambell was written by Seán Mone from Keady in County Armagh. I heard him sing it at The Frank Harte Festival in 2016. He has given me the nod to record it. He has woven a basket of wonderful songs and can be heard singing some of them on YouTube
Brilliant performance last night – CONGRATULATIONS Christy!
We just were able to watch the LLS here on rte player and enjoyed the songs, your chat with Ryan and the background décor very much.
So wonderful to see Adam’s photo in such great presentation, this must have been a very happy day for him.
What a grand start for “On The Road”!!! Still waiting for my copy with patience …
Best wishes, Traudel
Christy's reply
Thank you Traudel, I’m enjoying this “Flight of Fancy” as the CD wings its way from Bognia to Deutschland..I’m wondering where it might be at this moment
“Hey Mr Postman, whats in your bag ?
Chocolates and Sweets ?”
Hi Christy,
Just a quick word to say congratulations on your spot on the Late Late last night. I have never seen 45 minutes pass so quickly. Just looking at your forthcoming gigs list…I don’t see Clonmel on it. Do you think you’ll be back in town anytime soon.
Will just have to do with your new release until then.
Kindest regards, John O Neill.
Christy's reply
we certainly home to return to that Vale of Honey….
” as I wander abroad by Kilsheelan
where the River meanders on down,
to my left lie The Comeragh Mountains
to the right of me sweet Sliabh na mBan
where the Fishermen cast on the waters
and the apples are pressed into wine
where the herd returns slowly to pasture
through the fields that surround Ballydine “
Hi Christy, i am enjoying the album very much, as one of the “younger fans” you mentioned last night I am very grateful to have this album. Live at the Point and the other live released recordings are great but i really relate to the atmosphere captured in this album because I can relate to it – it instantly transports me to the gig. And it is such a lovely thing to look at Adam’s fab photo on the cover and know that I am there… thanks.. p.s. the Late Late was great! there is a lovely rapport between you and Ryan, he is obviously a big fan of your work and it made for a great interview xx
Christy's reply
looking at the pair of us its easy to see which one always finishes the dinner
..hope all is well in the Four Courts m’Lady
The look of disgust on my wife’s face this morning when i marched in and announced ‘On the Road’ is on Spotify, so i was going to have a wee listen before ordering. Obviously that’s one of the christmas presents spoiled. Hoping for a bridgewater hall ticket too, as long as we can get the wains babysat.
Christy's reply
still and all Chris..its hard to beat the real thing in your hand…Spotify is but an illusion
Forever in your debt. Thank you so much for giving my brother John a shout in London it made his night! We will talk about this night and the fantastic music for years to come!
Thank you,
Maeve
Hi Christy,
the belgian crew is coming again.
We are looking forward to a new gig on Friday night in Castleblayney. Our son Lars nor our daugther Eva can’t join us this time, too busy with school and studies. Which they regret sincerly and they send you their very best wishes.
We’ve watched your briljant performance in the LLS. Congrats with the On the Road album. It gives a very nice view on your work and live concerts, but being present on your gigs stays the real thing. So we’ll keep coming.
all the best and see you tomorrow
Els & Piet
you two love birds are always welcome…thank you for your continued long distance listening…safe journey….had a good first night in Blayney tonight but I got some juice left in the tank for tomorrow
Hi Christy, thanks for the shout out in Derry and Fairytale of New York , sorry I wasn’t there to hear it….but I loved the gig the following night and I loved Derry, my first time there, I did spend time in Armagh, Belfast and Portadown in the late eighties putting together a scout Jamboree “Gosford 89”, jointly hosted by the various scouting organizations of the time.
Anyway I heard you sing Motherland and I was very sad because I had been reading about Trumps new tax reform here in the US and “the lust and the avarice, the bottomless cavernous greed” is growing and prevalent. It’s appalling that when a teacher buys crayons or paper for their kids as they often do that they cannot deduct that from taxable income but if you own a private jet or a golf course your good to go !
I Loved the Late Late, and it was lovely to see Hilary and Adam up front and center. I’m looking forward to getting the new CD and as always I enjoy your interpretation and rendition of the many songs, butterfly is humming in the background as I write…
Be well and thanks again for everything.
Brian.
Thanks Brian…..you have a lot to think about in the USA these days…. lots of upheaval here too…difference is, while your clown plays lead prick on the world stage….ours mimes to an Island tune…..
“agh! the poor auld lousy auld Earth,
A Cat’s Flux” ( Sam B.)
Hey Christy,
Great and much good luck with your new release!
I don’t know Christy if I have posted this already here or not. But I would bet if I have not already, I’d bet you might dig it. Jerry, I believe, has become dry just like you. And as for Jerry, that is a very good thing; since, drunk he was absolutely awful on stage.
