Hi Christy,
my sister and I have seen the two gigs in the Landmark and in the Slieve Russell Hotel, and they were amazing! Thank you so much! They were worth to do the long travel from Germany (from Speyer and Hamburg). In the night after the second concert my sister has changed the holiday plans for next year: Now she wants to come back to see you again… I hope you can do some gigs in April and May in the Southwest 🙂
Regards,
Andreas (and Elgin)
Christy's reply
greetings Andreas and Elgin,
I dont have schedules yet for 2020..I hope there willl be gigs that suit your plans
You played ‘Harris and Appleton’ promoted nights at the Golden Lion folk club,Withington for a ‘floor spot'(at a Mike Harding gig) 1971/2,got ‘the start’ for your own nights and played a storming Planxty gig at The Cavalcade pub,Didsbury (late 1972/early 73)…all in Manchester 20…prob the best I ever saw Planxty as I was packed in near to the stage.The interplay of instruments was as tight as ‘the proverbial’ and Liam played joyously,eyes shut,seemingly oblivious to the oven like heat of an over full room…priceless times..
hi Christy
fantastic night in the Slieve Russell on Saturday. Many thanks for the mention of our 40th wedding anniversary and singing our request. I must just say that we thought it was your best show we have been to yet and look forward to seeing you again in the near future.
Best regards.
Brian and Yvonne from comber co down
Poignant memories of the maestro Liam Og O’Flynn,when reading your account of the recent tribute session…
the name of Gabriel McKeon took me back to the late 70s.A pub gig of yours at ‘Slane House’,Slane village,Co Meath.A full house and noisy crowd.Hushed into silence by the music of a young piper-Gabriel McKeon…followed by your good self in fine fettle .Not yet half way through your NET.First time I saw you play in Ireland,but with many solo/Planxty Manchester gigs under our belts…
Fast forward 30+years and your music resonates better than ever…last week on a glorious Spring evening,my amigo and I trekked into the hills nr Saddleworth to play an ‘old school’ folk club gig at ‘The Cross Keys’…a full room,wonderful chorus singing and stillness as we played ‘The Lakes of Pontchartain’.Picking out the beautiful melody,my mind wandered to many a gig.I think I heard a piper playing somewhere…
Keep on truckin’
Dave
Christy's reply
Had a lovely Band for a few months back 40 years ago….. I played with Gabriel McKeon, my brother Barry (aka Luka Bloom), Noel Hill, Tony Linnane and the late Jimmy Faulkner… we recorded an album called “The Iron Behind The Velvet” and did one Irish Tour…. only one song from that album remains in the set….
I think I visited Saddleworth back in 1967…Mike and Patricia Harding ran a great Folk Club at The Golden Lion in either Middleton or Blakeley…they organised a Saturday Night “Folk”Bus trip and I think that The Cross Keys may have been the destination….it was a great night, the bus crammed with singers, amongst them were Marie Little, Tony Downes,Mary Asquith, Rosie Hardman, we supped some stuff
Planxty’s first Mancunian gig was 1972 at the legendary MSG for the bould Jenks….later we played at Free Trade Hall and once for “Harris &Appleton” at yet another Golden Lion out Didsbury way
I’ve the Atkin Guitar by my side here in the work room….its like a pet,endlessly patted and stroked….
Hi Christy
I`ve been attending your concerts for many years. Always a great night Im actually a big family history buff and my Grandfather was also like yourself born in Newbridge in 1890. The family lived in Cottages at Athgarvan House. His Aunt from Carlow Married into a Moore family who had family members at both the 1916 uprising and the war of independence.
I wondered if you`ve ever researched your family history. If not, Id be happy to do it for you.
Cheers
Kevin Liverpool
Christy's reply
Morra Kev,
I know Athgarvan and surrounds very well,
we sprung from Moores,Dowlings,Powers and Sheerans…..the Moore line came from Athlone..
I have long since settled for the limited knowledge of famiy that exists….tried looking under the rocks once….decided to leave it be….its hard enough to keep the with current ..
