Looking forward to making some great memories and seeing you play tonight Christy
Christy's reply
my memories of last night include;
playing a song for Phyllis O’Callaghan who will be 90 tomorrow…last night was her first time at our gig… Phyllis still rides her bicycle every day so there was only one song to sing for her
playing a song for 10 year old Conor O’Donnell who travelled from Luton in Bedfordshire..his favourite song is Ordinary M and it was inspiring to see him bop in his seat as we tore into Peter Hames’ great song
afterwards we met a family who had travelled from Jersey in the Channel Islands
we sang for Anne Lovett, for Joanne Hayes, for Karen Livingstone, for the 48 who died in The Stardust, Artane ( prop Eamon Butterly), we remembered Declan O’Farrell ( The Boy), Joe Dolan…we had two great nights in Mullingar…thank you all who created the air that gave us the energy to raise our game
“In Mullingar that night we rested limbs so weary,
started by daylight next morning bright and early
took a drop of the pure to keep me heart from sinkin
thats the Paddy’s cure whenever he’s on for drinkin”
Hi Cristy,
A lovely Gig in the Middle of the Island last night………The audience were in great form as was yourself and the “orchestra”. It was wonderful of you to pay tribute to Declan, a Man who travelled this country and beyond entertaining the listeners.
Thanks for “ January Man”…..I might have been a Month or so late, but the Dubs beat me to the call in Thomas Street, and never gave me a chance……..sure they “bate” us at everything….Isn’t Leo going to give them 3 more Luas !!!!!!.
I’ll be back again tonight, and if January Man appears, sure I won’t complain one bit.
Best Regards,
Patsy
Christy's reply
I lost touch with Declan “The Boy” O’Farrell these past few years..I was very sorry to hear of his passing….always loved his version of “The Lake of Coolfin”….we played many gigs together 30 years ago…
Hi Christy sorry for taking so long to send my thanks for singing Fairtytale for me at Killishee you made an old man very happy and Rory an even older man 🙂 very happy. What a great concert and so many legends in the arena none bigger than you may I add! We arrived safely back in Scotland and thankfully still a little money in our pockets after taking in Naas races. Will be looking out for Ruby at St Patricks Cheltenham. Thanks again and take care big man
Christy's reply
It was a great buzz to meet Ted and all the Walsh Family in Kilashee last week……for me they represent the true spirit of the traditional horse racing community…..from the sidelines,I sense that their horse racing world is not based upon power and wealth but on a love of Horses and sport……it was good to hear Ruby share that his wounds are almost healed, that he is ready to mount up once more..
“Gallopin down the back straight Ruby has her in a canter,
look at her lep the jumps begod she’s like a ballet dancer.
over the last she hits the front,nothin is goin to pass her
its winner all right, Up Kildare and Follow me Up to Carlow !”
I never got round to Bogey’s Bonnie Belle….
“The Blackbird sang so tunefully,the Mavis sang so shrill
but none of them could sing so sweet as Bogie’s Bonny Belle”
Hi Christy,
Here as a Christmas present from my son for the gig on Saturday. Seen you many times down the years and never disappointed. I remember putting my pints on your stage in the Royal Marine Hotel Dún Laoghaire many years ago and will never forget the time you played a request from me to my friend in the Half Moon in Kilburn in the 80’s.
Keep er lit ?
Christy &, Eileen
(Crumlin Swimming Pool, many years ago)
Christy's reply
Was that the Half Moon in Putney or was it The National Ballroom in Kilburn ?
are we talking Moving Hearts era here ?
I still remember Baz and Susie in Putney….those were special nights with The Hearts ….for me they were standout gigs from 52 years in front of the lamps
those Half Moon gigs were even hotter then the sauna in The Crumlin Health Centre ….
Christy, sorry to hear your stayin’ indoors, if you change your mind drop me a nod. I have a friend with a bar who has already promised me the loan of his out door beer garden heater ( but you will have to supply your own gas bottle). I also have an old 3 bar electric fire up in the loft which I can dig out, one of the elements has gone but with that and the heater you should stay warm. Also I am sure the appropriate head gear will stop the old crown topper from ‘blowin’ in the wind’, don’t know why but I can see you in a bishops mitre, Keep me posted if you decide to have a change of heart.
