Thank you for a great night, this night had been coming for a long time, 28 years to be exact after listening to Lisdoonvarna in Patrick Egans Liscannor, then on our return to the UK and searching record stores to finally find it and yours truly singing it, once again thank you for a great night in Brum
Christy's reply
I’m searching the memory bank for Egan’s in Liscannor…would that have been Pecker Dunne gig? he invited me up one night in Liscannor all those years ago
“I never met Bob Dylan but I sang with Pecker Dunne
and when we drank Lough Eireann dry we went lookin for Lough Dann”
It had been a couple of years but it’s like I’ve not been away. Old songs in new guises and a Madonna mic for good measure.
Hilary reminded me it was nine years since I tear arsed from Knock Airport to make the 4711 gathering in the Royal Spa. I got a speeding ticket on the way to a York gig once too. Those Firestones …..
You once sang the Voyage for my little boy when he was still in hospital as a tiny premature baby when the nurses ordered us to have a night off. You asked everyone to sing for little Benjamin. Last night the 14 year old sat next to me in the second row singing his heart out. His favourite song is now Yellow Triangle and he loves how you make him think about the world. I love that and I am grateful to you.
As we remember my mum’s battle with cancer so my Dad has started his. He was next to me too. Time to cry like a man.
Through my years the songs have always been there. They’ve serenaded my wife at Vicar Street, marked my redundancy, they’ve got me soaking bloody wet at Feile, they welcomed new arrivals and remembered the departed. You have been a constant as life’s rich pattern has been weaved. Thank you for the songs and memories and good times. May they roll on and on.
Christy's reply
Dang Blast….”Yellow Triangle” was lined up in my head last night..just before I struck the opening notes I got sidetracked into “Beeswing”
Thanks for feedback..this is a two way street…I take inspiration from all listeners, especially those who, like yourself, share a love of verse and song….
good to have you back…hope all goes well
Well I have to admit that it is a long while since I posted a message or was at a gig. The longest gap since the 90s. It’s been a hard time with losing my mum two years ago and other family illness to make us worry. We’ve made it through so far and will be in B’ham tonight losing ourselves in the songs. You brought the sunshine too.
Christy's reply
welcome back Adrian…hope things take a turn for the better for you and family … I’m glad to be back here myself,always a good town for travelling players….some new songs and lots of old ones….
Morning Sir
A belated but sincere best wishes for the birthday boy.
Gutted I couldn’t make either the Liverpool or Manchester gigs but had to work the whole weekend. I still have a great memory of that gig back in Ratoath last November to keep me going until our paths cross again though. Having to make quite a lot of trips down to Norfolk at the moment to see my dad who is now 94 and been in out of hospital a few times lately. He still asks after you and remembers the lovely message you sent him on his 90th birthday. There is a crude plan to take him over to Dublin at the end of June but not sure it will come off. He’d like one more pint at the family pub in Stillorgan and a trip to his old college in Roscrea. We’ll see. We continue to grow old but not up, with a metabolical rate that is pleasantly stuck. (Jimmy Buffet)
Look after yourself and family.
Frankie
Christy's reply
just about to pull out of Manc and head for Brum….
hope you and your Da make it to Stillorgan and on to see the Cistercians below in Roscrea….stayed there a few times back in the early 90s…experienced the healing power of silent retreat…
we’ll catch you on down the road Frankie..the band is in good order these nights.. we seem to be cruising but with intent..
hope all is well adup in Shaw….on Sun in the bridgewater I reflected on hearing The Watersons for the first time in Hyde Folk Club where the resident band were The Pennine Folk
happy Birthday Christy. Great to read such good reports from the UK tour – love how you bring so many people together , with all of their stories and backgrounds and create such special gigs. Nice tribute to you on the Ronan Collins show this morning too. Enjoy the gigs and hopefully see you soon.
Thanks for performing Gortatagort last Saturday. The melody, the melancholy, the violin and your voice …. this performance had it all. We had a great time in Liverpool and your concert was fantastic.
And happy birthday, may coming year bring whatever you hope for. Maybe a new CD?