God Christy, didn’t know you hated carrots so much! What a night in Ballyconnell! Thanks to Robbie and Breda for setting me up with a ticket and a great seat, and thanks to you my great friend for the autograph for our Christo, a very special thing. I loved the mood of the gig, pure love all round I felt. The connection between you and the audience was super, and between soft meaningful moments, and moments of pure fun, it was surely a lovely moment in life. Thanks to the three of you for giving us such a happening. Loved the craic about Camilla in the three man tent….
Christy's reply
all our team had a good time in Ballyconnell….the Slieve Russell staff and management made us very welcome and facilitated the production crew in every way…makes such a difference ….
at the end of the night we were spent,sated and satisfied…the audience could not have been better…
glad you had a good gig, safe journey back to Germany…
Hi Christy
Its Patrick the sober Blacksmith here again, Its getting close to the gig now at the Midlands Park hotel Portlaoise. After a lot of searching I eventually managed to buy a few tickets on the inter web. So myself and Trish will be there, she is home from Australia for a holiday and this will be one of the highlights of her trip as we are both big fans of your songs and music. She is the most beautiful woman with a heart of gold and I love her dearly. I want to ask you if you could play a song for her on the night, God woman or North and South of the river, If you have a planned set already please dedicate a song for her, I would be extremely grateful Christy. I just want to let this very special woman know how much she is loved and appreciated.
Christy's reply
Have a safe journey from The Forge to The Heath….we will do our best…
rory bannerman
April 14, 2019 at 9:30 am
Location: Hawick watching the birds of the garden welcome the spring
Hi Christy,
Today the pink disc eventually fell hypnotically onto “john O’Dreams”. I adore the vague sound, the unfinished crafting of it ,and feeling your way back into such a gorgeous song with Declan’s help.
It got me wondering whether there is an album or ten of other off-cuts, experiments and spoken word out there about to be packaged up and let loose on the unsuspecting but receptive listeners and buyers?
The coloured box set is so well interspersed with rarities from studios, back rooms and gigs that i assume there is so much more out there hiding in drawers and on old tapes etc ( not to mention Hilary’s wonderful and inspiring collection) that perhaps the wren, the finches, the thrush and even the pigeons and i could look forward to a few more such discs of hidden gems to coo and ca’ along to.
Regards
Rory
Christy's reply
Hey Rory,
After reading your post I went back and listened to that track,I was taken aback when Declan and I started chatting in the middle of it, I’d totally forgotten about that interlude…
That Box Set would never have emerged without the diligence and careful listening of my Curator Michael ( aka Luke the Drifter)..he took all the various bits and pieces and committed them to over 90 CDs from which the 6 were gleaned… we spoke about a further box which was to have been released in 2016 but there were many distractions and the project fell by the wayside….as the last box covered the years 1964-2004 we have now re scheduled the next box 2005-2045 which gives us 26 years to complete….I cant think of a better way to celebrate hitting the ton
Mighty gig in the Slieve Russell. The songs seemed very special last night ….. Dec and Jimmy in top form too….
Thanks for everything you and all the gang do.
Bright Blue Rose was perfect in every way.
Time to get on the bike again…… will seem more uphill on the way back.
Christy's reply
what a great front row of hardy annuals last night..does the heart good to see familiar faces amongst that wonderful throng of loyal listeners…may the light shine upon ye all wherever ye may roam
Hey Christy! Great mornings craic with the crew setting up for tonights gig – all gentlemen. Have put together this short clip of the work that many don’t see before the show. “If only it was that quick” sez Geoff! Can’t make the gig with one of my own but catch you soon.. https://youtu.be/ItSkpxYZbpA
Christy's reply
I like it Kevin..a lot…. pity you could not get the complete process…would have been great if the set up had been filmed right up to sound check time !! but thanks for taking the trouble to share..maybe next time !!.
hope your gig went well..we had a good one in that excellent room…Ballyconnell is a welcoming place and the Sliabh Russell a great gig room
Hi Christy
I’m in the middle of reading your book ‘one Voice’, which I am really enjoying. It’s great to find out how these songs came about. As my religion is Nature based, (Wiccan), I was thrilled to discover Burning Times and will enjoy singing along to that.
