There was a middle-aged woman in Sligo when I was growing up and the story around the town was that she had been born with a crack in her skull and wasn’t expected to live. In the end she lived until she was eighty-nine. They reckon that if she’d lived for another year, the crack would have been ninety!
Dear Christy, we are finally settled back stateside after a terrific trip home, the highlight of course our Róisín’s wedding, but a very close second was your show in Athlone! I wanted to thank you so much for the shout out, you made the best night even better. My siblings and I laughed, cried and sang along with all but 2 songs. I’ve been listening to Beeswing on repeat, what a beautiful tune, and North and South of the River too as it’s so necessary here right now….I wish they would blast it on loud speakers for all to hear ❤️
I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to see you live, but I know it won’t be the last and I’m already looking forward to the next! Thanks again for being such a legend and putting on such an amazing show (I know you said your transatlantic days are done but all fingers and toes are still crossed)
Best of Wishes
Aoife Merry
Christy's reply
Aoife Merry,
Wish you well,
you may recieve a memoir of the Athlone gig from a loyal and trusted listener
Christy, We’re so blessed to have grandkids!
If, down the road, you’re interested in finding out how much of that soup you’re made of, let me know…. sharonkellyancestry@gmail.com. Your maternal surnames seem to be from Wexford. (my mom’s maternal ancestors were distillers from Wexford). Your paternal surnames, Moore and Dowling, are both 7 Septs surnames.
Enjoy your summer!
Sharon
Christy's reply
you tempt me with those slivers of information…I could easily develop a new obsession…but I gotta prioritise….I have a pot full of songs bubbling on the back boiler, there is an album to mix, 2 Solo gigs this week in Wicklow, 2 Band gigs next week in Galway….
That said Sharon,I have noted your kind offer and appreciate your interest….
“The Gardener rises with the Sun
he knows there ‘s work to be done
the reason, for every Season”………………(Paul Doran)
You’re an amazing musician and story teller, Christy!
I have wondered if music runs through your Moore family? My mom’s Moore family, for several generations, are very musical. Including mom’s 2nd cousin, Molly Moore’s son, actor Len Cariou. He started out his career singing on Broadway in Sweeney Todd. I’m a researcher and had two male Moore cousins (from different branches of my tree) take “Y” tests via FTDNA, which confirmed our Moores descend from the 7 Sept of Laois. Their Y cousins showed ancestors were from Laois, Kildare, Kilkenny, Offaly, Tipperary, Kerry. Hope this isn’t too odd of a question…. have you ever thought about taking a Y test to find out about your Moore ancestors?
Slainte,
Sharon Kelly
Christy's reply
Thanks Sharon….altho’ limited in the music dept I’m more then happy to be a story teller..
I take a different view on ancestry..my Moore line gets diluted with every generation…I can only reach back to
Were I to pursue my lineage I would wish to pursue them all equally and truth is,I just dont have time…
that said, my Grandfather, Christopher Moore, came from Athlone….and may well have descended from the Laois O’More’s …………..(I like a drop of soup myself)
I find our Grand-Children more interesting..
Happy Hunting Sharon !
How are things?
Dreading at the thought of school these days….I always do every year when August rolls around and the weather goes South…not literally of course!
‘Back to school’ adverts are all over the place , every time I see one I sigh to myself..!
Just recently ordered the self titled Planxty LP (aka the black album)…from The Netherlands of all places!
I wonder what the Dutch think of “Follow me up to Carlow?”.
I took a trip to Belfast last week, I stood on the floor of the culturlann,looking for that chowder “Mary from the meadows ” told you about . Belfast is some place.
Last night my Dadó Bearna said that a rake would be another word for someone who was “Under the influence of alcohol too often”.
This gave me a new insight into “The Limerick Rake”.
Then I found another song “The Bold Rake”, not being funny , but are the songs any way connected do you think?
All the best
CS (14 11/12)
P.S.
The marrows are growing steady here again…meaning you are heading for Galway soon a mhacín bán!
Christy's reply
as 15 beckons Agnes let me share with you…
I loved secondary school….the football,basketball, athletics, swimming, the choir the musicals, the piano, the excitement of the matches, singing in the Opera (Mikado and Ruddigore), the good friends I met, ( still meeting a few of them 60 years on)…I had some great teachers….one or two sadistic men, one or two elitist dicks, but in the main they were genuine men of good will…I got one honour in The Inter Cert and 6 passes in The Leaving Cert but, much more importantly, I came away with a good start in life…an opportunity for which my Mother worked day and night and for which I remain eternally grateful..back in the 50’s, not everyone gained the privilege of a secondary eduacation…
Dadó Bearna is ceart go leor with “The Rake”….a fellow who’d be always lookin for the free drop, for any oppertunity to “get one over”…every weddin or wake, every match or gathering, always lingering around for an opening
then in like a shot…but at the same time maintaining a modicum of auld decency, not an abuser or a criminal, just a bit of a fox, and he’d keep himself as best he could and would have a certain sense of second-hand or hand-me-down style.