Christy's reply
gather up your heaters and 3 bar electrics…I’m on my way…dont forget the mitre..I’m a seven and five eighths
Hi Christy, getting ready to go to Dún na nGall for a hen ?party! My son’s rattling away on the guitar and singing go, move shift!…big birthday recently and among the many wonderful presents was an Irish flute and tickets to see you in the Orchard County. Go well! Mary
Christy's reply
Ah Mary !
“Where Nature has lavished her bounty” (Bridie Gallagher)
Hope all is well,great gig last week in Nass the new Mic seems to be working really well on the way to Mullingar
any chance of hearing Billy Grey or Rocky Road tonight.
See you later .
Adam
Christy's reply
stranger things have happened Adam…but dont be holding your breath…..more pictures of Jimmy needed !
By pure chance I met a German lady last night who was in transit to Mullingar via Berlin for tonight’s gig. She had mentioned that it was her first time in Ireland & that she wanted to write a message to you here, but felt that her English may not have been clear enough. I asked for her name and told her I would sent you a quick message that you may see before the gig. The ladies name is Erikah. Won’t make it tonight but will catch you soon along the way..Have a great gig.
Irish settlers came to the place where my hometown lies about 1100 years ago. The first weekend in July each year we celebrate Irish days, though not much is Irish about this weekend. But we are very proud of our origin though the settlers might have been Northern vikings living in Ireland for many years before sailing the Atlantic. We feel connected to Ireland and many places here are said to have their names from the green island.
Christy's reply
an old Bandmate of mine once travelled to Iceland to play music….he was very taken by the country,its people and culture…he told me that he met many people to whom he felt related….in fact, by the time he left,he had become related to quite a few….he said it sometimes got very cold in the evenings, but he soon got the hang of it….he learned that the secret was not to take too much out of yourself….I’ll have to check it out, I could work my way up from Cherbourg
Woohoo! Just secured a couple of tickets to see Christy doin it Shligo Shtyle in June. Haven’t been home on the oul sod for over two years. Time flies when you’re not lookin I suppose. Twill be mighty to be back on the banks of the old Garavogue. And with Christy as me guide, sure who could ask for anything more. Or would that be anything Moore? Woohoo!
Christy's reply
from Coolooney and Coolaney, from Strandhill and Cliffoney, we’ll meet ’em all on McSharry Way, where the crow shit on the hen’s lip and they shot the pigs for bein hungry….we’ll wander from the Hazelwood and climb up to Maeve’s scratcher to lie in the glade, drink lemonade and we’ll top it off in Coolara House
Good afternoon….Just back from Dublin and Tradfest. I tried very hard to get a ticket to see you at Vicar Street. Have you ever thought about coming to perform here? Failing that, I may try to get to Newcastle on Tyne later this year. Any chance of you being there? Am enjoying Ride On . We have abrilliant festivan in Orillia the birthplace of Gordon Lightfoot, In July ????
.Thank you for you time and your lovely music
Hi Christy,
my wife and me are in Mullingar friday night to see ya. Just a little special request cause we made the trip from Germany over for your gig we would love to hear Missing You and Honda 50 if possible.Thanks a million..take care, Matthias
Hi Christy,
looking forward to the Phil in May but disappointed to see you won’t be joining us for our first Liverpool Feis in July. Apparently they tried to get you on board but the good people of Dundalk beat them to it. We will just have to do with Van the Man, Damo The Hothouse Flowers & Emelder May (to name just a few) but your presence would have been the cherry on the icing on the cake. Hopefully ‘your people’ have spoken to ‘their people’ and they have you pencilled in for next year. Seen you on numerous occasions at many different locations over the past 32 years but seeing you play outdoors under the shadow of the Liver Birds by the banks of the (Royal Blue) Mersey would defiantly be one to savoir. Stay safe.
Christy's reply
Hey John,
I decided to give up on the outdoor gigs….last time I played open air was with Coldplay in Punchestown…there was a fierce gust blew across the stage as i opened my set ( 1 song)… it tore the crown topper straight off my head, Chris Martin covered my poor old bald pate with his towel as 80,000 young ones wrestled to possess my wig …..
afterwards, backstage, her fella Jay-Zee tipped me 50 bucks, he thought I was a doorman, I thought he was a bodyguard…..
sounds like you got a great line up there already..
