Dear Christy- I was saddened to hear of Liam O’Flynn’s passing today, and I wanted to send you my condolences. I recently came across a copy of Andy Irvine’s songbook ‘Aiming for the Heart’, and thus Planxty has been on my mind and in the air as such lately…There are so many little moments when Liam’s playing shifts the gravity in the room, little moments of transcendence that let you just float there for a moment and for them I am thankful. I make my living as a visual artist, and it’s often those moments when music makes all become weightless that the hands get restless and things get done. Call and response, humble though the response may be. What a gift to share with us. I am grateful. Rest well Liam O’Flynn.
Christy .
Was saddened to hear this morning of the passing of your good friend Liam Og O Flynn. A truly gifted man and gentleman I had the honour to meet.
A great ambassador for his country and for music. Known throughout the world for the beautiful strains of his pipes he is irreplaceable.
May he rest in peace.
Barney
Good day Christy! I’m looking forward to your upcoming gig in the ‘white elephant’ sleive russell hotel nestled on the fermanagh-cavan brexit border area. we seen you here last may and it was a terrific gig! hopefully your looking forward to coming back to this neck of the woods with the lovely lakes and industrial heartland surrounding it. please play for us “Butterfly” and “north and south”. all the best and keep up the momentum good sir
Christy's reply
I’ve always liked venues that straddle invisible borders….thon Russell is one such, another was in Tierworker…Pedigree Corner straddles 3 counties ( with a slight bit of geographical licence) …yours faithfully..shortgrass bogman
My wife and i saw you at knightsbrook last weekend. I’ve been a fan all my life but was the first time to see you live. It was the best concert i’ve ever been to and 2 of the happiest hours of my life. Thank you Christy and band.
Christy's reply
We’ve played that Trim gig annually for the past 10 years and it always works well for us…the management and staff at Knightsbrook always weigh in to make it work, the audience gathers from far and wide into County Meath….thanks for your feedback
Seeing the post about people celebrating their “Hawaii 5-0” made me think now there’s a venue for a gaggle lol. Alternatively, will you, Dec and the crew be sporting the Hawaiian shirts?? Great pleasure to hear Dec and Vickie in Strabane through the week – jus what the Doctor ordered 🙂 See you in the Clanree
Christy's reply
round we go, heel to the toe,
rory bannerman
March 10, 2018 at 6:33 pm
Location: hawick, home of more than 50 scotland internationalists
congratulations. we were beaten by the better team, the best team, the champions. serenade them well ,in advance of the grand slam at twickenham , Christy.
Christy's reply
we spent a grand few hours together last night….all in good shape as they prepare for Twickenham ( and Cheltenham !)…..
Well Christy that was some gig in the lyrath tonight great vibe all round the room…enjoyed ordinary man.. thanks for that… great to see Hilary and Adam again .. we will see you in tent in June.. best wishes to you and all the crew .. tony and Fiona ..
Christy's reply
the Lyrath is a great gig room….always a buzz when we hit the stage….its 46 years since I first played The Marble City with Planxty…I still remember that night clearly…..we are in serious training for The Marquee….I do four press-ups every morning
What fantastic tales , oh to be a fly on the wall. Great men, a great sport, fine songs, fantastic occasions. I was lucky enough to stand on wonderful hawick high street in the sunshine yesterday talking rugby with the brilliant jim renwick for 20 minutes, smashing tales and thoughts on the game.
We will both have a great day from the anthems til the last bar room song is sung.
The very best of luck next weekend, we hope you instill the lads with music to swell the hearts and remembering joxer arm in arm with jack charlton singing ….
Christmas morning for a 9 year old.
The lotto, for a long hauler.
The cure, for a sick person.
The sun, the moon, the stars, the lot.
Life’s short and I’m only asking. Are you dancing?, Are you asking?
What else can I say?
Please just think about it, That’s all.
Your ‘oul friends,
Decky & Tina.
Christy's reply
Morra Decky & Tina…always good to hear from you….the Committee are pondering the Retro….