I just wondered if you have any plans for any future books?
Julie
Christy's reply
since “One Voice” I have commenced many writing projects but nothing has borne fruit…..songs and singing always take priority….who knows what lies ahead…
for me,Burning Times is a special song…we have started playing it again recently…
The Earth is a Healer, a Teacher and a Mother,
a weaver of a web of light that keeps us all alive
she gives us the wisdom to see through the chaos
she gives us the courage, it is our will to survive.(by Charlie Murphy)
You went above and beyond to meet our needs. The seats, the dedication to the journey we made and the wonderful songs. Its an evening my parents and my wife n me will never forget. Its been beautiful and it’s been magical. I’ll use that plectrum to strum my three chord wonders and it’ll remind me of a great night every time I play. Pass on our regards to your wonderful team that surrounds you.
A true hero in our eyes.
Many thanks
Frankie
Christy's reply
Frankie,
Just as you yourself went above and beyond by gathering your family together, by organising the journey from Scotland to Leitrim, by honoring the songs with your presence….I think it effects all the audience when they hear about long distance listeners..it certainly effects me….attending a Concert with your Mother and Father is an experience not many achieve….
In recent years we have enjoyed the company of listeners from around the globe who travel to hear the songs ….such priviledge goes way beyond the boyhood dream that led me to this journey….in the midst of last nights Leitrim listeners were many who travelled from further afield… all of ye collectively create that atmosphere in which the band can seek to fly….
Let The Music keep Our Spirits High
Howaya Christy!
Probably a long shot but sure I’ll try… My Dad Joey has been a massive fan of yours for years! He brought my mam to see you live in The Point and I swear he still talks about it. Myself and my brother have fond memories of driving around with him in his van with your songs turned up loud while dad rhymed all the lyrics off with the windows (and our heads) down! We’re 22 and 21 now and we are still massive fans of your music so we’re bringing our dad to see you in the Slieve Russell on Saturday night and we would love it if you could dedicate ‘The Voyage’ to him as it really has got him through some hard times…. he lost a best friend last year and then he was diagnosed with cancer. After getting it removed, he headed off to attempt the 800km trek of the Camino which he completed in over 4 weeks. He said ‘The Voyage’ reminded him of my mam and his kids and that he wouldn’t have gotten through it without your music and for that I’m very grateful! Can’t wait to see you live!
Megan and Steven McDonald
Christy's reply
Morra Megan,
Its in the hat with a hundred other requests..its all in the hands of the Gods but the odds are slanted in Joey’s favour…we gotta try and look after our long haul listeners
Ah Christy! Home for a few days, VERY lucky and happy to have got a ticket for Cavan Saturday night! Brill. It’s been 9 years since I saw you last comin’ along the German autobahn on the Honda 50 to Frankfurt. You made our night by dedicating a song to my lad Christo. He was 12 and loved the gig. He’s now turned 21 last week, and ‘twould be great if you got a chance to autograph On the Road for him as a 21st birthday gift. Only askin’!
Christy's reply
Morra Pat,
that will not be a problem,
best contact Robbie on the door or one of the stage crew and it will be sorted..I seldom encounter the “Christo” version of our name…a dear friend of mine, the late Dr Billy Parkinson always called me Christo….
I miss my trips to Germany…..Kraftwerk, Toten Hosen and delightful Confectionary
How’s all…I still have a cassette form the Planxty gig at The Olympia ( Ze good ship Kanguru) and what a beautiful version of John O’ Dreams is included, one of my favs…it’s here somewhere..
Wally Page, Johnny Mulhearn and all the band are back on North Strand Rd this coming Friday at 9pm…The Annesley House is the place..Wal calling all perfumiers ( his call of the 4711ers) and all interested in a crackin night to come along..
