Hi Christy,
On the traintrack for a brief surprise visit to Brixton to see my wonderful daughter Flora Mairi Rose, and i will be remembering Jean Charles De Menezes at Stockwell Tube ,and Giuseppe Conlon, and all the souls who that busy, frantic,sometimes unwelcoming ,London tries to forget.
Anyway, on the way to the train i played over and over ‘the boys of Barr Na Sraide’ ,from a town that was probably all those things that the big city is not. It is a song of such beauty ,painting a picture as it goes.
Will it be a while since you sang of it’s beauty? I think the album i have it on is 40+ years old, when you were a mere slip of a lad….There must be so many hundreds of songs in the locker that cannot all get aired, i imagine.
Keep on keeping on.
Regards
Rory
Christy's reply
Yes Rory, that album was 1978. Written by Sigerson Clifford I first heard “Barr na Sráide” sung by Michael Hipkiss. I used to play in his Folk Club in Birmingham in the 60’s and I used to stay with his Family in Erdington. Next time you are coming to a gig let me know. I’ll try and revive it for the night.
I assume you have heard Chris Woods heartbreaking song for Charles DE Menezes.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI2YdHt_V7s
Hi Christy
In the meantime we are back home looking back on a too few but so beautiful days in Ireland. We all enjoyed the gig in Gorey tremendously. Thank you so much the special attention we got from you. We felt so honoured.
We loved our walks in Glendalough area. In our B&B in Hollywood the lady of the house said that in one of your so many songs a house nearby was mentionned. Poulaphouca or something like that. I had no clue which song.
keep up the good work and we hope to return soon, next time with our son Lars
Eva, Els and Piet
Christy's reply
“There are people here,upon my word
from every corner of the world
Portarlington,Portlaois and Tullamore
Two-Mile-House and Poulaphouca,
Blacktrench, Cutbush and Boolea
Such a crowd I’ve never seen before”
From the song “Welcome to The Cabaret” which was on the the 1991 album “Smoke and Strong Whiskey”
I still perform it occasionally and it has gained some new verses.
Have you heard the song called “The Glendalough Saint”? I heard it in 1966 from Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners.
“In Glendalough lived an old saint
his days they were filled with austerity
His manners was curious and quaint
And he looked upon girls with disparity
Chorus
ar fol de doll doll de doll daddy
He was fond of reading a book
When he could get one to his wishes
He loved to go casting his hook
In among the young fishes
But one evening he landed a trout
He landed a fine big trout, Sir
young Kitty from over the way
Came to see what the Saint was about, Sir
“get out of me sight” said the saint
Dont you know I’m a man of great piety
my good manners I wouldn`t taint
by mixing in female society
Oh but Kitty she wouldn’t give in
And when he got home to his rockery
there she was seated within
She was polishing up his ould crockery
Well he gave the poor creature a shake
I wish that the Gardai had caught him!
For he threw her right into the lake
And poor Kitty she sank to the bottom”
A terrible tale of woe, not to be taken too seriously…
thats Saints for you
Reminds me of a night we were playing to some demanding crowd think it was a dance.they wouldn’t let us eat our dinner on the break. a lady came up to Joe nellany the accordian player and told him her son was very interested in music .how will I prepare him said she? Well said Joe..first thing you do is get him to eat a seven course meal in three minutes.true story..
Christy's reply
hard to bate a demanding crowd….I had 4 listeners one night in Aberdeen….ended going home with them…I was on 50% of the door….dinner on the break,very fancy..I hope the drummer did’nt get gravy on his tux
All good in Booterstown, so far , so good like as Johnny Spillane might say..last night we had a great night with Paddy Casey, next Thursday The 4 Of Us from Newry will have everyone on their feet again…and someone you once stood in for…the great Johnny McEvoy will be with us on Wed 18th of December..and today, I look back on a few photos of the night you came to play, exactly three years ago tonight..absolute golden memories..we continue to let the music keep our spirits high..shine on, ride on, sail on..thank you L x
gotta hand it to you Martin…you’ve done a good job there..I like the sound of your Ganjo……be nice to hear it with some soft pickin on a song like “Tramps & Hawkers” or something similar
well done , that’s a great achievement…reminds me of way back in the early Planxty days when Donal Lunny was developing the idea of the flat back bouzouki and Andy Irvine was trying the Mandola and Portuguese Guitarra..
its the way all instruments have evolved across the Millenia… someones gotta take a chance..work it out and make some new sounds
as Jackson says “Let the Music keep your spirits High”
Listening to Jeremy Corbyn on the life of victor jara, took me back to your rendition of the song on his life. We really need to keep reminding everyone of his sacrifice. Music is a great medium to do that, sing it again soon. Young Edinburgh singer Callum Baird gave a good version at the rally in Edinburgh last night.