In my youth I used to sing both those songs and the character in my mind was the very same Rakish Paddy.
Prepping for Galway now..see you on 16th… le cónamh Dé
Hi Christy,
Another terribly somber weekend in USA.
My wife and I are flying over from Chicago and we’ll be seeing you at Leisureland on Aug. 16. We are very excited as this will be the first time seeing you and we’ve been fans for a long time.
Any chance you could find time for “Ordinary Man” would be greatly appreciated.
We can’t wait!
Eamon Reilly
Christy's reply
an old Townie uttered to me back in the old world
“Young Moore” ..sez he…” the world is in a state of chassis”
and that was 60 years ago….
I’m looking forward to singing to you all in The City of Tribes…we’ll walk under the Spainish Arch,on out to Salthill to meet all the good songsters gathered for sport and recreation
“Then everyone ‘s out to Salthill for the craic and for the porter
there’s bookies layin odds on two flies walkin up the wall.
There’s Fiddles and Trad, they’re Disco mad, Karaoke and Set Dances
and some of us who’ve seen better days lookin to take our chances”
Morning Christy
Just back from a flying visit down to Norfolk to see dad. He’s 95 and doing Ok I guess. I was telling him how you had played recently at the Pavilion in Dun Laoghaire and he said that he remembered going there as a child to watch cowboy movies starring someone called Tom Mix. He then went on to tell me that his Auntie Anne( whom I remember meeting quite a few times when I was a child, stern woman who could curdle milk at a 100 yards with her stare) had been born on the lighthouse ship called the’ Kish’, which was moored in the bay at Dun Laoghaire. Her father was the lighthouse keeper. Curious he should remember such things when he’s probably forgotten already that I’ve been down at the weekend .
Cropredy awaits at the end of the week and looking at the forecast I best not forget me wellies.
take care
Frankie
Christy's reply
What a great post. Your Father’s reflections upon the original “Pavilion”going back further then my own. Planxty played there in 1972-3. The Hotel Moira was across the road.(its a Nando’s now).I recall Liam O’Flynn and myself were shivering and shaking before the concert . We slipped across the road for glasses of rejuvenating Brandy, laced with Creme de Menthe before facing the burghers of Kingstown. ( a pick-me-up first encountered in the company of Ciarán Burke of The Dubliners).
The light ship you mentioned lay anchored in Dun Laoghaire harbour until (circa) 1990. Its last function was centre piece for a brilliant Art Installation by the artist Dorothy Cross . Her “Ghost Ship”lay at anchor in the bay for 12 months painted in a grey/silver luminous paint that glowed from dusk til dawn. (you can google it)
Currently the Harbour still stands unique and proud. Unfortunately its at risk under the stewardship. I dont trust them.
Everything seems “up for sale” these days.
Hi Christy my husband used to sing many of your songs & was a huge fan of the airport up in knock … it is bittersweet going to your concerts now .., lovely to close my eyes & listen to him sing again 🤔hope to hear you in Galway on sat night 17th August was trying to get Friday night but alas Too Slow !!!
Christy's reply
Hey Heneghan2016…I hope you have a good night in “The Hanger”…I love playing there…. it brings back many memories ….when I sing certain songs I’m reminded of those who’ve gone on before me….
Thanks for sharing….Let the music keep our Spirits High
“From Fatima to Bethlehem,from Lourdes to Kiltimagh”
Hi Christy, here is the song, I’ve seen first hand the life long effects bestowed upon family’s, due to alcoholism and Domestic Abuse, it is haunting and hidden behind a door of silence,,suffering, anger and shame, I find comfort in sharing the song, some songs release a chemical in the body and mind that helps the heart and soul , smile again.