Hiya Christy, can’t wait to see you in Waterford in March, my sister Deirdre is coming home from Southampton to see you so you will have 2 Rathangan women in the house.. I have been dragging my Waterford husband Odran to see you every time you played in Waterford for the last 25 years.. we usually request Nancy Spain and you usually sing it for us !!!
From Sue, Dee, Odran and Tim the Englishman who probably won’t have a clue what’s going on but is coming along for the craic !!
Christy's reply
The Lullymore Lassies are on the road….stick a few Bales of Briquettes in the Boot
now then we are looking forward to the great game on saturday, and stuart hogg v johnny sexton. will the mighty marauding scots do better than when we ill-advisedly sent edward the bruce over shortly after bannockburn to drive the english out of your land? i reckon i would settle for a draw but you need a win for the grand slam, so i will wager a cup of scottish blend tea and a slice of selkirk bannock against a mug of barry’s tea and a hunk of brackbarm that we edge it , loser pays at the liverpool gig….but anyway we will all be singing joxer and ride on alongside bogey’s bonnie bairn and barrowland whichever celtic nation triumphs. enjoy the game and the singalong after.
Christy's reply
The Scots are becoming more visible by the hour…we’re gonna have a great game… looking forward in excited anticipation…I’ll be in transit from Kilkenny to Trim so will prob listen on the car radio and then watch the recorded match when I get home after my Sat night gig….
then come Monday I will do a private gig for our Squad before we face the marauding colonialists….this will be my 10th time to play for the Ireland Rugby Squad and I have great memories from each occasion…I saw my first Rugby International in 1956 aged 11…..Keith Woods Dad,Gordon, was playing as was Tony O’Reilly ( to name but two )….I’m now 72 but when I meet the players my sense of boyish awe always returns… during these sessions I’ve had the pleasure of duetting with many of our great players… Dennis Leamy sang “The Contender” with me and did a fine job, Trevor Brennan rocked on “Ordinary Man”, Donnaca O’Callaghan slaughtered “Joxer”, Robbie Henshaw played “Bucks of Oranmore”on the Accordeon, Felix Jones played Bodhrán on “McIlhatton” , Rala O’Reilly sang various songs over the years and always brought the scrum down, Rodge made me nervous,I think Brian O’Driscoll sang once but I may have dreamt that, Gordon D’Arcy shone, Keith Woods did “Clare to Here” much to the chagrin of Peter Clohessy who’s comment was not fit for publication,…. others who joined me in song include Reggie Corrigan,Gary Halpin,Damian Varley, Luke Fitzgerald (Flickering Light) Mick Kearney, Fergus McFadden (Rock & Roll Kids !)……at the last session I had a grand chat with Anthony Foley, such a gentle,warm welcoming man….I chatted with Johnny Sexton as Ossie Bennett gave him deep physio, I’ve had chats with Brian O’Brien,Warren Gatland,Jo Schmidt,Leo Cullen,Declan Kidney,(Eddie O’Sullivan dropped me during his reign !) Malcolm O’Kelly was my security adviser on occasions,
Its such a treat to be at close quarters with these players when they are in “International” mode….I always get a great welcome and ,for those short few hours, I feel a small part of this All-Ireland squad….
Hi Christy!
My husband and I will be at Carrick on Shannon on April 7th for your concert. Finally after so many years we are very happy to listen to you live!
See you soon!
Regards,
Michela and Enrico
Christy's reply
you will be very welcome to the Banks of the majestic River Shannon
Mornin’…I just spoke with Frank Ennis, the Grand-Nephew of Seamus..he has an Architects office here in Williamstown, and I had to check the details..The Pipes belonged to James Ennis, Seamus’ father and they are ‘War Pipes’ so they are Bagpipes and Frank tells me there is a photograph knockin around of James playing these pipes outside the Courthouse in Galway in 1913 Ard Fheis in the company of Padraig Pearse and more of the Proclamation signatories. The photo was re-enacted a few years ago and the pipes were brought down for that. I think I have found the photo, which I’ve included.
The pipes are in a case having been restored…a viewing can be arranged nay bother.