Mornin’ Christy
‘you sing until you can’t,then you sing a harmony’…Lal Waterson’s (punk-ish)explanation of ‘The Waterson’s’ ensemble approach…and,it worked with spine tingling efficiency…’Bright Phoebus’ is well worth dusting off too,a stellar cast of musos and clever/surreal songs,that took many listeners by surprise,on its early 1970’s release.
Fantastic when a genre takes on a new slant..’folk’,with a less than reverent/stifling attitude,perfect for the often timeless emotions within the songs…not too many years from your solo debut to ‘Moving Hearts’ via ‘Planxty’…you’ve also done your bit! And we’ve not even started on Woody’s contributions…
Have a good day
Dave
Christy's reply
gonna dig out the Bright Phoebus vinyl …spend some time with Lal and Mike
You may travel far from, from your own native home….I remember my sister Shawn and I rolling down the hills, my mum yelling, “aghh! Stop it you two! ” My brither, Jay Patrick Kelley passed on veterans day, Nov 11th. Few days ago. 47 yrs of age. Pls keep him in your thoughts as you sing. We adored you! Listening together, singing the wrong lyrics. Lol!! Fr. Daniel Mahoney from our Parish at St. FRANCES DESALES, CHARLESTOWN MA, SAYS, “when you sing, you pray twice!” Pls keep us in your prayers. Xo -kk
Christy's reply
May JP rest in peace…gone far too young…. my condolence to you
Christy!!! Thank you kindly for that wonderful history lesson. My husband, Michael informed me that his Dad was indeed related to the Killoran’s of Sligo. Fiddle Master, Paddy was always brought to attention at the table as well. I didn’t know all this! His Father William Wallace Killoran was born in Canadian, Beldoune (sp)?New Brunswick. Sligo ppl are their roots! Sorry you have not been to Boston lately. There’s always room for more in the parlor! Sainte!
well done Dave…great to hear Kevin’s song being covered…this song really sinks in with listeners…makes us all remember that there are still gang masters, slave drivers,people traffickers and their accomplices in our midst…vicious and unscrupulous, they must be weeded out, exposed and punished…silence is acquiescence….Thanks for sharing
The memories flood in when The Free Trade Hall is mentioned.
Ed and fellow readers might be interested in the FTH Wikipedia entry.It lists numerous music events ,as well as putting the iconic building into context within the city’s history.It is now a Radisson Blu hotel,with an unchanged facade on Peter Street.Good photo detail on the hotel website.
The Lesser Free Trade Hall was the small theatre,tucked away at the top/rear of the main building.Capacity was a few hundred (packed for the only time I saw The Watersons c 1972) and a small(ish) audience for the ground breaking Sex Pistols gigs at the start of punk…
Between us we clocked up a good few visits,I reckon.Only one stage performance for me though…school choir c 1965!You fared much better,thankfully!
All the best
Dave
Christy's reply
…Seeing The Watersons and The Sex Pistols referenced in the same sentence sparked the thought….Mike,Lal,Norma, and John were our Folk Punks…..they did it their way, no concessions to Folk Styles, standing in a thousand Folk Clubs in black and white their sounds were in technicolour….they blazed a trail that still rolls on…..who would’nt be for all the world a Jolly Waggoner
I know this is late coming, and I apologize, but wanted to thank you for the remarkable concert in Drogehda back in September! You gave a wonderful shoutout to my father Kent Vallette for his birthday and I can’t begin to tell you what a fantastic gift that was! He was so surprised and moved by the gesture! Thanks for making your fans feel so special!
We did so many spectacular things on our trip to Ireland, and when I asked him what the highlight was he said, “Oh hands down, the Christy Moore concert!”