The never ending world tour seems to be truckin along well Christy, continued enjoyment to you all on the road…I just see a FB reminder that it’s 9 years since our gathering in Lisdoon for the gaggle..how time flies, but what a great memory…Hey Paddy, Hey Paddy…
Christy's reply
its 40 years since that tape escaped…no one was more surprised than the band when it appeared…it was removed from circulation ..looking back now I am happy it exists…there was no malice nor greed involved…I believe the only mistake was excluding Liam,Andy ,Donal and I from any discussion or decision…..Planxty music is ageing well… certainly better then the lads that made it…Sadly we lost our Liam…but 3 of us are still treading the boards..
only last Saturday we had a great session of Music in The Pipers Corner when a clatter of Liam’s close friends got together to remember our dear friend….Three Pipers, Pádraic MacMathúna, Gabriel McKeon and Sean Óg Potts, two fiddle players Sean Keane and Paddy Glacken, Angela Crotty on Whistle and Paul Gallagher on Flute played beautifully for a couple of hours, Tríona and Mairéad Ní Dhomnaill sang and we all remembered days and nights with Liam…among the listeners were Liam’s wife Jane and Dolly McMahon….it was lovely to sit, to listen and to remember our dear Friend, Liam Óg O’Flynn
I got to see you and Dec & Cathal & Jim at Knightsbrook in Trim last weekend and just had to write a few lines of appreciation.
I first saw you as a kid back in 1985 at the Kilmore Hotel in Cavan when you made my Da’s night when you dedicated The Hackler from Grouse Hall to his uncle Spud Donohoe. I had the Ride On and The Time Has Come albums on vinyl. I bought your songbook and learned a few chords on the guitar and I sang day and night and wrote my poems… but, in the end, traded tired wings for the resignation that living brings…
Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to see you many, many times; The Point, Croke Park, Athboy, Navan, Kells, Trim… I’ve seen you frustrated at the pricks who kept talking while you walked through a bed of roses. Long before Ed Sherran you owned the stage with just your guitar and your voice. I’ve laughed and cried and cried and laughed and stamped my feet and clapped my hands and sung my heart out.
Last weekend you exalted.
You sang such a selection of classic songs, it was like a collection of greatest hits.
And Dec and Cathal are such musicians.
And the voice is better than ever it ever was.
The only thing I missed was The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Before the Deluge.
Such a little miss. Such a magnificent two hours.
So much joy.
Thank you to you and Dec and Cathal & Jim.
Thank you for the music, the memories, the tears and the laughter.
Thank you.
Cathal Donohoe
Christy's reply
Thanks Cathal,
Lovely to get such good feedback from a long time listener…some of the venues you mentioned were many years back..in the 80s Athboy was a regular gig..the Croke Park Gig with U2 must be 30 years ago….
Give me the nod next time you are planning a visit and I’ll try and get “First Time Ever” and “Deluge” into the set..both songs still resound occasionally…..two class ballads
Sadly I’m old enough to know what you mean about the ‘good old days’, but what fantastic memories and stories you must have. Well, until I can get to see you live, I will enjoy listening to your music
Hove would be great! Elton John performs at Hove Cricket Ground, so that the venue sorted. Would be great to watch and listen to you outdoors in the sunshine, having a sing a long. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for any future dates at Hove (fingers crossed)
Christy's reply
Played outdoors with Elton at Krumlin Festival, Barkisland, Halifax in 1970. Rainstorms stopped play as we all got washed down the hillside.Elton most generously shared his brandy bottle around. I played between Fotheringay and Fairport and went down like a lead balloon….ah the good old days….those were the days when we did not talk about the good old days
Ahh Alrite so, I’m sure they’ll have them in bundoran too il pick them up there! Fair play to Tom tuohy, he wrote an absolute belter of a tune there, I’m sure he was buzzing to have to you sing it. Good luck and god bless in the months ahead, see you in October. 💚
Hi Christy,
my sister and I have seen the two gigs in the Landmark and in the Slieve Russell Hotel, and they were amazing! Thank you so much! They were worth to do the long travel from Germany (from Speyer and Hamburg). In the night after the second concert my sister has changed the holiday plans for next year: Now she wants to come back to see you again… I hope you can do some gigs in April and May in the Southwest 🙂
Regards,
Andreas (and Elgin)
greetings Andreas and Elgin,
I dont have schedules yet for 2020..I hope there willl be gigs that suit your plans
The memories roll on,Christy…
‘Iron Behind The Velvet’ gets regular plays here…
You played ‘Harris and Appleton’ promoted nights at the Golden Lion folk club,Withington for a ‘floor spot'(at a Mike Harding gig) 1971/2,got ‘the start’ for your own nights and played a storming Planxty gig at The Cavalcade pub,Didsbury (late 1972/early 73)…all in Manchester 20…prob the best I ever saw Planxty as I was packed in near to the stage.The interplay of instruments was as tight as ‘the proverbial’ and Liam played joyously,eyes shut,seemingly oblivious to the oven like heat of an over full room…priceless times..