Kind regards,
Astrid
Christy's reply
forever working towards a new cd…..gotta keep searching for that perfect song….its difficult to achieve lasting perfection but Gortatagort may achieve that accolade..
John Spillane has the gift
Hello Christy
Very happy birthday wishes from a very sunny Belgium. Traveling to the Champaign region in a couple of days and we will surely drink a nice glass of Champaign to your health ???
See you soon ???
Chris
Gorgeous day for a solar return, Christy, and it sounds as if you’re spreading sunshine everywhere!
While I’m logged in, may I ask what a dangler is? The question is historic and it wasn’t you who asked his audience if they knew what one was. Several people said they did, and I probably did too (thinking that it might be an outro) but it’s been bugging me for many’s the year. So another tick on the list of life would be good etc.
Still five years younger than you, and happily trailing in your wake as you bask in your golden days xx
Christy's reply
The things that bug us.
I once referred to “The Dangler “believing it to be a lighthearted(Mullingar) pseudonym for Daniel O’Donnell
…..or was it Daniel O’Connell….liberator and defribillator
Hello Christy,
Just wanted to wish you very many happy returns on your special day. We’re on holiday at the moment in Greece, and I only just realised the date and it’s significance. Days all seem to blur here! Hope you’re having some good weather at last in Ireland. We suspect it may have been rather better in Shanklin over the bank holiday than here! But never mind.
All good wishes for the coming year.
Sue
Hi C. It’s such a privilege to be at the gigs, to soak up the songs and stories, music and fun and enjoy the company of the listeners,,,,, 4711ers all,,,Go maire tú an céad agus bliain chun aithrí ! H
Christy's reply
we’ll all be tearing down the M6 today…heading for the Bullring
This journey with you Christy really got started at St Columbs Hall in Derry in 1973 when Planxty & Pumpkinhead played and poetry was read by Seamus Deane & Seamus Heaney. But thinking about it the first spark was buying the Prosperous LP the year before. I can’t now recall what triggered me to buy it, I do know I was travelling round youth hostels in the late summer of ’72 and somewhere on that journey the purchase was made. Mind you I had to wait until I got back home to actual play it. From first listen the light was switched on and it’s been on ever since.
And you know prosperous has described my life up to now. Left home in 1975, came to England and have been here ever since and been lucky enough to have always had work, got married to Cath and have had 2 fantastic sons. Then in March out of the blue a cancer diagnosis.
So while I sit in Birmingham tomorrow night I’ll be looking forward to my second session of chemotherapy on Wednesday morning. And you know looking forward is the way I feel because the prognosis at the moment is OK so the sooner the next set of drugs get into me and start doing their work the better.
The reason for writing is that on Tuesday night it won’t be just Cath and I sitting in the Symphony Hall audience, our youngest son Philip will be with us too, in fact Philip bought the tickets for us as a Christmas present.
I’m not sure how many times I have had the privilege to sit and listen to you live, every time mesmerised, across 45 years but it’s simply never been enough. I did miss a concert many years ago when I had tickets to see you at Warwick Arts Centre but at the last minute I had to go abroad with work and missed the concert. Cath ended up taking Philip who was only about 6 or 7 at the time and he ended up falling asleep and missed most of the show. Asleep or not the music got into him and music has always been a very important part of his life.
Philip shares our love of your music Christy and now Philip is about to become a father himself and will soon experience all the joy that this will bring. His and Katie’s baby is due at the end of July.
I wonder if you could sing Bill Caddick’s John O’Dreams for Philip. I think it is the perfect lullaby, gentle and soft and meaningful words that can teach all children and I’m sure it will be one for Philip to sing to his little one when he or she arrives.
I’m on another stage in life’s journey. Sure there might be some tough days ahead but a first grandchild is a moment that we are travelling towards with complete joy and excitement.
You have been a part of my life Christy for what seems like ever. I can retreat into your music when times are tough, happy or sad and always, if needed, my spirits are lifted. I’ve needed you in recent weeks and listening to songs like the Cliffs of Dooneen have reduced me to tears but inside my heart soars at the beauty of the songs and the beauty of your voice. Thank you.
May the future continue to be prosperous for us all.