Can ye hear her
Can you hear her screaming
Can you hear her
Crying in the night
She weeps in a jail tonight
She killed her husband
He was a drinking
And she was a battered wive
Can ye hear her
Can you hear her
Everyone that knew her
Knew she was beaten too
Everyone that seen her
Could she was battered black and blue
Can ye hear her
Maybe one or two
Have you seen her
She barely standing in front of you
I can see her
So can you
I can hear her
But only if you choose too
To the Air of the Ostrich
Hope you like it Christy
Some songs you’re not meant to like singing for they bring out emotions we would rather keep inside, for various reasons. These are the songs that are special because they may help others along the road, they are not alone, we hear them , see them and we try help them , that’s who we are and should always be, love Fin
Christy's reply
You describe it well Fin….a ripple of discomfort runs across the room….the song hits home…some listeners will embrace the lyric,others will abhor such an intrusion upon their entertainment….just as one will laugh heartily at an observation that another will resent ….maybe betimes we get too close to the bone…
where are you playing these times ? I’m doing some local Solo gigs ….very challenging at first…feeling very exposed with the surround sound of Declan,Cathal and Jimmy….but the songs expand and carry the load…
Hello again, Christy, David here from Drogheda, just wanted to let you know that a website and app – http://www.wegow.com – is advertising the following:
‘Christy Moore concert in London, Tickets for Christy Moore in London, is a concert which takes place on the 09/20/2019 at 20:00 in Barbican Theatre, London, United Kingdom.’
This is obviously incorrect as you’re in the Barbican in Drogheda that night? They have obviously derived some confusion from the similarly named Barbican Theatre in London. You might wish to let them know – I would gladly do this, but don’t know how to contact them.
Looking forward to seeing you on 20 September – in Drogheda!
All good wishes,
David and family
Christy's reply
Thanks David….this happens occasionally….there are three Newcastles in Ireland …thon computer always assumes Newcastle-on-Tyne, (but never Newcastle-under-Lyme)
Thank you for pointing this out…I have passed it on to the nerve centre of this outfit…
I’m looking forward to playing in Drogheda…its been many years since I’ve sung inside the walls….many decades since those great nights out in Clogherhead…in The Big Tree with the legendary Ned Byrne
Good day Christy,
Having my wee summer break down in Cashel’s Golden Vale ,lapping up the home cooked hospitality of Jayo and Antoinette Kinane ( who say HI).
Today i will slap on the factor 50 and set out in search of the Galtee Mountain boy (last heard of live by me in your gig in Clonmel).
Then a historical wander in Tipperary town ,on towards Soloheadbeg, on past Oola and, if lucky ,hunting out a visit to the snug in Kennedy’s up in Puckane for a glass before heading back down to Jayo’s for spuds n beans and a race or two on the box from the Galway races.
What a great wee break, am sure i will find the boy on my travels but if i don’t i can sing of him…out of tune mind you.
Tis such a wonderous land , no doubt that is why so many fabulous songs that you sing are constructed and honed here.
All the best
Rory
Christy's reply
Morra Rory, and greetings to Jayo & Antoinette,
we went to hear KD Laing last night in the National Concert Hall…a superb gig…her voice, vocal range, The Band, the sound and lighting, a great welcoming yet respectful audience…KD’s warmth and good humour shone thru….it was the final gig of a 2 year world tour and the players were giving their all….
48 hours earlier we attended the Pavarotti Film….I enjoyed hearing two great voices at close quarters…
Met KD briefly over 20 years ago when we shared a couch on a BBC Radio chat show…I think twas John Inverdale….heard Pavarotti here in Dublin maybe 30 years ago…. watching the Film I realised that I did not appreciate the beauty of his singing on the night….the RDS Concert hall was awash with Jewellry and Fur and them that flaunts it…. I missed out on the wonder of his singing….sitting in the Lighthouse Cinema 2 days ago I was deeply moved by his voice and what it took for him to achieve full delivery of his magnificent instrument..
Enjoying a few glimpses of Galway..
I love the work of the racing Fraternity…their total dedication…the thrill of the chase….loading the stalls…the stable hands..the horse whisperers..all the associated skills and trades…I sometimes wish they had a separate channel for all the fashion and hat shite..I’d much prefer interviews with those who take care of the Horses…
…. Jockeys should have their personal dedicated colours instead of owners….. …as for the haughty carry-on of the Sheik-mo-Shammies..thanks be they frequent neither Galway nor Punchestown….it makes skin crawl to watch the servitude they demand on the back of their ill begotten oil trillions….Wonder will Sheik O’Leary be joining the Epsom Downs Brigade….his millions will be missed in Fairyhouse and Cheltenham….
I often wonder, do Jockey’s get free kecks from Eddie Stobart ..its an inspired mode of advertising…I cant keep my eyes of those white silks as they thrust along the gallops of Ballybrit
Evening Christy
Back home after my expedition over the water. Fantastic wedding, great craic. Update on my good/proper priced food search. I wouldn’t dismiss the Full Irish Breakfast at Obama Plaza to be honest. It served the need well. Must mention though the Tipperary Inn in Toomevara. Highly recommend the cabbage and bacon and the chicken curry. Not a plate of 15 Euro stew to be seen in the joint.