With a few 6.0 brew under my belt, well, my intentions are actually quite good Christy. and good will and much continued success to you and yours.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjkGlZzZLjY
Gotta say…you have posted some stuff here over the years but this music really warms the cockles of my heart….its a cold November night here in Castleblayney, County Monaghan… I’ve just listened to Jerry Jeff Walker and his buddys in the back of the van..I really enjoyed that ….. you old renegade
Plenty of Planxty sounds alright to me so does Copious Christy! Any plans to release on vinyl? Hope you do play in Gaoth Dobhair next year. We’re looking forward to our friend/s Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh agus Na Mooneys playing in An Cultúrlann in December. Remember there’s always a brimming bowl of Falls Road Chowder with your name on it! Slán agus beannacht!
any Vinyl release will be decided by Columbia Records…..last year they released a Vinyl version of “Live at The Point” to mark the 25th year of its release….of course I shall give them the nod and the wink but its outside my jurisdiction….I’ve been on to Oifig an Gaeltacht at our HQ but they appear to be either on Paternal leave or away with the “compromise rules” squad in OZ….the telefón has not been answered for the past seachtain….it surely must be time to try out this chowder of yours
Evening Christy,
Flew over from Boston this morning… children tucked in early and all are looking forward to the Castleblayney gigs tomorrow and Fri. Thanksgiving day tomorrow for us in US, and I’m feeling incredibly grateful to be here and spending a couple evenings with you and your songs… i enjoyed the bits of your appearance on the Late Late Show that I was able to catch…the more I listen to you the more I appreciate the integrity with which you approach your craft. Be well, see you tomorrow night… All the best, Kat
PS- I remember an old cassette tape of a live benefit concert (for unemployment issues??) where I think you sang a song with a lyric “I’m not stupid, I’m not lazy, I don’t want something for nothing but that’s all I can get…” Or similar…I could be imagining, I bought the tape about 30 years ago and I remember biking around town with it on the Walkman as a teenager… Do you know the song…I’ve never heard it since, and that one line is all I remember (or misremember as the case may be…)
O that poor ballad ! It was the theme song for “Self – Aid ” all of 30 years ago. Though much admired by Eamon McCann “Lets Make it Work” never gained traction and was soon forgotten. This may be the first time it has been mentioned in 30 years.Perhaps it will be revived. A Paul Cleary cover? the B.Side of John Waters next Eurovision song ? I’d settle for either…..hope ye have a good trip
Hi christy i have booked to c u in dublin in vicar street. We missed u in belfast as my daddy anthony tom cahills oldest was diagnose with terminal lung cancer so been a hard time hes still not great but hes under goin treatment and hope with prayers masses and treatment we get a good result but cant wait to c we r standing on the 2.1.18 cant wait to here u play
Thanks Michelle…..I always remember TC. We did many gigs together.. from The Conway Mill to the wilds of west Donegal
Hi Christy,
Really enjoyed your appearance on the Late Late Show. It always brings back fantastic memories for me when I hear you sing. My Dad Paddy, adored you and went to see you many times over the years. When he passed away in 2013, we had a good friend sing one of your songs accompanied by a flautist, Dad would have loved it. Here’s to you, Christy, and continued success with your new album and tour’s. I have a most treasured album of yours, on a casette tape, which features all the song’s and poem’s during the hunger strike. You sing poor Bobby Sands poem/song beautifully. Thank you for all the pleasure you have given to many over the years. You’re a national treasure. Take care and kindness regards.
Jacintha Ward Heffernan
I have the facility here to make corrections….I often suffer misspells here myself, many of them caused by the over zealous “Mac” corrector who cant mind its own business.Planxty is always changed to Plenty !!
Thank you for sharing your memory of that old cassette……at the time it was a powerful and emotional project that rallied many musicians,poets, artists and technicians…
Gardaí raided the launch and confiscated 100s of copies which gave the album a great boost of publicity. Their act was covered extensively by the media
The original release was 1,000 vinyl LPs ..subsequently it was re-issued by Sinn Féin publications on Cassette and, I think, later again on CD. The sleeve was from a painting by Tom Ryan
Hi Christy; you don’t know it, but for me you are like my irish oncle!!
Today listening to you with the hard times we are having here I decided to send you a word!! Just to tell you that we love you from Catalonia!! We may need the 5th brigade of the XXI Century as Franco is still alive!!
There’s one sentence it’s really been a reference for me…Only the very safe can talk about wrong and right, of those who are forced to choose, some will choose to fight!! And that’s our choice now in Catalonia!!
Big hug!!
justice and peace be with you
Hearing great reports of the Late Late Show appearance and will hopefully get to see it on the iPlayer soon. Loving the new CD – a great testament to the work done by you, all the players and crew. It arrived at the end of a difficult week and was just the job – a rainbow through the clouds. Where would we be without the songs and the tunes? Thanks Christy for all the joy and comfort that you bring.
Its been an intriguing journey from concept to release….. its 8 years since it was first mentioned and 3 years since I decided to proceed….many songs to choose from , many aspects to consider, a few notable absentees where we could not find versions that passed muster….already questions being asked about certain omissions but thats the simple reason….