When I got back to Vancouver, 2 days later I was off to “The City of Chicago” to do some family history then to Indiana to spend time with my grandkids! I introduced my daughter to you and played your songs there in Chicago! We are now 3 generations (well maybe 4 since my 1 year old granddaughter was with us) of Christy Moore fans! Thank you again we will keep your legend alive in our family!
Christy's reply
I recall it clearly..your father’s name is so distinctive…its not every night I get to sing for “Kent Vallette”..best wishes to all US songsters
Manchester and that Free Trade Hall, lot lots of people all will claim they all attended a Stranglers concert there in the era of ’76, Morrissey even claims to have been at it. Several Morrissey gigs appear online, I think one might even be staged at that Free Trade Hall. Dagrab claims it’s a hotel nowadays does he? Byrnes on Galloping Green, isnt it one of the venues where the O’Riada Ceolteori Chualann rehearsed. Good piece on Paddy Kiloran, I estimate he could have trod the same streets in New York as my grandfather. Larry Redican was there at the same era.
Christy's reply
I’ve little doubt that Paddy and Larry shared tunes if they were in the same City at the same time….ex-pat musicians always come together in foreign lands…Both Paddy Killoran and Larry Redican are remembered in the annals of our Traditional Music.. The music they composed still resounds
Christy, Gorey was a cracker, the standouts were “the John Lennon Song” that had me puzzled too for a second but I surprised myself singing along softly and remembering every word once you got it started, but of course that was an album to remember, I think there was at least five songs from it in the set on Saturday, and I’m so grateful too for Fairytale of NY, my wife was with me in Gorey, only her second ever time to join me at a gig, the last time was 1997 in the Bronx so Fairytale was a real treat for us, thank you, thank you. Some of the gigs are just buzzing and that’s the Magic… Be well Christy and looking forward to the next Magic Night. Brian.
Christy's reply
Thank You Brian……Gorey was a scorcher…great that you picked that one
My father was a barman in the pedigree corner in the late 70s ,a young man from Wexford at that time, when you played gigs there, he said many a night after the gigs the craic really got going in there and it was more early morning than late at night that the few left behind would head for home. great memories he holds from that time, looking forward to the gig the 17th of December I was there last year aswell a brilliant gig. Keep her lit !
Christy's reply
Well PR93
Back in the 70s I lived about 15 miles from Pedigree Corner and gigged there regularly for Noel Peacock. I had some great nights there.A shame that it closed for its location ,where 3 counties meet, always guaranteed a full house. I remember one night in particular when I did a concert there with the late Jimmy Faulkner (Guitar), with Matt Molloy(Flute) (of The Bothy Band,Planxty, The Chieftains), Hamish Imlach (Singer) from Scotland and Naoise Comerford from Cork who was a brilliant Classical Guitarist.
Christy brilliant gig on Saturday night in Gorey. The choice of numbers was spot on for occasion and we had a great time. Once again many thanks for giving the Millar family a shout appreciated very much. Contrary to other comments we enjoyed the venue and we only had a one night booking. Now back in rainy Scotland and looking forward to April at the concert hall in Glasgow.
Frank Snr
Christy's reply
Having such long haul listeners always effects the night with a positive energy…among the throng of Wexford listeners In Gorey last Sat we had your selves frae Scotland, a good few from England plus listeners from USA and Belgium….Thank you for being there and for your feedback
Sad news from the weekend. Dad, Jimmy Byrne passed away gently on Saturday afternoon. 95 was a good shout in anyone’s book. Thankfully I made the 200 mile dash down to Norfolk on Saturday morning to the hospital with about an hour to spare. He wasn’t conscious but I swear he could hear us all as 6 of his 8 kids gathered around. I played some tunes on my phone and placed it on his pillow before he slipped away. It was poignant that he took his last breath with the chimes of Luke Kelly and Raglan Road in his ears and no doubt his heart. It was one of his favourites and he always said it reminded him of mum who left us 20 years ago. The little kid from Stillorgan didn’t always have an easy life and despite leaving Ireland in 1945 he was an Irishman through and through If you are ever passing Byrne’s Pub, Galloping Green in Stillorgan call in for a coffee. My cousin Ray will make you most welcome. It’s the house my dad grew up in and he last visited last year. Thank you for the kind words you have passed me for my dad over the years. I remember with a chuckle showing him the message you sent for his 90th birthday. I was showing him it on an ipad and he went ‘ you’ve put it in a lovely frame as well’. Keep on keeping on.
ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis
Best Wishes Frankie
Christy's reply
Thank you for sharing those precious final moment with Jimmy….what a blessing to have know and loved your Father to such a great age….I wish all the family well
Finally got my choir to Ireland. We drove through your beautiful country all the way from Dublin to Derry to take part in Derry International Choir Festival. Our husbands got themselves a tour to the Bushmills factory and Giants Causeway while we girls were singing. Totally forgot to check if you had any concerts near Derry at the time we were there 24.-29.oct. Hope to see you perform some day. Best regards, Nina.
Amazing gig by yourself & the superbly talented Declan S last night -thank you for doing the Stardust victims song ‘They never came home’ -you could have heard a pin drop & Fairytale of New York -incredible gig.Unfortunately the Amber springs hotel closed the bar before 8pm (ok) and refused entry to all gig goers to the hotel bar at 10:10 after the gig was finished.You coukdnt book a room for one night & had to book for 2 nights at 220 per room per night.Christy was incredible but I’d recommend he choose a venue that treats his fans better in future rather than exploiting them & leaving them trudging home in yhe rain to relieve their babysitters early – I’dnever travel a couple of hundred miles to an event in that hotel again -Amber Springs a total failure but Cristy was incredible as always.
Christy's reply
glad you enjoyed the gig…sorry to read about your experience…
Another beauty of a gig last night in The Amber Springs..really enjoyed..nice to hear All For the Roses among all the great songs, wonderful choices last night..thank you.
Christy's reply
Morra Larball,
That front row was fairly rockin last night, the audience were superb….the energy from the room came right up onto the stage and fired the act for almost two hours…great requests too…
We kicked it of in County Wicklow on Friday night…We then struck camp and drove the caravan Southwards into County Wexford….from The Garden County to The Model County…from the Hills and Glens of Michael Dwyer to the Hurling fields of The Mighty Rackards…
Everyone was in top form….
Hope all is well in Booterstown…keep us posted when Wally next gig is pending
Hi Christy,
On the traintrack for a brief surprise visit to Brixton to see my wonderful daughter Flora Mairi Rose, and i will be remembering Jean Charles De Menezes at Stockwell Tube ,and Giuseppe Conlon, and all the souls who that busy, frantic,sometimes unwelcoming ,London tries to forget.
Anyway, on the way to the train i played over and over ‘the boys of Barr Na Sraide’ ,from a town that was probably all those things that the big city is not. It is a song of such beauty ,painting a picture as it goes.
Will it be a while since you sang of it’s beauty? I think the album i have it on is 40+ years old, when you were a mere slip of a lad….There must be so many hundreds of songs in the locker that cannot all get aired, i imagine.
Keep on keeping on.
Regards
Rory
Yes Rory, that album was 1978. Written by Sigerson Clifford I first heard “Barr na Sráide” sung by Michael Hipkiss. I used to play in his Folk Club in Birmingham in the 60’s and I used to stay with his Family in Erdington. Next time you are coming to a gig let me know. I’ll try and revive it for the night.
I assume you have heard Chris Woods heartbreaking song for Charles DE Menezes.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI2YdHt_V7s
Hi Christy
In the meantime we are back home looking back on a too few but so beautiful days in Ireland. We all enjoyed the gig in Gorey tremendously. Thank you so much the special attention we got from you. We felt so honoured.
We loved our walks in Glendalough area. In our B&B in Hollywood the lady of the house said that in one of your so many songs a house nearby was mentionned. Poulaphouca or something like that. I had no clue which song.
keep up the good work and we hope to return soon, next time with our son Lars
Eva, Els and Piet
“There are people here,upon my word
from every corner of the world
Portarlington,Portlaois and Tullamore
Two-Mile-House and Poulaphouca,
Blacktrench, Cutbush and Boolea
Such a crowd I’ve never seen before”
From the song “Welcome to The Cabaret” which was on the the 1991 album “Smoke and Strong Whiskey”
I still perform it occasionally and it has gained some new verses.
Have you heard the song called “The Glendalough Saint”? I heard it in 1966 from Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners.