God bless
Frankie
Christy's reply
Have sampled the fare at Obama Plaza….between there and The Ronnie Reagan Lounge, The Doonbeg Trump and Kennedy’s of Castlerosse this Island becomes more like Los Vegas with every passing day…
last time I played in Oldham I experienced an excellent Rogan Josh
Dear Christy,
I just wanted tosay thanks very much for the concert in the Pavillion on Friday night. There were so many highlights but hearing you play Only Our Rivers Run Free after I asked for it was brilliant and to follow it up with Back Home In Derry was the icing on the cake. Take care and hopefully I`ll get to see you again soon. All the best.
Paul.
Christy's reply
It is a wonderful gift to have gained such loyal listeners….songs have sustained me, some of them for over 50 years, I sing every day in my workroom, always seeking new verses, new tunes, but when the seeking is done I will return to some old song and have a reverie….today brought Wallflower back, then Allende, then So Much Wine..
earlier we went to see Luciano Pavarotti….this new Biopic is very good….
A note to mention how happy Brandon and I were to meet you and your wife at Peggy Seeger’s concert last Tuesday night. I mentioned to my wife and daughter when we got home that we had met you and that you had said you’ll be doing a concert in Drogheda later in the year. I am glad you told me this as it has given me the opportunity of checking out the date and getting tickets early as the 4 of us are very keen to attend and as it’s a small venue we wish to book before it is sold out. So I’ve marked the date firmly in the diary and will be booking the tickets over the next day or two. Hope to get a chance of saying hello again at the concert. In the meantime all the very best,
David
Christy's reply
We both enjoyed meeting you and Brandon before the Peggy Seeger/Calum MacColl gig last week….It was an enthralling gig….such diverse material, beautiful sensitive accompaniments, humility and humanity…..all in a great venue with an appreciative audience…
Looking forward to Boyne Waterside come the Autumn
Hi Christy, yip i have mentioned Hollow Point as one of my daughters lives in Brixton and i regularly find myself at Stockwell Tube thinking about that entirely innocent man and his brutal killing. The song is very powerful and Chris’ performance even more so. Let us hope for more state tollerance everywhere, but much more than hope is needed.
Regards
Rory
Christy's reply
Happy Monday Rory,
When you mentioned Wally’s “Hey Paddy” it reminded me of Chris’s “Hollow Point”. It comes as no surprise that you were aware of both songs. Perhaps our wee correspondance here will encourage a few others to hear these songs.
Speaking of…I heard a BBC4 podcast yesterday where Germaine Greer spoke about the musical legacy of Frank Zappa…..
A great weekend of Hurling here…..now we have Tipperary V Kilkenny to anticipate as Galway Races draws close once again
“They’re under starter’s orders,
Ted Walsh is commentatin
Ruby’s on the favourite,
she’ll surely take some batin
necks are craned,eyes are strained
there’s fear upon the faces
there’s agony and ecstacy
below at the Galway Races”
I was at The Pavilion theatre in Dun Laoghaire for last nights concert, and it was beautiful. A nice singing crowd..plenty of special guests…Joxer was a lovely moment.
Nice reaction to Ringin The Bell too…love all the stories in between the songs, I think everyone loves to hear them..so many highlights..was a privilege to be there last in a great venue..enjoy this beautiful day…I’m off to plant a few things..x
Hey Christy,
The Lilac is on it’s 4th spin of the day already (tis a good backdrop to the paperwork) and i just wondered if ‘Hey Paddy’ might see the light of day again anytime soon.
I appreciate that in some ways times change, and songs move on, but even if ‘paddy’ is not the main target in vogue currently ,still there are many paddy stand-in targets to sing about as the end of October looms.
Anyway, off to build an ark in which to travel to Tip next week.
Regards Rory
Christy's reply
Chris Wood – Hollow Point (Folk Awards 2011) – YouTube
If you like “Hey Paddy”, have a listen to the above..
I heard Chris Wood last year in Dublin….he gave a stunning performance…I’m hoping we can hear him again before too long…..
he has written and recorded some classic songs
Hi Christy, when are you coming back to the barrowlands? I couldn’t get a ticket for the last one, it’s our 30th anniversary this year and I would like to surprise my hubby with tickets, we both think you are brilliant .