David Meade has recorded all gigs in recent years so there was an extensive search undertaken by himself and Jim Higgins before we committed…
when I got my first copy 5 days ago I put it on my archive shelf whereupon I realised that the collection is now book-ended by “Paddy On The Road” (1969) and “On The Road “2017….I lost poor Paddy somewhere along the journey…
Once I place an album on that rack, the job is done, the journey is complete..
Its time to face the music again !……
C, Doherty, thanks to Martin Mac, we can all enjoy this again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqpUSz69QC0
Martin Mac is your only man..
Thanks for a wonderful spot on the Late Late on friday night.It was amusical masterpiece.Looking forward to Vicar St on JAN 2nd.May you and all the crew have a wonderful christmas and a great 2018.
from Drimoleague to Timoleague and round be Ballydehob where………
“The Boys The Boys of Staball Hill
they never worked and they never will”… ( The Bard of Rathoora)
Hi Christy, I really enjoyed your spot on the late late show this week. I love the stories behind the songs and the way you always acknowledge the writer. Really looking forward to you being back in my home town of Liverpool next year. I’ll be gathering the clan so that once again we can enjoy your music which has become the glue between the generations for us. Look after yourself Christy and see you soon.
Bernie xx
OK Bernie….it might be 6 months away but I’ve got my eye on returning to The Phil…sadly we dont have Bruce Scott any more but his memory still resounds every time I hear
“He was a poet and a soldier, he died courageously,
we gave him 30,000 votes while in captivity”
Great stuff on the telly last night Christy. It whetted my appetite again and have now put Vicar St. on my Christmas present wish list. I commend your practice of relating the story and the identity of the songwriter. Glad to see Paul McCormack getting deserved acknowledgement as well. Love the local references.
Keep swingin the thurible Frankie….Make sure you tip all the wine in Fr McNally’s chalice or he’ll chaw the head of ye…. Poor auld Jem Gorman gave a ball breaker of a sermon at the 9.30 this morning….all the poor nuns were exhausted trying to keep awake and Paddy Cullen forgot to ring the bell…The Mons is doin the half eleven..
“Its not my school, its your school
each and every one of your schools”
Alright Christy, You played a Gig in Belfast this year in St Mary’s university and you sung a song which included the Black Mountain of Belfast and for the life of me I can’t remember the name of the song or where you picked it up from any help would be grateful ?
Rosalita & Jack Cambell was written by Seán Mone from Keady in County Armagh. I heard him sing it at The Frank Harte Festival in 2016. He has given me the nod to record it. He has woven a basket of wonderful songs and can be heard singing some of them on YouTube
Brilliant performance last night – CONGRATULATIONS Christy!
We just were able to watch the LLS here on rte player and enjoyed the songs, your chat with Ryan and the background décor very much.
So wonderful to see Adam’s photo in such great presentation, this must have been a very happy day for him.
What a grand start for “On The Road”!!! Still waiting for my copy with patience …
Best wishes, Traudel
Thank you Traudel, I’m enjoying this “Flight of Fancy” as the CD wings its way from Bognia to Deutschland..I’m wondering where it might be at this moment
“Hey Mr Postman, whats in your bag ?
Chocolates and Sweets ?”
Hi Christy,
Just a quick word to say congratulations on your spot on the Late Late last night. I have never seen 45 minutes pass so quickly. Just looking at your forthcoming gigs list…I don’t see Clonmel on it. Do you think you’ll be back in town anytime soon.
Will just have to do with your new release until then.
Kindest regards, John O Neill.
we certainly home to return to that Vale of Honey….
” as I wander abroad by Kilsheelan
where the River meanders on down,
to my left lie The Comeragh Mountains
to the right of me sweet Sliabh na mBan
where the Fishermen cast on the waters
and the apples are pressed into wine
where the herd returns slowly to pasture
through the fields that surround Ballydine “
Watching your performance on Tubridy from London! Lots of love Christy x
“O Sullivan’s John to the road you’ve gone
Far away from your native Home”
x
Hi Christy, i am enjoying the album very much, as one of the “younger fans” you mentioned last night I am very grateful to have this album. Live at the Point and the other live released recordings are great but i really relate to the atmosphere captured in this album because I can relate to it – it instantly transports me to the gig. And it is such a lovely thing to look at Adam’s fab photo on the cover and know that I am there… thanks.. p.s. the Late Late was great! there is a lovely rapport between you and Ryan, he is obviously a big fan of your work and it made for a great interview xx
looking at the pair of us its easy to see which one always finishes the dinner
..hope all is well in the Four Courts m’Lady
The look of disgust on my wife’s face this morning when i marched in and announced ‘On the Road’ is on Spotify, so i was going to have a wee listen before ordering. Obviously that’s one of the christmas presents spoiled. Hoping for a bridgewater hall ticket too, as long as we can get the wains babysat.
still and all Chris..its hard to beat the real thing in your hand…Spotify is but an illusion
Forever in your debt. Thank you so much for giving my brother John a shout in London it made his night! We will talk about this night and the fantastic music for years to come!
Thank you,
Maeve
Flow Sweet River Flow