I’m stickin indoor
Hi Christy,
I wanted to compliment you on the performances in Killashee but Paul beat me to it. You also got compliments from KFM’s Shane Beatty who was there on Sat. Also this morning on KFM, The Voyage was voted as the fav. St. Valentine’s song by a country mile. So the Lilywhites appreciate you still and not forgetting Moorefield especially on Sat.
Regards, Frankie……
Christy's reply
good man Frankie, great buzz hearing from Paul over there in United City, hope all is well in Walshestown..whatever happened to The Pinkeen Bridge ?…
by keeping one’s head in the sand, in pages of missal, in the clouds of sweet incense that flow from the swinging thurible, with eyes towards heaven,with heart fearing hell,in the throes of infallabiity, forever in original sin…..and thats only the half of it
interesting that you focus your query upon this once pagan Island
Hi Christy my partner and I have loved you throughout ourt 25 year relationship and we know you are very busy but if you fancied singing The Voyage for us on our wedding day it would mean the world to us. I know its a big ask but just putting it out there. I grew up listening to you and if you don’t ask you don’t know
Christy's reply
I have been forbidden by Canon law to sing on such occasions..under pain of Sin
Dear Christy,
I flew home for the gig in Killashee on Friday night and wanted to drop you a line to let you know my thoughts. My father Frankie and uncle Brian were both ‘your generation’ growing up in Newbridge. I think Brian might even have been in your class in primary school. I also brought my Mam and Dad with me to the gig on Friday- it was their Christmas present! (yes, I do spoil them).
I’ve been in England since 1996 when I came over to university. I do miss home from time to time but I consider myself lucky because I’m only a 35 minute flight away and can pop home when I want to. I know there are thousands of Irish much further afield who don’t have that option. I try to play a bit of guitar and love to sing ‘Missing You’ because I can relate to it. I lived the London for a few years and I’ve met the Irish ‘mis-fits’ in the pubs who no longer feel they can return home for one reason or another. I always thought that was sad.
Age definitely sharpens the appreciation and longing for your roots. I’m only 40 but can feel its importance growing. Flying home for the gig was more of a pilgrimage than anything. For me, it was about re-connecting with home and strengthening that bond with people and place. As I get older, it’s become more and more important to me that I take the time to experience events like Friday night. Yes, I’m becoming more and more nostalgic about home, but even for people still living in Kildare, I know it was a very special night.
Your song, Lily, epitomises this emotion, this sense of pride in place. I’m not aware of any other song that captures the essence of my hometown in this way. Listening to you sing it on Friday, I was getting a bit emotional to be honest. I can understand why it took you so long to write it- no doubt, you wanted to get it right because its important to you. Well, I wanted you to know that it means an awful lot to all of us from Newbridge. The song also connects those of us ‘scattered round the globe’ and yes- it does make us ‘dream of being home again’.
Friday night was a ‘Kildare love in’. It was a whirlwind of memories of loved ones, raw emotion, happiness and gratitude for where I come from. It meant a lot to me. You bring it to all together with the music and the energy of your performance. Obviously we didn’t do a bad job on backing vocals either!
Thanks for putting an Droichead Nua into timeless verse and for caring so much about where we’re from. All the best Paul x
Christy's reply
Thank you Paul and best wishes to Frankie, Brian and all the Boland Clan….its lovely to get a bit of hometown feedback on “Lily”…..writing it was a labour of love…when I sing it I am always transported back to that place and time….hope Manchester is good to you…I started my journey in the Folk Clubs there over 50 years ago
spring is on its way Christy birds are singing in the garden.