Thanks Geri xx
Christy's reply
It always takes me 18 months to recover so it will be sometime next Spring..sign up for newsletter or keep an eye on the gig page…..soon as its firmed up we’ll have it posted …… Barrowland is Best
There was a middle-aged woman in Sligo when I was growing up and the story around the town was that she had been born with a crack in her skull and wasn’t expected to live. In the end she lived until she was eighty-nine. They reckon that if she’d lived for another year, the crack would have been ninety!
well were’nt we the rare auld schtock
Dear Christy, we are finally settled back stateside after a terrific trip home, the highlight of course our Róisín’s wedding, but a very close second was your show in Athlone! I wanted to thank you so much for the shout out, you made the best night even better. My siblings and I laughed, cried and sang along with all but 2 songs. I’ve been listening to Beeswing on repeat, what a beautiful tune, and North and South of the River too as it’s so necessary here right now….I wish they would blast it on loud speakers for all to hear ❤️
I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to see you live, but I know it won’t be the last and I’m already looking forward to the next! Thanks again for being such a legend and putting on such an amazing show (I know you said your transatlantic days are done but all fingers and toes are still crossed)
Best of Wishes
Aoife Merry
Aoife Merry,
Wish you well,
you may recieve a memoir of the Athlone gig from a loyal and trusted listener
Christy, We’re so blessed to have grandkids!
If, down the road, you’re interested in finding out how much of that soup you’re made of, let me know…. sharonkellyancestry@gmail.com. Your maternal surnames seem to be from Wexford. (my mom’s maternal ancestors were distillers from Wexford). Your paternal surnames, Moore and Dowling, are both 7 Septs surnames.
Enjoy your summer!
Sharon
you tempt me with those slivers of information…I could easily develop a new obsession…but I gotta prioritise….I have a pot full of songs bubbling on the back boiler, there is an album to mix, 2 Solo gigs this week in Wicklow, 2 Band gigs next week in Galway….
That said Sharon,I have noted your kind offer and appreciate your interest….
“The Gardener rises with the Sun
he knows there ‘s work to be done
the reason, for every Season”………………(Paul Doran)
Dear Christy,
Is there a chance to see you again in Germany?
It must have been 100 years since you last played here.
Wishing you all the best.
Greetings
Leo
Always a small chance Leo but it becomes more unlikely with each passing year.. to play there again remains high on my wish list..
You’re an amazing musician and story teller, Christy!
I have wondered if music runs through your Moore family? My mom’s Moore family, for several generations, are very musical. Including mom’s 2nd cousin, Molly Moore’s son, actor Len Cariou. He started out his career singing on Broadway in Sweeney Todd. I’m a researcher and had two male Moore cousins (from different branches of my tree) take “Y” tests via FTDNA, which confirmed our Moores descend from the 7 Sept of Laois. Their Y cousins showed ancestors were from Laois, Kildare, Kilkenny, Offaly, Tipperary, Kerry. Hope this isn’t too odd of a question…. have you ever thought about taking a Y test to find out about your Moore ancestors?
Slainte,
Sharon Kelly
Thanks Sharon….altho’ limited in the music dept I’m more then happy to be a story teller..
I take a different view on ancestry..my Moore line gets diluted with every generation…I can only reach back to
Moore-?-Dowling-Byrne…Power-?-Sheeran-Hickey
Moore-Dowling-Power-Sheeran
Moore-Power
Were I to pursue my lineage I would wish to pursue them all equally and truth is,I just dont have time…
that said, my Grandfather, Christopher Moore, came from Athlone….and may well have descended from the Laois O’More’s …………..(I like a drop of soup myself)
I find our Grand-Children more interesting..
Happy Hunting Sharon !
74 ach
Fágamaíd Súd Mar Atá Sé
ná bach
CM (73)
How are things?
Dreading at the thought of school these days….I always do every year when August rolls around and the weather goes South…not literally of course!
‘Back to school’ adverts are all over the place , every time I see one I sigh to myself..!
Just recently ordered the self titled Planxty LP (aka the black album)…from The Netherlands of all places!
I wonder what the Dutch think of “Follow me up to Carlow?”.
I took a trip to Belfast last week, I stood on the floor of the culturlann,looking for that chowder “Mary from the meadows ” told you about . Belfast is some place.
Last night my Dadó Bearna said that a rake would be another word for someone who was “Under the influence of alcohol too often”.
This gave me a new insight into “The Limerick Rake”.
Then I found another song “The Bold Rake”, not being funny , but are the songs any way connected do you think?
All the best
CS (14 11/12)
P.S.