Keep the Atkin ringing…D
good post dave…I love those way back reflections
hi Christy
fantastic night in the Slieve Russell on Saturday. Many thanks for the mention of our 40th wedding anniversary and singing our request. I must just say that we thought it was your best show we have been to yet and look forward to seeing you again in the near future.
Best regards.
Brian and Yvonne from comber co down
It was a noble call…Thank You
Hi Christy
Poignant memories of the maestro Liam Og O’Flynn,when reading your account of the recent tribute session…
the name of Gabriel McKeon took me back to the late 70s.A pub gig of yours at ‘Slane House’,Slane village,Co Meath.A full house and noisy crowd.Hushed into silence by the music of a young piper-Gabriel McKeon…followed by your good self in fine fettle .Not yet half way through your NET.First time I saw you play in Ireland,but with many solo/Planxty Manchester gigs under our belts…
Fast forward 30+years and your music resonates better than ever…last week on a glorious Spring evening,my amigo and I trekked into the hills nr Saddleworth to play an ‘old school’ folk club gig at ‘The Cross Keys’…a full room,wonderful chorus singing and stillness as we played ‘The Lakes of Pontchartain’.Picking out the beautiful melody,my mind wandered to many a gig.I think I heard a piper playing somewhere…
Keep on truckin’
Dave
Had a lovely Band for a few months back 40 years ago….. I played with Gabriel McKeon, my brother Barry (aka Luka Bloom), Noel Hill, Tony Linnane and the late Jimmy Faulkner… we recorded an album called “The Iron Behind The Velvet” and did one Irish Tour…. only one song from that album remains in the set….
I think I visited Saddleworth back in 1967…Mike and Patricia Harding ran a great Folk Club at The Golden Lion in either Middleton or Blakeley…they organised a Saturday Night “Folk”Bus trip and I think that The Cross Keys may have been the destination….it was a great night, the bus crammed with singers, amongst them were Marie Little, Tony Downes,Mary Asquith, Rosie Hardman, we supped some stuff
Planxty’s first Mancunian gig was 1972 at the legendary MSG for the bould Jenks….later we played at Free Trade Hall and once for “Harris &Appleton” at yet another Golden Lion out Didsbury way
I’ve the Atkin Guitar by my side here in the work room….its like a pet,endlessly patted and stroked….
Hi Christy
I`ve been attending your concerts for many years. Always a great night Im actually a big family history buff and my Grandfather was also like yourself born in Newbridge in 1890. The family lived in Cottages at Athgarvan House. His Aunt from Carlow Married into a Moore family who had family members at both the 1916 uprising and the war of independence.
I wondered if you`ve ever researched your family history. If not, Id be happy to do it for you.
Cheers
Kevin Liverpool
Morra Kev,
I know Athgarvan and surrounds very well,
we sprung from Moores,Dowlings,Powers and Sheerans…..the Moore line came from Athlone..