“on a day in Spring,when snows start to melt and streams to flow,
with the birds I’ll sing a song”…( Barney Rushe)
Looking forward to making some great memories and seeing you play tonight Christy
my memories of last night include;
playing a song for Phyllis O’Callaghan who will be 90 tomorrow…last night was her first time at our gig… Phyllis still rides her bicycle every day so there was only one song to sing for her
playing a song for 10 year old Conor O’Donnell who travelled from Luton in Bedfordshire..his favourite song is Ordinary M and it was inspiring to see him bop in his seat as we tore into Peter Hames’ great song
afterwards we met a family who had travelled from Jersey in the Channel Islands
we sang for Anne Lovett, for Joanne Hayes, for Karen Livingstone, for the 48 who died in The Stardust, Artane ( prop Eamon Butterly), we remembered Declan O’Farrell ( The Boy), Joe Dolan…we had two great nights in Mullingar…thank you all who created the air that gave us the energy to raise our game
“In Mullingar that night we rested limbs so weary,
started by daylight next morning bright and early
took a drop of the pure to keep me heart from sinkin
thats the Paddy’s cure whenever he’s on for drinkin”
Hi Cristy,
A lovely Gig in the Middle of the Island last night………The audience were in great form as was yourself and the “orchestra”. It was wonderful of you to pay tribute to Declan, a Man who travelled this country and beyond entertaining the listeners.
Thanks for “ January Man”…..I might have been a Month or so late, but the Dubs beat me to the call in Thomas Street, and never gave me a chance……..sure they “bate” us at everything….Isn’t Leo going to give them 3 more Luas !!!!!!.
I’ll be back again tonight, and if January Man appears, sure I won’t complain one bit.
Best Regards,
Patsy
I lost touch with Declan “The Boy” O’Farrell these past few years..I was very sorry to hear of his passing….always loved his version of “The Lake of Coolfin”….we played many gigs together 30 years ago…
Thanks for your feedback
Hi Christy sorry for taking so long to send my thanks for singing Fairtytale for me at Killishee you made an old man very happy and Rory an even older man 🙂 very happy. What a great concert and so many legends in the arena none bigger than you may I add! We arrived safely back in Scotland and thankfully still a little money in our pockets after taking in Naas races. Will be looking out for Ruby at St Patricks Cheltenham. Thanks again and take care big man
It was a great buzz to meet Ted and all the Walsh Family in Kilashee last week……for me they represent the true spirit of the traditional horse racing community…..from the sidelines,I sense that their horse racing world is not based upon power and wealth but on a love of Horses and sport……it was good to hear Ruby share that his wounds are almost healed, that he is ready to mount up once more..
“Gallopin down the back straight Ruby has her in a canter,
look at her lep the jumps begod she’s like a ballet dancer.
over the last she hits the front,nothin is goin to pass her
its winner all right, Up Kildare and Follow me Up to Carlow !”
I never got round to Bogey’s Bonnie Belle….
“The Blackbird sang so tunefully,the Mavis sang so shrill
but none of them could sing so sweet as Bogie’s Bonny Belle”
Hi Christy,
Here as a Christmas present from my son for the gig on Saturday. Seen you many times down the years and never disappointed. I remember putting my pints on your stage in the Royal Marine Hotel Dún Laoghaire many years ago and will never forget the time you played a request from me to my friend in the Half Moon in Kilburn in the 80’s.
Keep er lit ?
Christy &, Eileen
(Crumlin Swimming Pool, many years ago)
Was that the Half Moon in Putney or was it The National Ballroom in Kilburn ?
are we talking Moving Hearts era here ?
I still remember Baz and Susie in Putney….those were special nights with The Hearts ….for me they were standout gigs from 52 years in front of the lamps
those Half Moon gigs were even hotter then the sauna in The Crumlin Health Centre ….
Warming up for the gig tomorrow
me too
Christy, sorry to hear your stayin’ indoors, if you change your mind drop me a nod. I have a friend with a bar who has already promised me the loan of his out door beer garden heater ( but you will have to supply your own gas bottle). I also have an old 3 bar electric fire up in the loft which I can dig out, one of the elements has gone but with that and the heater you should stay warm. Also I am sure the appropriate head gear will stop the old crown topper from ‘blowin’ in the wind’, don’t know why but I can see you in a bishops mitre, Keep me posted if you decide to have a change of heart.
gather up your heaters and 3 bar electrics…I’m on my way…dont forget the mitre..I’m a seven and five eighths
Hi Christy, getting ready to go to Dún na nGall for a hen ?party! My son’s rattling away on the guitar and singing go, move shift!…big birthday recently and among the many wonderful presents was an Irish flute and tickets to see you in the Orchard County. Go well! Mary
Ah Mary !