The marrows are growing steady here again…meaning you are heading for Galway soon a mhacín bán!
as 15 beckons Agnes let me share with you…
I loved secondary school….the football,basketball, athletics, swimming, the choir the musicals, the piano, the excitement of the matches, singing in the Opera (Mikado and Ruddigore), the good friends I met, ( still meeting a few of them 60 years on)…I had some great teachers….one or two sadistic men, one or two elitist dicks, but in the main they were genuine men of good will…I got one honour in The Inter Cert and 6 passes in The Leaving Cert but, much more importantly, I came away with a good start in life…an opportunity for which my Mother worked day and night and for which I remain eternally grateful..back in the 50’s, not everyone gained the privilege of a secondary eduacation…
Dadó Bearna is ceart go leor with “The Rake”….a fellow who’d be always lookin for the free drop, for any oppertunity to “get one over”…every weddin or wake, every match or gathering, always lingering around for an opening
then in like a shot…but at the same time maintaining a modicum of auld decency, not an abuser or a criminal, just a bit of a fox, and he’d keep himself as best he could and would have a certain sense of second-hand or hand-me-down style.
In my youth I used to sing both those songs and the character in my mind was the very same Rakish Paddy.
Prepping for Galway now..see you on 16th… le cónamh Dé
Hi Christy,
Another terribly somber weekend in USA.
My wife and I are flying over from Chicago and we’ll be seeing you at Leisureland on Aug. 16. We are very excited as this will be the first time seeing you and we’ve been fans for a long time.
Any chance you could find time for “Ordinary Man” would be greatly appreciated.
We can’t wait!
Eamon Reilly
an old Townie uttered to me back in the old world
“Young Moore” ..sez he…” the world is in a state of chassis”
and that was 60 years ago….
I’m looking forward to singing to you all in The City of Tribes…we’ll walk under the Spainish Arch,on out to Salthill to meet all the good songsters gathered for sport and recreation
“Then everyone ‘s out to Salthill for the craic and for the porter
there’s bookies layin odds on two flies walkin up the wall.
There’s Fiddles and Trad, they’re Disco mad, Karaoke and Set Dances
and some of us who’ve seen better days lookin to take our chances”
Morning Christy
Just back from a flying visit down to Norfolk to see dad. He’s 95 and doing Ok I guess. I was telling him how you had played recently at the Pavilion in Dun Laoghaire and he said that he remembered going there as a child to watch cowboy movies starring someone called Tom Mix. He then went on to tell me that his Auntie Anne( whom I remember meeting quite a few times when I was a child, stern woman who could curdle milk at a 100 yards with her stare) had been born on the lighthouse ship called the’ Kish’, which was moored in the bay at Dun Laoghaire. Her father was the lighthouse keeper. Curious he should remember such things when he’s probably forgotten already that I’ve been down at the weekend .
Cropredy awaits at the end of the week and looking at the forecast I best not forget me wellies.
take care
Frankie
What a great post. Your Father’s reflections upon the original “Pavilion”going back further then my own. Planxty played there in 1972-3. The Hotel Moira was across the road.(its a Nando’s now).I recall Liam O’Flynn and myself were shivering and shaking before the concert . We slipped across the road for glasses of rejuvenating Brandy, laced with Creme de Menthe before facing the burghers of Kingstown. ( a pick-me-up first encountered in the company of Ciarán Burke of The Dubliners).
The light ship you mentioned lay anchored in Dun Laoghaire harbour until (circa) 1990. Its last function was centre piece for a brilliant Art Installation by the artist Dorothy Cross . Her “Ghost Ship”lay at anchor in the bay for 12 months painted in a grey/silver luminous paint that glowed from dusk til dawn. (you can google it)
Currently the Harbour still stands unique and proud. Unfortunately its at risk under the stewardship. I dont trust them.
Everything seems “up for sale” these days.
Tell us about Cropredy….
Hi Christy my husband used to sing many of your songs & was a huge fan of the airport up in knock … it is bittersweet going to your concerts now .., lovely to close my eyes & listen to him sing again 🤔hope to hear you in Galway on sat night 17th August was trying to get Friday night but alas Too Slow !!!
Hey Heneghan2016…I hope you have a good night in “The Hanger”…I love playing there…. it brings back many memories ….when I sing certain songs I’m reminded of those who’ve gone on before me….
Thanks for sharing….Let the music keep our Spirits High
“From Fatima to Bethlehem,from Lourdes to Kiltimagh”
Hi Christy, here is the song, I’ve seen first hand the life long effects bestowed upon family’s, due to alcoholism and Domestic Abuse, it is haunting and hidden behind a door of silence,,suffering, anger and shame, I find comfort in sharing the song, some songs release a chemical in the body and mind that helps the heart and soul , smile again.