I have long since settled for the limited knowledge of famiy that exists….tried looking under the rocks once….decided to leave it be….its hard enough to keep the with current ..
God Christy, didn’t know you hated carrots so much! What a night in Ballyconnell! Thanks to Robbie and Breda for setting me up with a ticket and a great seat, and thanks to you my great friend for the autograph for our Christo, a very special thing. I loved the mood of the gig, pure love all round I felt. The connection between you and the audience was super, and between soft meaningful moments, and moments of pure fun, it was surely a lovely moment in life. Thanks to the three of you for giving us such a happening. Loved the craic about Camilla in the three man tent….
all our team had a good time in Ballyconnell….the Slieve Russell staff and management made us very welcome and facilitated the production crew in every way…makes such a difference ….
at the end of the night we were spent,sated and satisfied…the audience could not have been better…
glad you had a good gig, safe journey back to Germany…
Hi Christy
Its Patrick the sober Blacksmith here again, Its getting close to the gig now at the Midlands Park hotel Portlaoise. After a lot of searching I eventually managed to buy a few tickets on the inter web. So myself and Trish will be there, she is home from Australia for a holiday and this will be one of the highlights of her trip as we are both big fans of your songs and music. She is the most beautiful woman with a heart of gold and I love her dearly. I want to ask you if you could play a song for her on the night, God woman or North and South of the river, If you have a planned set already please dedicate a song for her, I would be extremely grateful Christy. I just want to let this very special woman know how much she is loved and appreciated.
Have a safe journey from The Forge to The Heath….we will do our best…
Hi Christy,
Today the pink disc eventually fell hypnotically onto “john O’Dreams”. I adore the vague sound, the unfinished crafting of it ,and feeling your way back into such a gorgeous song with Declan’s help.
It got me wondering whether there is an album or ten of other off-cuts, experiments and spoken word out there about to be packaged up and let loose on the unsuspecting but receptive listeners and buyers?
The coloured box set is so well interspersed with rarities from studios, back rooms and gigs that i assume there is so much more out there hiding in drawers and on old tapes etc ( not to mention Hilary’s wonderful and inspiring collection) that perhaps the wren, the finches, the thrush and even the pigeons and i could look forward to a few more such discs of hidden gems to coo and ca’ along to.
Regards
Rory
Hey Rory,
After reading your post I went back and listened to that track,I was taken aback when Declan and I started chatting in the middle of it, I’d totally forgotten about that interlude…
That Box Set would never have emerged without the diligence and careful listening of my Curator Michael ( aka Luke the Drifter)..he took all the various bits and pieces and committed them to over 90 CDs from which the 6 were gleaned… we spoke about a further box which was to have been released in 2016 but there were many distractions and the project fell by the wayside….as the last box covered the years 1964-2004 we have now re scheduled the next box 2005-2045 which gives us 26 years to complete….I cant think of a better way to celebrate hitting the ton
Mighty gig in the Slieve Russell. The songs seemed very special last night ….. Dec and Jimmy in top form too….
Thanks for everything you and all the gang do.
Bright Blue Rose was perfect in every way.
Time to get on the bike again…… will seem more uphill on the way back.
what a great front row of hardy annuals last night..does the heart good to see familiar faces amongst that wonderful throng of loyal listeners…may the light shine upon ye all wherever ye may roam
Hey Christy! Great mornings craic with the crew setting up for tonights gig – all gentlemen. Have put together this short clip of the work that many don’t see before the show. “If only it was that quick” sez Geoff! Can’t make the gig with one of my own but catch you soon.. https://youtu.be/ItSkpxYZbpA
I like it Kevin..a lot…. pity you could not get the complete process…would have been great if the set up had been filmed right up to sound check time !! but thanks for taking the trouble to share..maybe next time !!.
hope your gig went well..we had a good one in that excellent room…Ballyconnell is a welcoming place and the Sliabh Russell a great gig room
Hi Christy
I’m in the middle of reading your book ‘one Voice’, which I am really enjoying. It’s great to find out how these songs came about. As my religion is Nature based, (Wiccan), I was thrilled to discover Burning Times and will enjoy singing along to that.