Christy's reply
gonna sing for you tonight Charlie Boy….thanks for sharing your positive attitude…thats what will get you through the coming months…
that was some night In Derry with Planxty,Poets and Pumpkinhead….I recall a rowdy session afterwards that went on til dawn….thanks for sticking with the songs…keep coming back
Hi Christy,
What a great gig last night in Manchester, thank you. My daughter Natasha and soon to be husband Matt loved it and of course it was wonderful to hear Black is the Colour. Matt has learned the words and will surprise Natasha at the wedding by singing it to her 🙂 All the best on your birthday. As always mega hugs and love from me and the rest of the Imlach clan.. glory hallelujah xx
Christy's reply
On we go Fiona, along this winding road..hope ye have a lovely time when Matt and Natasha tie the knot…lovely to think of Hamish’s song being sung by the groom……as always,love to Wilma,Vhari,Yourself,Jim and Mairead and all your kith and kin….
been listening to John Martyn a bit lately, thinking of all the players inspired by Hamish…he helped so many along the way…
Hi Christy,
At the Airport on my way back to the Island.. Sad its all over, but delighted to have been at 2 wonderful Gigs. THANKS to you and all that make it happen.i was sitting back a bit last night , and couldn’t but notice all of the Bald Heads in the audience. I was thinking to myself of all the life experience that was in the Collective, and the stories they all have. Good luck with the rest of the tour and thanks for what you do for us the Listeners.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOY.
Best Regards
Patsy
Christy's reply
Hope you made it back to Moate safe and sound…..I love these short hops over..its good to air the songs across the sea….Liverpool and Manchester very different from my perspective….equally enjoyable, great audiences, beautiful venues,Band and Crew all enjoying good English Hospitality……then home on Thursday Morning
Looking forward to concert tonight in York. Any chance you could sing ‘Only our rivers’ for Jane and Sue? Thanks Peter xx
Thank you for a great night, this night had been coming for a long time, 28 years to be exact after listening to Lisdoonvarna in Patrick Egans Liscannor, then on our return to the UK and searching record stores to finally find it and yours truly singing it, once again thank you for a great night in Brum
I’m searching the memory bank for Egan’s in Liscannor…would that have been Pecker Dunne gig? he invited me up one night in Liscannor all those years ago
“I never met Bob Dylan but I sang with Pecker Dunne
and when we drank Lough Eireann dry we went lookin for Lough Dann”
It had been a couple of years but it’s like I’ve not been away. Old songs in new guises and a Madonna mic for good measure.
Hilary reminded me it was nine years since I tear arsed from Knock Airport to make the 4711 gathering in the Royal Spa. I got a speeding ticket on the way to a York gig once too. Those Firestones …..
You once sang the Voyage for my little boy when he was still in hospital as a tiny premature baby when the nurses ordered us to have a night off. You asked everyone to sing for little Benjamin. Last night the 14 year old sat next to me in the second row singing his heart out. His favourite song is now Yellow Triangle and he loves how you make him think about the world. I love that and I am grateful to you.
As we remember my mum’s battle with cancer so my Dad has started his. He was next to me too. Time to cry like a man.
Through my years the songs have always been there. They’ve serenaded my wife at Vicar Street, marked my redundancy, they’ve got me soaking bloody wet at Feile, they welcomed new arrivals and remembered the departed. You have been a constant as life’s rich pattern has been weaved. Thank you for the songs and memories and good times. May they roll on and on.
Dang Blast….”Yellow Triangle” was lined up in my head last night..just before I struck the opening notes I got sidetracked into “Beeswing”
Thanks for feedback..this is a two way street…I take inspiration from all listeners, especially those who, like yourself, share a love of verse and song….
good to have you back…hope all goes well
Well I have to admit that it is a long while since I posted a message or was at a gig. The longest gap since the 90s. It’s been a hard time with losing my mum two years ago and other family illness to make us worry. We’ve made it through so far and will be in B’ham tonight losing ourselves in the songs. You brought the sunshine too.
welcome back Adrian…hope things take a turn for the better for you and family … I’m glad to be back here myself,always a good town for travelling players….some new songs and lots of old ones….
Morning Sir
A belated but sincere best wishes for the birthday boy.