Can ye hear her
Can you hear her screaming
Can you hear her
Crying in the night
She weeps in a jail tonight
She killed her husband
He was a drinking
And she was a battered wive
Can ye hear her
Can you hear her
Everyone that knew her
Knew she was beaten too
Everyone that seen her
Could she was battered black and blue
Can ye hear her
Maybe one or two
Have you seen her
She barely standing in front of you
I can see her
So can you
I can hear her
But only if you choose too
To the Air of the Ostrich
Hope you like it Christy
Some songs you’re not meant to like singing for they bring out emotions we would rather keep inside, for various reasons. These are the songs that are special because they may help others along the road, they are not alone, we hear them , see them and we try help them , that’s who we are and should always be, love Fin
You describe it well Fin….a ripple of discomfort runs across the room….the song hits home…some listeners will embrace the lyric,others will abhor such an intrusion upon their entertainment….just as one will laugh heartily at an observation that another will resent ….maybe betimes we get too close to the bone…
where are you playing these times ? I’m doing some local Solo gigs ….very challenging at first…feeling very exposed with the surround sound of Declan,Cathal and Jimmy….but the songs expand and carry the load…
Hello again, Christy, David here from Drogheda, just wanted to let you know that a website and app – http://www.wegow.com – is advertising the following:
‘Christy Moore concert in London, Tickets for Christy Moore in London, is a concert which takes place on the 09/20/2019 at 20:00 in Barbican Theatre, London, United Kingdom.’
This is obviously incorrect as you’re in the Barbican in Drogheda that night? They have obviously derived some confusion from the similarly named Barbican Theatre in London. You might wish to let them know – I would gladly do this, but don’t know how to contact them.
Looking forward to seeing you on 20 September – in Drogheda!
All good wishes,
David and family
Thanks David….this happens occasionally….there are three Newcastles in Ireland …thon computer always assumes Newcastle-on-Tyne, (but never Newcastle-under-Lyme)
Thank you for pointing this out…I have passed it on to the nerve centre of this outfit…
I’m looking forward to playing in Drogheda…its been many years since I’ve sung inside the walls….many decades since those great nights out in Clogherhead…in The Big Tree with the legendary Ned Byrne
Good day Christy,
Having my wee summer break down in Cashel’s Golden Vale ,lapping up the home cooked hospitality of Jayo and Antoinette Kinane ( who say HI).
Today i will slap on the factor 50 and set out in search of the Galtee Mountain boy (last heard of live by me in your gig in Clonmel).
Then a historical wander in Tipperary town ,on towards Soloheadbeg, on past Oola and, if lucky ,hunting out a visit to the snug in Kennedy’s up in Puckane for a glass before heading back down to Jayo’s for spuds n beans and a race or two on the box from the Galway races.
What a great wee break, am sure i will find the boy on my travels but if i don’t i can sing of him…out of tune mind you.
Tis such a wonderous land , no doubt that is why so many fabulous songs that you sing are constructed and honed here.
All the best
Rory
Morra Rory, and greetings to Jayo & Antoinette,
we went to hear KD Laing last night in the National Concert Hall…a superb gig…her voice, vocal range, The Band, the sound and lighting, a great welcoming yet respectful audience…KD’s warmth and good humour shone thru….it was the final gig of a 2 year world tour and the players were giving their all….
48 hours earlier we attended the Pavarotti Film….I enjoyed hearing two great voices at close quarters…
Met KD briefly over 20 years ago when we shared a couch on a BBC Radio chat show…I think twas John Inverdale….heard Pavarotti here in Dublin maybe 30 years ago…. watching the Film I realised that I did not appreciate the beauty of his singing on the night….the RDS Concert hall was awash with Jewellry and Fur and them that flaunts it…. I missed out on the wonder of his singing….sitting in the Lighthouse Cinema 2 days ago I was deeply moved by his voice and what it took for him to achieve full delivery of his magnificent instrument..
Enjoying a few glimpses of Galway..
I love the work of the racing Fraternity…their total dedication…the thrill of the chase….loading the stalls…the stable hands..the horse whisperers..all the associated skills and trades…I sometimes wish they had a separate channel for all the fashion and hat shite..I’d much prefer interviews with those who take care of the Horses…
…. Jockeys should have their personal dedicated colours instead of owners….. …as for the haughty carry-on of the Sheik-mo-Shammies..thanks be they frequent neither Galway nor Punchestown….it makes skin crawl to watch the servitude they demand on the back of their ill begotten oil trillions….Wonder will Sheik O’Leary be joining the Epsom Downs Brigade….his millions will be missed in Fairyhouse and Cheltenham….
I often wonder, do Jockey’s get free kecks from Eddie Stobart ..its an inspired mode of advertising…I cant keep my eyes of those white silks as they thrust along the gallops of Ballybrit
Evening Christy
Back home after my expedition over the water. Fantastic wedding, great craic. Update on my good/proper priced food search. I wouldn’t dismiss the Full Irish Breakfast at Obama Plaza to be honest. It served the need well. Must mention though the Tipperary Inn in Toomevara. Highly recommend the cabbage and bacon and the chicken curry. Not a plate of 15 Euro stew to be seen in the joint.