Wally plays this week in The Annesley, Friday night 9th March, and just finishing a CD..
looking forward to Wally’s forthcoming CD….would love to catch another gig but Fridays are very busy here… you bring back many memories of times spent with Seamus Ennis 40-50 years ago…
“Its well that I remember those days out in The Naul
Listening to The Piper’s notes as gently they did fall.
O the music , when Seamus he did play
But the thaw crept over the mantle,turned it back into the clay” (Easter Snow)
Oh the Easter Snow……there’s a set of Seamus Ennis’ pipes in Williamstown…
Are Ye gone like the snows of last winter….?
I’ve no more snow songs, I hope all is well and the never ending tour is flyin it…the 50 at 50 is snowballing…(there it is) and sure it seems there’s a few of turning the big Hawaii 5-0 in 2019, book him Dano…must get to a gig soon. L x
Christy's reply
most has melted back into the clay…Thanks be..
are you serious about the Ennis pipes ? are they being played ?
good to hear from you Larball…hows Waldo cookin these days?
The well below the valley is a nice song and you play the bodhrán well. Here is a version done by my icelandic trio and my friend Elaine from Dublin, me singing the drone tone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZPOiQE_wFo best regards to Ireland
Christy's reply
These ancient songs seem to travel so effortlessly….thank you for sharing your version of this song….I learned it from the singing of a travelling tinsmith called John (Jacko) Reilly….his version is beautifully captured on an album called “The Bonny Green Tree” on the Topic label. John’s songs would not have survived without the diligence of Tom Munnelly who travelled the length and breadth of Ireland carefully collecting Songs and Folklore. I first became aware of John Reilly in 1964 and subsequently heard some of his songs performed by the legendary Grehan Sisters from Boyle in County Roscommon.
Best wishes to you and your Icelandic Trio Stúkurnur.
Condolences to you Christy on your loss..
Ar dheis de go rabid a h-ainm Liam Og o Flynn
Christy,
Our thoughts are with you on this very sad day ?
Kevin & Jo
Dear Christy- I was saddened to hear of Liam O’Flynn’s passing today, and I wanted to send you my condolences. I recently came across a copy of Andy Irvine’s songbook ‘Aiming for the Heart’, and thus Planxty has been on my mind and in the air as such lately…There are so many little moments when Liam’s playing shifts the gravity in the room, little moments of transcendence that let you just float there for a moment and for them I am thankful. I make my living as a visual artist, and it’s often those moments when music makes all become weightless that the hands get restless and things get done. Call and response, humble though the response may be. What a gift to share with us. I am grateful. Rest well Liam O’Flynn.
Christy .
Was saddened to hear this morning of the passing of your good friend Liam Og O Flynn. A truly gifted man and gentleman I had the honour to meet.
A great ambassador for his country and for music. Known throughout the world for the beautiful strains of his pipes he is irreplaceable.
May he rest in peace.
Barney
Good luck on Saturday Christy,will be tough game at twickers,but i think the green will overcome and come away the winners .
Good day Christy! I’m looking forward to your upcoming gig in the ‘white elephant’ sleive russell hotel nestled on the fermanagh-cavan brexit border area. we seen you here last may and it was a terrific gig! hopefully your looking forward to coming back to this neck of the woods with the lovely lakes and industrial heartland surrounding it. please play for us “Butterfly” and “north and south”. all the best and keep up the momentum good sir
I’ve always liked venues that straddle invisible borders….thon Russell is one such, another was in Tierworker…Pedigree Corner straddles 3 counties ( with a slight bit of geographical licence) …yours faithfully..shortgrass bogman
My wife and i saw you at knightsbrook last weekend. I’ve been a fan all my life but was the first time to see you live. It was the best concert i’ve ever been to and 2 of the happiest hours of my life. Thank you Christy and band.
We’ve played that Trim gig annually for the past 10 years and it always works well for us…the management and staff at Knightsbrook always weigh in to make it work, the audience gathers from far and wide into County Meath….thanks for your feedback
Hi, we like your music. What about gigging in Germany?