Gutted I couldn’t make either the Liverpool or Manchester gigs but had to work the whole weekend. I still have a great memory of that gig back in Ratoath last November to keep me going until our paths cross again though. Having to make quite a lot of trips down to Norfolk at the moment to see my dad who is now 94 and been in out of hospital a few times lately. He still asks after you and remembers the lovely message you sent him on his 90th birthday. There is a crude plan to take him over to Dublin at the end of June but not sure it will come off. He’d like one more pint at the family pub in Stillorgan and a trip to his old college in Roscrea. We’ll see. We continue to grow old but not up, with a metabolical rate that is pleasantly stuck. (Jimmy Buffet)
Look after yourself and family.
Frankie
just about to pull out of Manc and head for Brum….
hope you and your Da make it to Stillorgan and on to see the Cistercians below in Roscrea….stayed there a few times back in the early 90s…experienced the healing power of silent retreat…
we’ll catch you on down the road Frankie..the band is in good order these nights.. we seem to be cruising but with intent..
hope all is well adup in Shaw….on Sun in the bridgewater I reflected on hearing The Watersons for the first time in Hyde Folk Club where the resident band were The Pennine Folk
happy Birthday Christy. Great to read such good reports from the UK tour – love how you bring so many people together , with all of their stories and backgrounds and create such special gigs. Nice tribute to you on the Ronan Collins show this morning too. Enjoy the gigs and hopefully see you soon.
Ronan is a true champion of ours
Feliz cumpleaños Compañero !
Salud !
Dear Christy,
Thanks for performing Gortatagort last Saturday. The melody, the melancholy, the violin and your voice …. this performance had it all. We had a great time in Liverpool and your concert was fantastic.
And happy birthday, may coming year bring whatever you hope for. Maybe a new CD?
Kind regards,
Astrid
forever working towards a new cd…..gotta keep searching for that perfect song….its difficult to achieve lasting perfection but Gortatagort may achieve that accolade..
John Spillane has the gift
Hello Christy
Very happy birthday wishes from a very sunny Belgium. Traveling to the Champaign region in a couple of days and we will surely drink a nice glass of Champaign to your health ???
See you soon ???
Chris
easy does it
Happy birthday Christy !
Many greetings from the belgian crew. Hope to see you soon !
Eva-Lars-Els-Piet
thank ye
Gorgeous day for a solar return, Christy, and it sounds as if you’re spreading sunshine everywhere!
While I’m logged in, may I ask what a dangler is? The question is historic and it wasn’t you who asked his audience if they knew what one was. Several people said they did, and I probably did too (thinking that it might be an outro) but it’s been bugging me for many’s the year. So another tick on the list of life would be good etc.
Still five years younger than you, and happily trailing in your wake as you bask in your golden days xx
The things that bug us.
I once referred to “The Dangler “believing it to be a lighthearted(Mullingar) pseudonym for Daniel O’Donnell
…..or was it Daniel O’Connell….liberator and defribillator
Have a lovely Birthday, Christy ???
back down to earth now…gracias
Happy birthday gorgeous Christy! Thank you for such a wonderful gig in Liverpool… will be seeing you again along the journey ?? much love, Mary P xxx
“Never tire of the road”…….(Andy Irvine)
Hello Christy,
Just wanted to wish you very many happy returns on your special day. We’re on holiday at the moment in Greece, and I only just realised the date and it’s significance. Days all seem to blur here! Hope you’re having some good weather at last in Ireland. We suspect it may have been rather better in Shanklin over the bank holiday than here! But never mind.
All good wishes for the coming year.
Sue
all a blur here too in Oasis City
Breithlá sona ort a Christy! ? ? …blessings on Christy the pride of Kildare! Have a great day. Mary
blessing recieved and cherished….greetings to the Bog meadow from United City
Hi C. It’s such a privilege to be at the gigs, to soak up the songs and stories, music and fun and enjoy the company of the listeners,,,,, 4711ers all,,,Go maire tú an céad agus bliain chun aithrí ! H
we’ll all be tearing down the M6 today…heading for the Bullring
Happy Birthday Christy – best wishes from Hamburg!