God bless
Frankie
Have sampled the fare at Obama Plaza….between there and The Ronnie Reagan Lounge, The Doonbeg Trump and Kennedy’s of Castlerosse this Island becomes more like Los Vegas with every passing day…
last time I played in Oldham I experienced an excellent Rogan Josh
Dear Christy,
I just wanted tosay thanks very much for the concert in the Pavillion on Friday night. There were so many highlights but hearing you play Only Our Rivers Run Free after I asked for it was brilliant and to follow it up with Back Home In Derry was the icing on the cake. Take care and hopefully I`ll get to see you again soon. All the best.
Paul.
It is a wonderful gift to have gained such loyal listeners….songs have sustained me, some of them for over 50 years, I sing every day in my workroom, always seeking new verses, new tunes, but when the seeking is done I will return to some old song and have a reverie….today brought Wallflower back, then Allende, then So Much Wine..
earlier we went to see Luciano Pavarotti….this new Biopic is very good….
Dear Mr. Moore,
A note to mention how happy Brandon and I were to meet you and your wife at Peggy Seeger’s concert last Tuesday night. I mentioned to my wife and daughter when we got home that we had met you and that you had said you’ll be doing a concert in Drogheda later in the year. I am glad you told me this as it has given me the opportunity of checking out the date and getting tickets early as the 4 of us are very keen to attend and as it’s a small venue we wish to book before it is sold out. So I’ve marked the date firmly in the diary and will be booking the tickets over the next day or two. Hope to get a chance of saying hello again at the concert. In the meantime all the very best,
David
We both enjoyed meeting you and Brandon before the Peggy Seeger/Calum MacColl gig last week….It was an enthralling gig….such diverse material, beautiful sensitive accompaniments, humility and humanity…..all in a great venue with an appreciative audience…
Looking forward to Boyne Waterside come the Autumn
Hi Christy, yip i have mentioned Hollow Point as one of my daughters lives in Brixton and i regularly find myself at Stockwell Tube thinking about that entirely innocent man and his brutal killing. The song is very powerful and Chris’ performance even more so. Let us hope for more state tollerance everywhere, but much more than hope is needed.
Regards
Rory
Happy Monday Rory,
When you mentioned Wally’s “Hey Paddy” it reminded me of Chris’s “Hollow Point”. It comes as no surprise that you were aware of both songs. Perhaps our wee correspondance here will encourage a few others to hear these songs.
Speaking of…I heard a BBC4 podcast yesterday where Germaine Greer spoke about the musical legacy of Frank Zappa…..
A great weekend of Hurling here…..now we have Tipperary V Kilkenny to anticipate as Galway Races draws close once again
“They’re under starter’s orders,
Ted Walsh is commentatin
Ruby’s on the favourite,
she’ll surely take some batin
necks are craned,eyes are strained
there’s fear upon the faces
there’s agony and ecstacy
below at the Galway Races”
I was at The Pavilion theatre in Dun Laoghaire for last nights concert, and it was beautiful. A nice singing crowd..plenty of special guests…Joxer was a lovely moment.
Nice reaction to Ringin The Bell too…love all the stories in between the songs, I think everyone loves to hear them..so many highlights..was a privilege to be there last in a great venue..enjoy this beautiful day…I’m off to plant a few things..x
Morra Lar…
Thanks for the thumbs up…
Hey Christy,
The Lilac is on it’s 4th spin of the day already (tis a good backdrop to the paperwork) and i just wondered if ‘Hey Paddy’ might see the light of day again anytime soon.
I appreciate that in some ways times change, and songs move on, but even if ‘paddy’ is not the main target in vogue currently ,still there are many paddy stand-in targets to sing about as the end of October looms.
Anyway, off to build an ark in which to travel to Tip next week.
Regards Rory
Chris Wood – Hollow Point (Folk Awards 2011) – YouTube
If you like “Hey Paddy”, have a listen to the above..
I heard Chris Wood last year in Dublin….he gave a stunning performance…I’m hoping we can hear him again before too long…..
he has written and recorded some classic songs
Hi Christy, when are you coming back to the barrowlands? I couldn’t get a ticket for the last one, it’s our 30th anniversary this year and I would like to surprise my hubby with tickets, we both think you are brilliant .
Thanks Geri xx
It always takes me 18 months to recover so it will be sometime next Spring..sign up for newsletter or keep an eye on the gig page…..soon as its firmed up we’ll have it posted …… Barrowland is Best