I just wondered if you have any plans for any future books?
Julie
since “One Voice” I have commenced many writing projects but nothing has borne fruit…..songs and singing always take priority….who knows what lies ahead…
for me,Burning Times is a special song…we have started playing it again recently…
The Earth is a Healer, a Teacher and a Mother,
a weaver of a web of light that keeps us all alive
she gives us the wisdom to see through the chaos
she gives us the courage, it is our will to survive.(by Charlie Murphy)
Christy
You went above and beyond to meet our needs. The seats, the dedication to the journey we made and the wonderful songs. Its an evening my parents and my wife n me will never forget. Its been beautiful and it’s been magical. I’ll use that plectrum to strum my three chord wonders and it’ll remind me of a great night every time I play. Pass on our regards to your wonderful team that surrounds you.
A true hero in our eyes.
Many thanks
Frankie
Frankie,
Just as you yourself went above and beyond by gathering your family together, by organising the journey from Scotland to Leitrim, by honoring the songs with your presence….I think it effects all the audience when they hear about long distance listeners..it certainly effects me….attending a Concert with your Mother and Father is an experience not many achieve….
In recent years we have enjoyed the company of listeners from around the globe who travel to hear the songs ….such priviledge goes way beyond the boyhood dream that led me to this journey….in the midst of last nights Leitrim listeners were many who travelled from further afield… all of ye collectively create that atmosphere in which the band can seek to fly….
Let The Music keep Our Spirits High
Howaya Christy!
Probably a long shot but sure I’ll try… My Dad Joey has been a massive fan of yours for years! He brought my mam to see you live in The Point and I swear he still talks about it. Myself and my brother have fond memories of driving around with him in his van with your songs turned up loud while dad rhymed all the lyrics off with the windows (and our heads) down! We’re 22 and 21 now and we are still massive fans of your music so we’re bringing our dad to see you in the Slieve Russell on Saturday night and we would love it if you could dedicate ‘The Voyage’ to him as it really has got him through some hard times…. he lost a best friend last year and then he was diagnosed with cancer. After getting it removed, he headed off to attempt the 800km trek of the Camino which he completed in over 4 weeks. He said ‘The Voyage’ reminded him of my mam and his kids and that he wouldn’t have gotten through it without your music and for that I’m very grateful! Can’t wait to see you live!
Megan and Steven McDonald
Morra Megan,
Its in the hat with a hundred other requests..its all in the hands of the Gods but the odds are slanted in Joey’s favour…we gotta try and look after our long haul listeners
Ah Christy! Home for a few days, VERY lucky and happy to have got a ticket for Cavan Saturday night! Brill. It’s been 9 years since I saw you last comin’ along the German autobahn on the Honda 50 to Frankfurt. You made our night by dedicating a song to my lad Christo. He was 12 and loved the gig. He’s now turned 21 last week, and ‘twould be great if you got a chance to autograph On the Road for him as a 21st birthday gift. Only askin’!
Morra Pat,
that will not be a problem,
best contact Robbie on the door or one of the stage crew and it will be sorted..I seldom encounter the “Christo” version of our name…a dear friend of mine, the late Dr Billy Parkinson always called me Christo….
I miss my trips to Germany…..Kraftwerk, Toten Hosen and delightful Confectionary
How’s all…I still have a cassette form the Planxty gig at The Olympia ( Ze good ship Kanguru) and what a beautiful version of John O’ Dreams is included, one of my favs…it’s here somewhere..
Wally Page, Johnny Mulhearn and all the band are back on North Strand Rd this coming Friday at 9pm…The Annesley House is the place..Wal calling all perfumiers ( his call of the 4711ers) and all interested in a crackin night to come along..