Danke `schoen
This journey with you Christy really got started at St Columbs Hall in Derry in 1973 when Planxty & Pumpkinhead played and poetry was read by Seamus Deane & Seamus Heaney. But thinking about it the first spark was buying the Prosperous LP the year before. I can’t now recall what triggered me to buy it, I do know I was travelling round youth hostels in the late summer of ’72 and somewhere on that journey the purchase was made. Mind you I had to wait until I got back home to actual play it. From first listen the light was switched on and it’s been on ever since.
And you know prosperous has described my life up to now. Left home in 1975, came to England and have been here ever since and been lucky enough to have always had work, got married to Cath and have had 2 fantastic sons. Then in March out of the blue a cancer diagnosis.
So while I sit in Birmingham tomorrow night I’ll be looking forward to my second session of chemotherapy on Wednesday morning. And you know looking forward is the way I feel because the prognosis at the moment is OK so the sooner the next set of drugs get into me and start doing their work the better.
The reason for writing is that on Tuesday night it won’t be just Cath and I sitting in the Symphony Hall audience, our youngest son Philip will be with us too, in fact Philip bought the tickets for us as a Christmas present.
I’m not sure how many times I have had the privilege to sit and listen to you live, every time mesmerised, across 45 years but it’s simply never been enough. I did miss a concert many years ago when I had tickets to see you at Warwick Arts Centre but at the last minute I had to go abroad with work and missed the concert. Cath ended up taking Philip who was only about 6 or 7 at the time and he ended up falling asleep and missed most of the show. Asleep or not the music got into him and music has always been a very important part of his life.
Philip shares our love of your music Christy and now Philip is about to become a father himself and will soon experience all the joy that this will bring. His and Katie’s baby is due at the end of July.
I wonder if you could sing Bill Caddick’s John O’Dreams for Philip. I think it is the perfect lullaby, gentle and soft and meaningful words that can teach all children and I’m sure it will be one for Philip to sing to his little one when he or she arrives.
I’m on another stage in life’s journey. Sure there might be some tough days ahead but a first grandchild is a moment that we are travelling towards with complete joy and excitement.
You have been a part of my life Christy for what seems like ever. I can retreat into your music when times are tough, happy or sad and always, if needed, my spirits are lifted. I’ve needed you in recent weeks and listening to songs like the Cliffs of Dooneen have reduced me to tears but inside my heart soars at the beauty of the songs and the beauty of your voice. Thank you.
May the future continue to be prosperous for us all.
gonna sing for you tonight Charlie Boy….thanks for sharing your positive attitude…thats what will get you through the coming months…
that was some night In Derry with Planxty,Poets and Pumpkinhead….I recall a rowdy session afterwards that went on til dawn….thanks for sticking with the songs…keep coming back
Hi Christy,
What a great gig last night in Manchester, thank you. My daughter Natasha and soon to be husband Matt loved it and of course it was wonderful to hear Black is the Colour. Matt has learned the words and will surprise Natasha at the wedding by singing it to her 🙂 All the best on your birthday. As always mega hugs and love from me and the rest of the Imlach clan.. glory hallelujah xx
On we go Fiona, along this winding road..hope ye have a lovely time when Matt and Natasha tie the knot…lovely to think of Hamish’s song being sung by the groom……as always,love to Wilma,Vhari,Yourself,Jim and Mairead and all your kith and kin….
been listening to John Martyn a bit lately, thinking of all the players inspired by Hamish…he helped so many along the way…
Hi Christy,
At the Airport on my way back to the Island.. Sad its all over, but delighted to have been at 2 wonderful Gigs. THANKS to you and all that make it happen.i was sitting back a bit last night , and couldn’t but notice all of the Bald Heads in the audience. I was thinking to myself of all the life experience that was in the Collective, and the stories they all have. Good luck with the rest of the tour and thanks for what you do for us the Listeners.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOY.
Best Regards
Patsy
Hope you made it back to Moate safe and sound…..I love these short hops over..its good to air the songs across the sea….Liverpool and Manchester very different from my perspective….equally enjoyable, great audiences, beautiful venues,Band and Crew all enjoying good English Hospitality……then home on Thursday Morning