Cheers Achim
Thank You….nothing planned at this time….
Seeing the post about people celebrating their “Hawaii 5-0” made me think now there’s a venue for a gaggle lol. Alternatively, will you, Dec and the crew be sporting the Hawaiian shirts?? Great pleasure to hear Dec and Vickie in Strabane through the week – jus what the Doctor ordered 🙂 See you in the Clanree
round we go, heel to the toe,
congratulations. we were beaten by the better team, the best team, the champions. serenade them well ,in advance of the grand slam at twickenham , Christy.
we spent a grand few hours together last night….all in good shape as they prepare for Twickenham ( and Cheltenham !)…..
Well Christy that was some gig in the lyrath tonight great vibe all round the room…enjoyed ordinary man.. thanks for that… great to see Hilary and Adam again .. we will see you in tent in June.. best wishes to you and all the crew .. tony and Fiona ..
the Lyrath is a great gig room….always a buzz when we hit the stage….its 46 years since I first played The Marble City with Planxty…I still remember that night clearly…..we are in serious training for The Marquee….I do four press-ups every morning
What fantastic tales , oh to be a fly on the wall. Great men, a great sport, fine songs, fantastic occasions. I was lucky enough to stand on wonderful hawick high street in the sunshine yesterday talking rugby with the brilliant jim renwick for 20 minutes, smashing tales and thoughts on the game.
We will both have a great day from the anthems til the last bar room song is sung.
The very best of luck next weekend, we hope you instill the lads with music to swell the hearts and remembering joxer arm in arm with jack charlton singing ….
Seconds Out….Third and last Round….
50 song retrospective gig???
Christmas morning for a 9 year old.
The lotto, for a long hauler.
The cure, for a sick person.
The sun, the moon, the stars, the lot.
Life’s short and I’m only asking. Are you dancing?, Are you asking?
What else can I say?
Please just think about it, That’s all.
Your ‘oul friends,
Decky & Tina.
Morra Decky & Tina…always good to hear from you….the Committee are pondering the Retro….
Hiya Christy, can’t wait to see you in Waterford in March, my sister Deirdre is coming home from Southampton to see you so you will have 2 Rathangan women in the house.. I have been dragging my Waterford husband Odran to see you every time you played in Waterford for the last 25 years.. we usually request Nancy Spain and you usually sing it for us !!!
From Sue, Dee, Odran and Tim the Englishman who probably won’t have a clue what’s going on but is coming along for the craic !!
The Lullymore Lassies are on the road….stick a few Bales of Briquettes in the Boot
now then we are looking forward to the great game on saturday, and stuart hogg v johnny sexton. will the mighty marauding scots do better than when we ill-advisedly sent edward the bruce over shortly after bannockburn to drive the english out of your land? i reckon i would settle for a draw but you need a win for the grand slam, so i will wager a cup of scottish blend tea and a slice of selkirk bannock against a mug of barry’s tea and a hunk of brackbarm that we edge it , loser pays at the liverpool gig….but anyway we will all be singing joxer and ride on alongside bogey’s bonnie bairn and barrowland whichever celtic nation triumphs. enjoy the game and the singalong after.
The Scots are becoming more visible by the hour…we’re gonna have a great game… looking forward in excited anticipation…I’ll be in transit from Kilkenny to Trim so will prob listen on the car radio and then watch the recorded match when I get home after my Sat night gig….