“In Glendalough lived an old saint
his days they were filled with austerity
His manners was curious and quaint
And he looked upon girls with disparity
Chorus
ar fol de doll doll de doll daddy
He was fond of reading a book
When he could get one to his wishes
He loved to go casting his hook
In among the young fishes
But one evening he landed a trout
He landed a fine big trout, Sir
young Kitty from over the way
Came to see what the Saint was about, Sir
“get out of me sight” said the saint
Dont you know I’m a man of great piety
my good manners I wouldn`t taint
by mixing in female society
Oh but Kitty she wouldn’t give in
And when he got home to his rockery
there she was seated within
She was polishing up his ould crockery
Well he gave the poor creature a shake
I wish that the Gardai had caught him!
For he threw her right into the lake
And poor Kitty she sank to the bottom”
A terrible tale of woe, not to be taken too seriously…
thats Saints for you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHPAI4iuEQo
Reminds me of a night we were playing to some demanding crowd think it was a dance.they wouldn’t let us eat our dinner on the break. a lady came up to Joe nellany the accordian player and told him her son was very interested in music .how will I prepare him said she? Well said Joe..first thing you do is get him to eat a seven course meal in three minutes.true story..
hard to bate a demanding crowd….I had 4 listeners one night in Aberdeen….ended going home with them…I was on 50% of the door….dinner on the break,very fancy..I hope the drummer did’nt get gravy on his tux
All good in Booterstown, so far , so good like as Johnny Spillane might say..last night we had a great night with Paddy Casey, next Thursday The 4 Of Us from Newry will have everyone on their feet again…and someone you once stood in for…the great Johnny McEvoy will be with us on Wed 18th of December..and today, I look back on a few photos of the night you came to play, exactly three years ago tonight..absolute golden memories..we continue to let the music keep our spirits high..shine on, ride on, sail on..thank you L x
you’re playing a stormer there Lar….
https://youtu.be/-6CRwf9myRQ.
The finished project
gotta hand it to you Martin…you’ve done a good job there..I like the sound of your Ganjo……be nice to hear it with some soft pickin on a song like “Tramps & Hawkers” or something similar
well done , that’s a great achievement…reminds me of way back in the early Planxty days when Donal Lunny was developing the idea of the flat back bouzouki and Andy Irvine was trying the Mandola and Portuguese Guitarra..
its the way all instruments have evolved across the Millenia… someones gotta take a chance..work it out and make some new sounds
as Jackson says “Let the Music keep your spirits High”
https://twitter.com/Corbynator2_0/status/1195102965549404160/video/1
Listening to Jeremy Corbyn on the life of victor jara, took me back to your rendition of the song on his life. We really need to keep reminding everyone of his sacrifice. Music is a great medium to do that, sing it again soon. Young Edinburgh singer Callum Baird gave a good version at the rally in Edinburgh last night.
no twitter here but Thanks Andy
Mornin’ Christy
‘you sing until you can’t,then you sing a harmony’…Lal Waterson’s (punk-ish)explanation of ‘The Waterson’s’ ensemble approach…and,it worked with spine tingling efficiency…’Bright Phoebus’ is well worth dusting off too,a stellar cast of musos and clever/surreal songs,that took many listeners by surprise,on its early 1970’s release.
Fantastic when a genre takes on a new slant..’folk’,with a less than reverent/stifling attitude,perfect for the often timeless emotions within the songs…not too many years from your solo debut to ‘Moving Hearts’ via ‘Planxty’…you’ve also done your bit! And we’ve not even started on Woody’s contributions…
Have a good day
Dave
gonna dig out the Bright Phoebus vinyl …spend some time with Lal and Mike
You may travel far from, from your own native home….I remember my sister Shawn and I rolling down the hills, my mum yelling, “aghh! Stop it you two! ” My brither, Jay Patrick Kelley passed on veterans day, Nov 11th. Few days ago. 47 yrs of age. Pls keep him in your thoughts as you sing. We adored you! Listening together, singing the wrong lyrics. Lol!! Fr. Daniel Mahoney from our Parish at St. FRANCES DESALES, CHARLESTOWN MA, SAYS, “when you sing, you pray twice!” Pls keep us in your prayers. Xo -kk
May JP rest in peace…gone far too young…. my condolence to you
Christy!!! Thank you kindly for that wonderful history lesson. My husband, Michael informed me that his Dad was indeed related to the Killoran’s of Sligo. Fiddle Master, Paddy was always brought to attention at the table as well. I didn’t know all this! His Father William Wallace Killoran was born in Canadian, Beldoune (sp)?New Brunswick. Sligo ppl are their roots! Sorry you have not been to Boston lately. There’s always room for more in the parlor! Sainte!