The never ending world tour seems to be truckin along well Christy, continued enjoyment to you all on the road…I just see a FB reminder that it’s 9 years since our gathering in Lisdoon for the gaggle..how time flies, but what a great memory…Hey Paddy, Hey Paddy…
its 40 years since that tape escaped…no one was more surprised than the band when it appeared…it was removed from circulation ..looking back now I am happy it exists…there was no malice nor greed involved…I believe the only mistake was excluding Liam,Andy ,Donal and I from any discussion or decision…..Planxty music is ageing well… certainly better then the lads that made it…Sadly we lost our Liam…but 3 of us are still treading the boards..
only last Saturday we had a great session of Music in The Pipers Corner when a clatter of Liam’s close friends got together to remember our dear friend….Three Pipers, Pádraic MacMathúna, Gabriel McKeon and Sean Óg Potts, two fiddle players Sean Keane and Paddy Glacken, Angela Crotty on Whistle and Paul Gallagher on Flute played beautifully for a couple of hours, Tríona and Mairéad Ní Dhomnaill sang and we all remembered days and nights with Liam…among the listeners were Liam’s wife Jane and Dolly McMahon….it was lovely to sit, to listen and to remember our dear Friend, Liam Óg O’Flynn
I got to see you and Dec & Cathal & Jim at Knightsbrook in Trim last weekend and just had to write a few lines of appreciation.
I first saw you as a kid back in 1985 at the Kilmore Hotel in Cavan when you made my Da’s night when you dedicated The Hackler from Grouse Hall to his uncle Spud Donohoe. I had the Ride On and The Time Has Come albums on vinyl. I bought your songbook and learned a few chords on the guitar and I sang day and night and wrote my poems… but, in the end, traded tired wings for the resignation that living brings…
Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to see you many, many times; The Point, Croke Park, Athboy, Navan, Kells, Trim… I’ve seen you frustrated at the pricks who kept talking while you walked through a bed of roses. Long before Ed Sherran you owned the stage with just your guitar and your voice. I’ve laughed and cried and cried and laughed and stamped my feet and clapped my hands and sung my heart out.
Last weekend you exalted.
You sang such a selection of classic songs, it was like a collection of greatest hits.
And Dec and Cathal are such musicians.
And the voice is better than ever it ever was.
The only thing I missed was The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Before the Deluge.
Such a little miss. Such a magnificent two hours.
So much joy.
Thank you to you and Dec and Cathal & Jim.
Thank you for the music, the memories, the tears and the laughter.
Thank you.
Cathal Donohoe
Thanks Cathal,
Lovely to get such good feedback from a long time listener…some of the venues you mentioned were many years back..in the 80s Athboy was a regular gig..the Croke Park Gig with U2 must be 30 years ago….
Give me the nod next time you are planning a visit and I’ll try and get “First Time Ever” and “Deluge” into the set..both songs still resound occasionally…..two class ballads
Sadly I’m old enough to know what you mean about the ‘good old days’, but what fantastic memories and stories you must have. Well, until I can get to see you live, I will enjoy listening to your music
Hove would be great! Elton John performs at Hove Cricket Ground, so that the venue sorted. Would be great to watch and listen to you outdoors in the sunshine, having a sing a long. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for any future dates at Hove (fingers crossed)
Played outdoors with Elton at Krumlin Festival, Barkisland, Halifax in 1970. Rainstorms stopped play as we all got washed down the hillside.Elton most generously shared his brandy bottle around. I played between Fotheringay and Fairport and went down like a lead balloon….ah the good old days….those were the days when we did not talk about the good old days
Have just discovered Christy and absolutely love him. Haven’t stopped playing the latest album. Be great if he came to Brighton one day.
I’ve enjoyed many visits to Brighton…but as time passes, the tours get shorter….who knows what lies ahead…Hove perhaps !
Ahh Alrite so, I’m sure they’ll have them in bundoran too il pick them up there! Fair play to Tom tuohy, he wrote an absolute belter of a tune there, I’m sure he was buzzing to have to you sing it. Good luck and god bless in the months ahead, see you in October. 💚
Sweet Strabane