then come Monday I will do a private gig for our Squad before we face the marauding colonialists….this will be my 10th time to play for the Ireland Rugby Squad and I have great memories from each occasion…I saw my first Rugby International in 1956 aged 11…..Keith Woods Dad,Gordon, was playing as was Tony O’Reilly ( to name but two )….I’m now 72 but when I meet the players my sense of boyish awe always returns… during these sessions I’ve had the pleasure of duetting with many of our great players… Dennis Leamy sang “The Contender” with me and did a fine job, Trevor Brennan rocked on “Ordinary Man”, Donnaca O’Callaghan slaughtered “Joxer”, Robbie Henshaw played “Bucks of Oranmore”on the Accordeon, Felix Jones played Bodhrán on “McIlhatton” , Rala O’Reilly sang various songs over the years and always brought the scrum down, Rodge made me nervous,I think Brian O’Driscoll sang once but I may have dreamt that, Gordon D’Arcy shone, Keith Woods did “Clare to Here” much to the chagrin of Peter Clohessy who’s comment was not fit for publication,…. others who joined me in song include Reggie Corrigan,Gary Halpin,Damian Varley, Luke Fitzgerald (Flickering Light) Mick Kearney, Fergus McFadden (Rock & Roll Kids !)……at the last session I had a grand chat with Anthony Foley, such a gentle,warm welcoming man….I chatted with Johnny Sexton as Ossie Bennett gave him deep physio, I’ve had chats with Brian O’Brien,Warren Gatland,Jo Schmidt,Leo Cullen,Declan Kidney,(Eddie O’Sullivan dropped me during his reign !) Malcolm O’Kelly was my security adviser on occasions,
Its such a treat to be at close quarters with these players when they are in “International” mode….I always get a great welcome and ,for those short few hours, I feel a small part of this All-Ireland squad….
Hi Christy!
My husband and I will be at Carrick on Shannon on April 7th for your concert. Finally after so many years we are very happy to listen to you live!
See you soon!
Regards,
Michela and Enrico
you will be very welcome to the Banks of the majestic River Shannon
Mornin’…I just spoke with Frank Ennis, the Grand-Nephew of Seamus..he has an Architects office here in Williamstown, and I had to check the details..The Pipes belonged to James Ennis, Seamus’ father and they are ‘War Pipes’ so they are Bagpipes and Frank tells me there is a photograph knockin around of James playing these pipes outside the Courthouse in Galway in 1913 Ard Fheis in the company of Padraig Pearse and more of the Proclamation signatories. The photo was re-enacted a few years ago and the pipes were brought down for that. I think I have found the photo, which I’ve included.
The pipes are in a case having been restored…a viewing can be arranged nay bother.
Wally plays this week in The Annesley, Friday night 9th March, and just finishing a CD..
http://connachttribune.ie/step-into-history-to-help-recreate-historic-photo-of-1913-oireachtas-347/
looking forward to Wally’s forthcoming CD….would love to catch another gig but Fridays are very busy here… you bring back many memories of times spent with Seamus Ennis 40-50 years ago…
“Its well that I remember those days out in The Naul
Listening to The Piper’s notes as gently they did fall.
O the music , when Seamus he did play
But the thaw crept over the mantle,turned it back into the clay” (Easter Snow)
Oh the Easter Snow……there’s a set of Seamus Ennis’ pipes in Williamstown…
Are Ye gone like the snows of last winter….?
I’ve no more snow songs, I hope all is well and the never ending tour is flyin it…the 50 at 50 is snowballing…(there it is) and sure it seems there’s a few of turning the big Hawaii 5-0 in 2019, book him Dano…must get to a gig soon. L x
most has melted back into the clay…Thanks be..
are you serious about the Ennis pipes ? are they being played ?
good to hear from you Larball…hows Waldo cookin these days?
Rory/Christy hope you’re warming up. You left off Lawless, and Duffys Cut and Lakes of Ponchartrain. That can’t be. X
All to be included if we get an encore
The well below the valley is a nice song and you play the bodhrán well. Here is a version done by my icelandic trio and my friend Elaine from Dublin, me singing the drone tone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZPOiQE_wFo best regards to Ireland
These ancient songs seem to travel so effortlessly….thank you for sharing your version of this song….I learned it from the singing of a travelling tinsmith called John (Jacko) Reilly….his version is beautifully captured on an album called “The Bonny Green Tree” on the Topic label. John’s songs would not have survived without the diligence of Tom Munnelly who travelled the length and breadth of Ireland carefully collecting Songs and Folklore. I first became aware of John Reilly in 1964 and subsequently heard some of his songs performed by the legendary Grehan Sisters from Boyle in County Roscommon.
Best wishes to you and your Icelandic Trio Stúkurnur.