catch you later
Hello Christy
Here’s On Morecambe Bay, my version. I play Richie Havens’s method in open D tuning. I hope that it isn’t presumptuous. It’s such a great song.
https://www.facebook.com/681383766/videos/10157805337883767/
In solidarity
Dave
well done Dave…great to hear Kevin’s song being covered…this song really sinks in with listeners…makes us all remember that there are still gang masters, slave drivers,people traffickers and their accomplices in our midst…vicious and unscrupulous, they must be weeded out, exposed and punished…silence is acquiescence….Thanks for sharing
Hi Christy
The memories flood in when The Free Trade Hall is mentioned.
Ed and fellow readers might be interested in the FTH Wikipedia entry.It lists numerous music events ,as well as putting the iconic building into context within the city’s history.It is now a Radisson Blu hotel,with an unchanged facade on Peter Street.Good photo detail on the hotel website.
The Lesser Free Trade Hall was the small theatre,tucked away at the top/rear of the main building.Capacity was a few hundred (packed for the only time I saw The Watersons c 1972) and a small(ish) audience for the ground breaking Sex Pistols gigs at the start of punk…
Between us we clocked up a good few visits,I reckon.Only one stage performance for me though…school choir c 1965!You fared much better,thankfully!
All the best
Dave
…Seeing The Watersons and The Sex Pistols referenced in the same sentence sparked the thought….Mike,Lal,Norma, and John were our Folk Punks…..they did it their way, no concessions to Folk Styles, standing in a thousand Folk Clubs in black and white their sounds were in technicolour….they blazed a trail that still rolls on…..who would’nt be for all the world a Jolly Waggoner
Hi Christy!
I know this is late coming, and I apologize, but wanted to thank you for the remarkable concert in Drogehda back in September! You gave a wonderful shoutout to my father Kent Vallette for his birthday and I can’t begin to tell you what a fantastic gift that was! He was so surprised and moved by the gesture! Thanks for making your fans feel so special!
We did so many spectacular things on our trip to Ireland, and when I asked him what the highlight was he said, “Oh hands down, the Christy Moore concert!”
When I got back to Vancouver, 2 days later I was off to “The City of Chicago” to do some family history then to Indiana to spend time with my grandkids! I introduced my daughter to you and played your songs there in Chicago! We are now 3 generations (well maybe 4 since my 1 year old granddaughter was with us) of Christy Moore fans! Thank you again we will keep your legend alive in our family!
I recall it clearly..your father’s name is so distinctive…its not every night I get to sing for “Kent Vallette”..best wishes to all US songsters
Manchester and that Free Trade Hall, lot lots of people all will claim they all attended a Stranglers concert there in the era of ’76, Morrissey even claims to have been at it. Several Morrissey gigs appear online, I think one might even be staged at that Free Trade Hall. Dagrab claims it’s a hotel nowadays does he? Byrnes on Galloping Green, isnt it one of the venues where the O’Riada Ceolteori Chualann rehearsed. Good piece on Paddy Kiloran, I estimate he could have trod the same streets in New York as my grandfather. Larry Redican was there at the same era.
I’ve little doubt that Paddy and Larry shared tunes if they were in the same City at the same time….ex-pat musicians always come together in foreign lands…Both Paddy Killoran and Larry Redican are remembered in the annals of our Traditional Music.. The music they composed still resounds
Christy, Gorey was a cracker, the standouts were “the John Lennon Song” that had me puzzled too for a second but I surprised myself singing along softly and remembering every word once you got it started, but of course that was an album to remember, I think there was at least five songs from it in the set on Saturday, and I’m so grateful too for Fairytale of NY, my wife was with me in Gorey, only her second ever time to join me at a gig, the last time was 1997 in the Bronx so Fairytale was a real treat for us, thank you, thank you. Some of the gigs are just buzzing and that’s the Magic… Be well Christy and looking forward to the next Magic Night. Brian.
Thank You Brian……Gorey was a scorcher…great that you picked that one
Good evening Christy,
My father was a barman in the pedigree corner in the late 70s ,a young man from Wexford at that time, when you played gigs there, he said many a night after the gigs the craic really got going in there and it was more early morning than late at night that the few left behind would head for home. great memories he holds from that time, looking forward to the gig the 17th of December I was there last year aswell a brilliant gig. Keep her lit !