“Where Nature has lavished her bounty” (Bridie Gallagher)
Hi ya Christy
Hope all is well,great gig last week in Nass the new Mic seems to be working really well on the way to Mullingar
any chance of hearing Billy Grey or Rocky Road tonight.
See you later .
Adam
stranger things have happened Adam…but dont be holding your breath…..more pictures of Jimmy needed !
Good morning Christy!
By pure chance I met a German lady last night who was in transit to Mullingar via Berlin for tonight’s gig. She had mentioned that it was her first time in Ireland & that she wanted to write a message to you here, but felt that her English may not have been clear enough. I asked for her name and told her I would sent you a quick message that you may see before the gig. The ladies name is Erikah. Won’t make it tonight but will catch you soon along the way..Have a great gig.
“This is the day the fisherman likes..”
Kev
what were you doing in the back of her Transit ?
Irish settlers came to the place where my hometown lies about 1100 years ago. The first weekend in July each year we celebrate Irish days, though not much is Irish about this weekend. But we are very proud of our origin though the settlers might have been Northern vikings living in Ireland for many years before sailing the Atlantic. We feel connected to Ireland and many places here are said to have their names from the green island.
an old Bandmate of mine once travelled to Iceland to play music….he was very taken by the country,its people and culture…he told me that he met many people to whom he felt related….in fact, by the time he left,he had become related to quite a few….he said it sometimes got very cold in the evenings, but he soon got the hang of it….he learned that the secret was not to take too much out of yourself….I’ll have to check it out, I could work my way up from Cherbourg
Woohoo! Just secured a couple of tickets to see Christy doin it Shligo Shtyle in June. Haven’t been home on the oul sod for over two years. Time flies when you’re not lookin I suppose. Twill be mighty to be back on the banks of the old Garavogue. And with Christy as me guide, sure who could ask for anything more. Or would that be anything Moore? Woohoo!
from Coolooney and Coolaney, from Strandhill and Cliffoney, we’ll meet ’em all on McSharry Way, where the crow shit on the hen’s lip and they shot the pigs for bein hungry….we’ll wander from the Hazelwood and climb up to Maeve’s scratcher to lie in the glade, drink lemonade and we’ll top it off in Coolara House
Good afternoon….Just back from Dublin and Tradfest. I tried very hard to get a ticket to see you at Vicar Street. Have you ever thought about coming to perform here? Failing that, I may try to get to Newcastle on Tyne later this year. Any chance of you being there? Am enjoying Ride On . We have abrilliant festivan in Orillia the birthplace of Gordon Lightfoot, In July ????
.Thank you for you time and your lovely music
“greetings to Canada-i-o”… (Nic Jones)
Hi Christy,
my wife and me are in Mullingar friday night to see ya. Just a little special request cause we made the trip from Germany over for your gig we would love to hear Missing You and Honda 50 if possible.Thanks a million..take care, Matthias
“hit the nitro”
Hi Christy,
looking forward to the Phil in May but disappointed to see you won’t be joining us for our first Liverpool Feis in July. Apparently they tried to get you on board but the good people of Dundalk beat them to it. We will just have to do with Van the Man, Damo The Hothouse Flowers & Emelder May (to name just a few) but your presence would have been the cherry on the icing on the cake. Hopefully ‘your people’ have spoken to ‘their people’ and they have you pencilled in for next year. Seen you on numerous occasions at many different locations over the past 32 years but seeing you play outdoors under the shadow of the Liver Birds by the banks of the (Royal Blue) Mersey would defiantly be one to savoir. Stay safe.
Hey John,
I decided to give up on the outdoor gigs….last time I played open air was with Coldplay in Punchestown…there was a fierce gust blew across the stage as i opened my set ( 1 song)… it tore the crown topper straight off my head, Chris Martin covered my poor old bald pate with his towel as 80,000 young ones wrestled to possess my wig …..
afterwards, backstage, her fella Jay-Zee tipped me 50 bucks, he thought I was a doorman, I thought he was a bodyguard…..
sounds like you got a great line up there already..