Well PR93
Back in the 70s I lived about 15 miles from Pedigree Corner and gigged there regularly for Noel Peacock. I had some great nights there.A shame that it closed for its location ,where 3 counties meet, always guaranteed a full house. I remember one night in particular when I did a concert there with the late Jimmy Faulkner (Guitar), with Matt Molloy(Flute) (of The Bothy Band,Planxty, The Chieftains), Hamish Imlach (Singer) from Scotland and Naoise Comerford from Cork who was a brilliant Classical Guitarist.
Christy brilliant gig on Saturday night in Gorey. The choice of numbers was spot on for occasion and we had a great time. Once again many thanks for giving the Millar family a shout appreciated very much. Contrary to other comments we enjoyed the venue and we only had a one night booking. Now back in rainy Scotland and looking forward to April at the concert hall in Glasgow.
Frank Snr
Having such long haul listeners always effects the night with a positive energy…among the throng of Wexford listeners In Gorey last Sat we had your selves frae Scotland, a good few from England plus listeners from USA and Belgium….Thank you for being there and for your feedback
Morning Christy
Sad news from the weekend. Dad, Jimmy Byrne passed away gently on Saturday afternoon. 95 was a good shout in anyone’s book. Thankfully I made the 200 mile dash down to Norfolk on Saturday morning to the hospital with about an hour to spare. He wasn’t conscious but I swear he could hear us all as 6 of his 8 kids gathered around. I played some tunes on my phone and placed it on his pillow before he slipped away. It was poignant that he took his last breath with the chimes of Luke Kelly and Raglan Road in his ears and no doubt his heart. It was one of his favourites and he always said it reminded him of mum who left us 20 years ago. The little kid from Stillorgan didn’t always have an easy life and despite leaving Ireland in 1945 he was an Irishman through and through If you are ever passing Byrne’s Pub, Galloping Green in Stillorgan call in for a coffee. My cousin Ray will make you most welcome. It’s the house my dad grew up in and he last visited last year. Thank you for the kind words you have passed me for my dad over the years. I remember with a chuckle showing him the message you sent for his 90th birthday. I was showing him it on an ipad and he went ‘ you’ve put it in a lovely frame as well’. Keep on keeping on.
ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis
Best Wishes Frankie
Thank you for sharing those precious final moment with Jimmy….what a blessing to have know and loved your Father to such a great age….I wish all the family well
Finally got my choir to Ireland. We drove through your beautiful country all the way from Dublin to Derry to take part in Derry International Choir Festival. Our husbands got themselves a tour to the Bushmills factory and Giants Causeway while we girls were singing. Totally forgot to check if you had any concerts near Derry at the time we were there 24.-29.oct. Hope to see you perform some day. Best regards, Nina.
sounds good
Amazing gig by yourself & the superbly talented Declan S last night -thank you for doing the Stardust victims song ‘They never came home’ -you could have heard a pin drop & Fairytale of New York -incredible gig.Unfortunately the Amber springs hotel closed the bar before 8pm (ok) and refused entry to all gig goers to the hotel bar at 10:10 after the gig was finished.You coukdnt book a room for one night & had to book for 2 nights at 220 per room per night.Christy was incredible but I’d recommend he choose a venue that treats his fans better in future rather than exploiting them & leaving them trudging home in yhe rain to relieve their babysitters early – I’dnever travel a couple of hundred miles to an event in that hotel again -Amber Springs a total failure but Cristy was incredible as always.
glad you enjoyed the gig…sorry to read about your experience…
Another beauty of a gig last night in The Amber Springs..really enjoyed..nice to hear All For the Roses among all the great songs, wonderful choices last night..thank you.
Morra Larball,
That front row was fairly rockin last night, the audience were superb….the energy from the room came right up onto the stage and fired the act for almost two hours…great requests too…
We kicked it of in County Wicklow on Friday night…We then struck camp and drove the caravan Southwards into County Wexford….from The Garden County to The Model County…from the Hills and Glens of Michael Dwyer to the Hurling fields of The Mighty Rackards…
Everyone was in top form….
Hope all is well in Booterstown…keep us posted when Wally next gig is pending