I’m stickin indoor
Hi Christy,
I wanted to compliment you on the performances in Killashee but Paul beat me to it. You also got compliments from KFM’s Shane Beatty who was there on Sat. Also this morning on KFM, The Voyage was voted as the fav. St. Valentine’s song by a country mile. So the Lilywhites appreciate you still and not forgetting Moorefield especially on Sat.
Regards, Frankie……
good man Frankie, great buzz hearing from Paul over there in United City, hope all is well in Walshestown..whatever happened to The Pinkeen Bridge ?…
No disrepect to anyone. But after the catholic – pointed hat – rapes. How could anyone in Ireland remain a catholic?
https://www.youtube.com/edit?video_id=B_vFEcJ6Y-Y&video_referrer=watch
by keeping one’s head in the sand, in pages of missal, in the clouds of sweet incense that flow from the swinging thurible, with eyes towards heaven,with heart fearing hell,in the throes of infallabiity, forever in original sin…..and thats only the half of it
interesting that you focus your query upon this once pagan Island
Hi Christy my partner and I have loved you throughout ourt 25 year relationship and we know you are very busy but if you fancied singing The Voyage for us on our wedding day it would mean the world to us. I know its a big ask but just putting it out there. I grew up listening to you and if you don’t ask you don’t know
I have been forbidden by Canon law to sing on such occasions..under pain of Sin
Dear Christy,
I flew home for the gig in Killashee on Friday night and wanted to drop you a line to let you know my thoughts. My father Frankie and uncle Brian were both ‘your generation’ growing up in Newbridge. I think Brian might even have been in your class in primary school. I also brought my Mam and Dad with me to the gig on Friday- it was their Christmas present! (yes, I do spoil them).
I’ve been in England since 1996 when I came over to university. I do miss home from time to time but I consider myself lucky because I’m only a 35 minute flight away and can pop home when I want to. I know there are thousands of Irish much further afield who don’t have that option. I try to play a bit of guitar and love to sing ‘Missing You’ because I can relate to it. I lived the London for a few years and I’ve met the Irish ‘mis-fits’ in the pubs who no longer feel they can return home for one reason or another. I always thought that was sad.
Age definitely sharpens the appreciation and longing for your roots. I’m only 40 but can feel its importance growing. Flying home for the gig was more of a pilgrimage than anything. For me, it was about re-connecting with home and strengthening that bond with people and place. As I get older, it’s become more and more important to me that I take the time to experience events like Friday night. Yes, I’m becoming more and more nostalgic about home, but even for people still living in Kildare, I know it was a very special night.
Your song, Lily, epitomises this emotion, this sense of pride in place. I’m not aware of any other song that captures the essence of my hometown in this way. Listening to you sing it on Friday, I was getting a bit emotional to be honest. I can understand why it took you so long to write it- no doubt, you wanted to get it right because its important to you. Well, I wanted you to know that it means an awful lot to all of us from Newbridge. The song also connects those of us ‘scattered round the globe’ and yes- it does make us ‘dream of being home again’.
Friday night was a ‘Kildare love in’. It was a whirlwind of memories of loved ones, raw emotion, happiness and gratitude for where I come from. It meant a lot to me. You bring it to all together with the music and the energy of your performance. Obviously we didn’t do a bad job on backing vocals either!
Thanks for putting an Droichead Nua into timeless verse and for caring so much about where we’re from. All the best Paul x
Thank you Paul and best wishes to Frankie, Brian and all the Boland Clan….its lovely to get a bit of hometown feedback on “Lily”…..writing it was a labour of love…when I sing it I am always transported back to that place and time….hope Manchester is good to you…I started my journey in the Folk Clubs there over 50 years ago
Hello Christy,
Thanks for the reply.
As suggested we attach a private SoundCloud link for An Siopa Dubh’s “The Famine Song” written by Patrick Waters and Ronnie Steve Jones.
https://soundcloud.com/fruit-for-the-journey/the-famine-song-1847-52-by-an-siopa-dubh/s-k3f6Q
The song was recorded at Groove For The Journey Studios and was performed by An Siopa Dubh featuring Eoin Dillon ( Kila ) on pipes and whistle.
We are looking to release it and have registered it with PRS in the UK for copyright,
We hope you all like it!
Best Wishes
Ronnie & Pat
An Siopa Dubh
Thank You for sharing…